The four-in-hand

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Movie
Original title The four-in-hand
Country of production Austria-Hungary
original language German
Publishing year 1917
length approx. 63 minutes
Rod
Director Carl Wilhelm
script Hans Schwer
production Sascha Messter Film, Vienna-Berlin
occupation

The Train of Four is an Austro-Hungarian-German silent film from 1917. Directed by Carl Wilhelm .

action

The four-in-hand, that's the four daughters of the landowner Franz Habermann, who reside with their father in a splendid country estate at the gates of Vienna. The man in the house is bored to death and feels neglected by his offspring, who indulge in the sport of hunting, play tennis or gallop around the area on horseback. The increasingly irritable father no longer feels satisfied in the Viermäderlhaus, and so the advice of his neighbor, Maximilian von Stieglitz, comes in handy when he suggests he should go to Vienna. There he should give it a try, so that when he comes home he can appreciate the calm and serenity of the country air all the more. The idea really gives Habermann wings. Maximilian's nephew Heinrich, a man of prime age at marriage, is also on fire, hoping in this way to get a little closer to the "four-in-hand" he so adores. But the strict uncle vetoed it clearly, and Heinrich, who was as gentle as he was wrinkled, said goodbye to the four young women who promise to send him at least one postcard.

Once in Vienna, the six travelers to Vienna - Franz, Maxmilian and the train of four - reside in the chic Hotel Vindobona. The elegant widow Adelheid von Mayburg also stayed there, called “The Fashion Queen” for short because of her exquisite taste in clothes. Franz Habermann is immediately enthusiastic about her and glad that his daughters also like the lady, as she introduces her to the world of fashion. While Frau von Mayburg and the four-in-hand visit the opera the following evening, Maximilian and Franz go to the Heuriger in the artist's pub “Alte Welt” and spend a wine-blissful evening there. At home, Heinrich has immersed himself in his economics studies, but in view of the postcard that has arrived from Vienna he longs for the Habermann ladies and sets off for the Austro-Hungarian metropolis with three poor crowns in his pocket. So blank, he asks the Habermann girls on a rendezvous in the city ​​park . Adelheid is also present as a chaperon and promises Heinrich to have a mitigating effect on his strict uncle Maximilian.

For this reason, Ms. von Mayburg invites Maximilian von Stieglitz to visit her the next day. Since she has already succeeded in reassuring the four Habermann sisters about the enormous amount of money they spent on new clothes, she again puts in a good word for Heinrich at von Stieglitz. He only promises her one thing: not to kill him at the next opportunity. All of them are now going to an upcoming Viennese fashion show, where Maximilian immediately tries his hand at being a conferencier. Catwalk scenes follow, which are intended to document the development of fashion over the decades. Then the president of the fashion show asks for an extensive drink. The celebration finally ends with the announcement of the engagement of all four-in-hand girls to three men from the fashion show committee. But the Habermann baby can win Heinrich's heart and hand. Even old Habermann does not remain alone and will eventually lead Ms. von Mayburg home. So every pot has its lid.

Production notes

The four-in-hand , sometimes called without an article, was created at the turn of the year 1916/17 and was premiered on March 19, 1917 at the Urania cinema in Vienna. The length of the three-act play with foreplay was about 1,300 meters, there was also a version shortened to 973 meters.

criticism

"A cheerful plot full of sparkling humor, an excellent, artistic representation on the part of excellent stage actors, a brilliant direction and impeccable photography are the special advantages of this film."

- Neue Kino-Rundschau of March 24, 1917. p. 51

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