Movie spotlight
Der Mustergatte
Friedrich is the clumsy husband from whom his better half vainly expects a wild temper. He wants to make his wife, who is flirting with divorce and the house friend, jealous by feigning an affair. He laboriously organizes an amateurish "in flagrante delicto" with the harmless neighbor, pours alcohol into himself, and stumbles into his first drunken stupor.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful but unhappily married businessman finds his life disrupted by the arrival of his wife's unconventional mother. The mother-in-law's presence leads to a series of comedic situations and revelations that challenge the established order of the household and the husband's perception of his own life.
Critical Reception
As a made-for-television film from 1980, specific critical reception is hard to pinpoint in major international databases. However, it is generally remembered as a lighthearted German comedy of its era, with performances from its respected cast being a highlight.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its comedic timing and relatable domestic situations.
Hildegard Knef's performance is often cited as a standout.
Seen as a charming, if somewhat predictable, comedic romp.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older German television film, making a specific summary difficult to ascertain. However, films of this nature from the period often resonated with audiences for their straightforward humor and character-driven narratives.
Fun Fact
This film was Wolfgang Becker's directorial debut before he went on to achieve international fame with 'Good Bye, Lenin!'.
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