Im weissen Rössl

The original stage musical "Im weissen Rössl" was a huge international hit in the early 1930s. It probably enjoyed success beyond its merits, but it did have certain factors in its favour. First, amid the turmoil of the Great Depression, it harked back nostalgically to the 'good old days' of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Secondly, it was a spectacle, with fancy stage effects, a large chorus, and elaborate choreography. Thirdly, its music appealed to a wide audience by mixing traditional Viennese operetta with Broadway styles.

Strangely, the makers of this 1960 film adaptation, while basically retaining the original plot, dispensed with most of the show's advantages. For a start, they opted for a modern setting: the girls wear bikinis, and Sigismund arrives by helicopter. The Emperor Franz Josef does not appear in this production! True, the natural scenery of the Wolfgangsee is more spectacular than any stage set, but there is little ensemble singing and dancing. As for the music, they simply ditched the majority of it and appointed a largely non-singing cast. Only six or seven songs remain, and they are nearly all shortened and assigned to Leopold (Peter Alexander). The leading lady (Josefa), with nothing to sing, makes very little impression. In the absence of songs, the backing track keeps repeating a couple of the main melodies in jazzy re-arrangements under the dialogue.

Take the music out of a musical, and you are left with very thin fare. The main substitute here is slapstick in the style of Norman Wisdom, e.g., the accidental water-skiing scene and the business with the fire-hose and the toupée. Peter Alexander, apparently a star in Austria, clowns his way through the film energetically, but it isn't enough.

Visually, the film is striking. The very bright colours are those of picture postcards and holiday brochures, which is apt for a story set in the tourism industry. Of course, IMDb's inclusion of 'Kitsch' as a keyword is absolutely justified. Unfortunately, "The White Horse Inn" (1960) lacks the charm that might have redeemed it.

I saw this when I was a child and even today I can remember the title track and "Was Kann Des Sigismund Dafür, Daß Er so Schön Ist ?" which was translated into French as "On A Le Béguin Pour Célestin" .I can remember Josepha the inn's owner and her butler ,Leopold ,in love with her.Then the guests' arrival and love is around the corner;the plot is made of lovers' to-ings and fro-ings.Everything can happen in that inn ,even the emperor Frances -Josef can come ;this chocolate box Austria with its Agfacolor (like in the Sissi saga ,another dear memory) is as kitsch and as charming as the old Christmas cards.I wish I could see it again!

A great film which I love to see over and over again. It trumps with great actors, a nice scenery and beautiful songs.

Some may think them to be out of date but if you give this film a chance - by not expecting a film where violence and sex scenes alternate, but good, solid acting and great songs - you won't be disappointed. Of course, it is slight fare but it doesn't pretend otherwise and provides good entertainment.

It is always nice to see films with Peter Alexander, Waltraut Haas and Gunter Philipp (etc); the quality in acting is great. One can't help but like these actors and believe what the stories they're 'telling'.

Personally, I can't resist the voice of Peter Alexander and love his songs.