A big thank you to the previous reviewer who pointed out where 'Die Blonde Carmen' is available, when it seemed like one of those impossible to find films. It was quite a relief, with watching 'Die Blonde Carmen' as part of my quest to see more of Marta Eggerth's work, to re-assess my initially indifferent opinion on her from the little seen previously.
Marta Eggerth is certainly the main reason to see 'Die Blonde Carmen', and other than the music she is the best thing about it. The film also achieved the main reason for watching in the first place, after being underwhelmed by her supporting performances in 'For Me and My Gal' and 'Presenting Lily Mars', where she felt very out of place, my initial opinion of her has been converted. It has given me the impression that Eggerth works much better in lead roles than she is in supporting, and also that she is much better suited to opera/operetta-style music.
What of her performance itself? Well, as well as agreeing that it is one of her better films of the films seen so far, that it is one of her better performances. She is very fiery and charming and sings her songs with gusto and a far more appealing basic sound to the films previously mentioned. She is well supported by the rest of the cast, that performed with charm, grace and like they were enjoying themselves, including a dashing leading man who allows Eggerth to shine and never up-stage her.
The music is also wonderful, full of characterful energy and beauty of sound, with "Mein Herz Will Ich Dir Schenken" and "Schön Wie Der Junge Frühling" being particularly good and well performed.
Production values are suitably sumptuous while not being overly elaborate, never static either. The direction is competent if not perhaps distinguished at times, and the characters have their charms.
Don't, with all that been said, go watching 'Die Blonde Carmen' expecting a great story and script. Neither are awful here but neither are great either compared to the rest of the components and how well executed they were. The story is standard, cliché ridden and sometimes over-stuffed and sometimes thin. The script is as lightweight as a small feather.
Otherwise, 'Die Blonde Carmen' is a good film and well worth tracking down providing you know where to look. 8/10 Bethany Cox
