The Temporary Widow
The Temporary Widow is a 1930 British-German comedy film directed by Gustav Ucicky and starring Lilian Harvey and Laurence Olivier in his first film role, and Athole Stewart.[1]
| The Temporary Widow | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Gustav Ucicky |
| Produced by | Erich Pommer Günther Stapenhorst |
| Written by | Karl Hartl Walter Reisch Benn Levy |
| Starring | Lilian Harvey Laurence Olivier Athole Stewart |
| Music by | Robert Stolz |
| Cinematography | Carl Hoffmann |
Production company | UFA |
| Distributed by | Wardour Films |
Release date | 15 November 1930 |
Running time | 84 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom Germany |
| Language | English |
Kitty Kellermann is put on trial for murdering her husband, a failed painter. When her counsel resigns from his mandate, the mysterious Peter Bille steps in, though it becomes apparent that he actually is not an advocate but Kitty's lover and moreover confesses the murder. The widow has to admit that the pictures by her deceased spouse sell much better, only for him to suddenly appear alive.
The film was based on the play Hokuspokus written by Curt Goetz. A German language version Hokuspokus was made at the same time. After the war, director Kurt Hoffmann filmed two further versions in 1953 (starring Curt Goetz himself) and in 1966.
Cast
- Lilian Harvey as Kitty Kellermann
- Laurence Olivier as Peter Bille
- Athole Stewart as President of the Court of Justice
- Gillian Dean as Witness Anny Sedal
- Frank Stanmore as Witness Kulicke
- Felix Aylmer as Public Prosecutor
- Frederick Lloyd as Counsel for the Defense
- Henry Caine as Councillor Lindberg