Inspired by Johann Strauss’s 1874 operetta Die Fledermaus, and filmed using the still new CinemaScope process, it was hoped that this light-hearted musical comedy would revive Powell and Pressburger’s fortunes after a string of commercial failures. Although it instead merely added to their woes, the film is a playful and extravagant interpretation of the source material that moves it from the stage into the realm of the truly cinematic. Set in occupied Vienna, it sees charismatic black market dealer Dr. Falke (Anton Walbrook), who moves freely around the city, fall victim to a practical joke. His revenge reaches its climax during a masked ball where no one is what they seem.

Screening as part our Powell & Pressburger season, December 2nd – 20th.

Notes by Kevin Coyne