Der Bettelstudent

This version of Der Bettelstudent was filmed in gorgeous locations - the scenery, the towns and the interiors are engrossing. The actors and acting are generally very good too, Fita Benkhoff is great and the Kessler twins add a lively touch. Only Gunther Philipp is too old for the role of Jan, not only to make a believable student, but even more so as a desirable husband for Komtesse Bronislawa. However, half of Millöcker's music is missing! Many of those beautiful and well-known songs simply do not show up. Some of the key lyrics are used in the dialog, but this just reminds the viewer what is missing. It seems the script writer tried to concentrate on the story line and didn't have the time left for the songs. Since the story lines of operettas are generally nonsense anyway, this was the wrong approach.