Viktor Und Viktoria (1933)

A struggling singer (Renate Muller) is taken under the wing of an older but unsuccessful actor (Hermann Thimig). He concocts a plan where she will pass herself off as a male who is a female impersonator. "He" is successful beyond their wildest dreams. Directed by Reinhold Schunzel, who would emigrate to the U.S. as the Nazis rose to power and make films in Hollywood (ICE FOLLIES OF 1939 but don't hold that against him) as well as an actor (Hitchcock's NOTORIOUS). Impudent and stylish, this charming romantic musical comedy seems indebted to Rene Clair. It was remade in Great Britain (1935) and Argentina (1975) but its most famous remake is the 1982 Blake Edwards' VICTOR VICTORIA. However, the gay narrative was Edwards' invention, you'll find none of that in the German film. Muller is delightful in the title role and Thimig provides expert comedic timing. Sadly, Muller died only 4 years after this film after falling out a window, either a suicide or killed by the Gestapo (she had refused to appear in Nazi propaganda films). With Anton Walbrook (THE RED SHOES), Hilde Hildebrand and Friedel Pisetta.