The House in Montevideo (1951)

Curt Goetz has a unique place in German entertainment as a writer, playwright, actor and director.

He has a very refined humor, is a master of speech and profound allusions. The type of character he often played has no more a place in German cinema but as a laughing stock - it is a conservative man with rather backward mannerisms, but always with a heart and a keen understanding of people and events. (It may be not by chance that Scott Guber of "Boston Public" springs to mind.)

In this movie Goetz creates a scenario of bad morals and high standards, where especially those with the high standards are made fun of. And those standards are viewed very critically, without any educational attitude (the main character played by Goetz is a teacher!).

A very funny movie with a very humane subtext.

A play from a German tradition long since abandoned - unfortunately.