Skandal in der Parkstraße: A frantic, old-school mess

Is this actually worth your time?

If you have a thing for vintage German cinema or just want to see how people in 1930s Berlin made sense of a farce, go for it. If you hate movies where the entire plot hinges on characters being unable to just talk to each other for five minutes, you will probably want to turn it off before the first ten minutes are up. It’s loud, it’s frantic, and it’s very much a product of its own little bubble.

The whole thing feels like a stage play that someone decided to film because they had a spare camera and a bunch of actors who didn't mind shouting. The Parkstraße apartment setting is tiny, but man, do they cram a lot of drama into those hallways. There’s a scene early on where someone is trying to hide a coat, and it drags on for a solid minute too long. I found myself staring at the wallpaper just waiting for them to move on to the next gag. 🙄

Senta Söneland is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. She has this way of looking at the camera—or just past it—that tells you she knows exactly how silly this script is. It’s kind of refreshing. She’s the only one who doesn't seem to be sweating through her clothes trying to make the jokes land.

• The pacing is frantic, like they were running out of film stock.
• The supporting cast mostly exists to look confused or outraged.
• There is a distinct lack of quiet moments.

Watching this made me think of other ensemble comedies that try to capture that same chaotic energy. It’s nowhere near the sharpness of Ladies of the Jury, which managed to keep its head above water while dealing with a much bigger cast. Here, the "skandal" feels pretty thin. It’s more of a minor annoyance that gets blown out of proportion because everyone in the building has nothing better to do.

One detail I couldn't get over: the sound quality on some of the dialogue is so tinny it sounds like they recorded it inside a metal bucket. It gives the whole thing a weird, ghostly vibe that I’m sure wasn't intended. Still, there’s something charming about how messy it is. It doesn't try to be a masterpiece. It just tries to keep you watching until the credits roll.

I wouldn't call it a classic. It’s more of a cinematic artifact. If you like seeing how these old comedies were stitched together, you’ll find some bits to enjoy. Just don't go in expecting anything profound or life-changing. Sometimes a movie is just people running around in hats, and that’s fine. 🎩