Die Geliebte

Traviata 53 is a contemporary (as of 1953) retelling of the Verdi opera Traviata, and by extension, the Dumas novel Camille. In this version of the tale, the boy is a poor (read: solidly middle class) engineer named Carlo who falls in love with Rita, a woman with a shady past who is the mistress of a rich banker. Will they be able to find happiness together? The story is as old as the hills but the movie is not without interest. Carlo is a stiff but it is really Rita's movie and Barbara Laage gives a fine performance. And while the direction is not particularly distinguished, the sets and costumes are exquisite, making the movie a joy to look at.