Harry Liedtke's Charm Still Shines in "Mein Freund Harry" (1928)

Is this worth watching today? Well, if you’re a real silent film enthusiast, especially keen on German cinema from that particular time, then yes, absolutely. You get to see Harry Liedtke, who was a big deal then, just being himself – charming and a bit mischievous. But if you’re looking for anything fast-paced or, you know, with sound, you’ll probably find Mein Freund Harry a bit of a snoozer.

The film revolves around Harry, played by Liedtke, who just seems to attract trouble in the most charming way. He's one of those fellows who can trip over his own feet and still somehow end up looking suave. It’s the kind of premise that gives the actors plenty of room to just emote.

Liedtke, honestly, he's got this grin that just sells everything. He doesn't even need words, obviously, but his whole face just lights up. You see him in a scene, maybe he's trying to impress Maria Paudler's character – she’s got this elegant, slightly exasperated air about her – and he’s probably just made a complete mess of something simple.

There's this one bit, I think, where Harry is trying to sneak into a garden party he's definitely not invited to. He tries to climb over a wall, and his hat falls off right onto the head of a passing dog. 🐕 It’s a simple gag, but Liedtke's reaction, that mixture of embarrassment and suppressed laughter, that’s what makes it.

And Otto Wallburg, who often played these slightly pompous or easily flustered types, is here too, playing someone probably trying to catch Harry in his antics. He just has that look about him. You can almost feel him puffing out his chest even without the sound.

The intertitles, they pop up and explain just enough to keep things moving. Sometimes they feel a little too formal for what's happening on screen, like a very proper narrator trying to explain a playground fight. But you get used to it.

The whole thing moves at a different speed than what we’re used to. It's not slow in a boring way, more like... it gives you time to just take it all in. You notice the costumes, how everyone holds themselves.

I was particularly taken by one scene set in a café. The way the light came through the window, catching the dust motes. It was just a background detail, but it felt so real for a moment, like a snapshot from a lost afternoon.

Sometimes the acting feels a little big, you know? Like they're performing for the back row of a huge theater. But that's part of the silent film language, isn't it? Everyone's expressions are turned up to eleven.

Harry, bless him, he’s always got a scheme brewing. It’s never malicious, though. Just a bit naive. You want to root for him, even when he's making a hash of things.

The movie doesn’t try to be anything profound. It’s just a slice of life, a bit of fun. A distraction. It does its job, gives you a chuckle.

And there’s this one dress Maria Paudler wears, it’s just stunning. Very intricate. I kept thinking about the person who sewed all those beads on. A lot of effort for something that flashes by.

The ending, well, it’s sweet enough. Not a huge twist, but a pleasant wrap-up. You kinda expect it, but it’s still satisfying in its own quiet way.

It’s one of those films that just exists. You watch it, you smile, and then you move on. But it leaves a nice, light impression. Like a good cup of tea on a quiet afternoon. ☕