

Movie spotlight
Ober zahlen
Vienna, 1957: Head waiters Gustav (Paul Hörbiger) and Franz (Hans Moser) are working for the stinted Cafétier Panigl and are close friiends despite of their different characters. Franz is happily married and a good family father, Gustav, a relaxed charmer, is living a calm single life. Overnight both of them become jobless, because Panigl decided to sell his Café which was not successful anymore. Right in this moment, Franz' brother is sending 20.000 Dollar from USA. Money, he once peculated and now wants to pay back.. Gustav and Franz are buying half of the Café for each from the unexpected money. One half they develop as the modern Musicbox-Espresso «Pinguin», the other half as a traditional old style Vienna Café . Misunderstandings between guests and generations are inevitable and stretch the long term friendship of the two waiters.
Insights
Plot Summary
A humorous tale centered around a man who inherits a mysterious legacy, leading him into a series of comical misunderstandings and escapades. As he tries to unravel the secrets of his inheritance, he encounters eccentric characters and finds himself in increasingly absurd situations.
Critical Reception
The film was a lighthearted comedy that found favor with audiences for its comedic performances and predictable, yet amusing, plot. Critically, it was seen as a typical German comedy of its era, providing simple entertainment rather than profound artistic merit.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its gentle humor and star power, particularly Heinz Erhardt's comedic timing.
Considered a pleasant, if somewhat unremarkable, diversion from the era.
The plot's comedic elements and farcical situations were a highlight for viewers.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's nostalgic charm and the enduring appeal of its lead actors, who provided consistent comedic relief. It's remembered as a family-friendly comedy that delivered laughs through its playful storyline.
Fun Fact
Heinz Erhardt, one of Germany's most beloved comedians, was known for his improvisational skills, and many of his signature wordplays and humorous observations were incorporated into his films, including 'Ober zahlen'.
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