Hokuspokus

Fine adaptation of the witty play (1925) by Curt Goetz who wrote the script. It is a highly amusing play full of unexpected turns in the plot and some brilliant dialogue. Very well directed by the master of the light comedy Kurt Hoffmann; he manages the keep the film moving during the in itself static, central courtroom scene. Hoffmann is supported by fine cinematography by Richard Angst and fine cast lead excellently by Curt Goetz.

During watching one feels that this film was made with great fun. I think we should be very happy that this adaptation was made: fine documentation of a play by Curt Goetz.

Hokuspokus written by Curt Goetz, who also played the leading character is one of the movies playing in a court-room.

Goetz plays Peer Bille a layer who defends a widow, who is suspected to have murdered her husband the artist Hjilmar Kjerulf. Although everybody believes that Agda (played by Goetz´ real life wife Vallerie von Martens) is guilty Bille shows the court that all the proofs can be interpreted in the opposite way.

The end is more than a surprise.

In the sixties there was a remake done with one of the most famous German actors, Heinz Ruehmann. Although Ruehmann is one of the best the remake is not half as good as the original.