Abenteuer im Grand-Hotel (1943)

Chauffeur Rudi Lindt is fired by Director Schnappich because he is far too popular with the director’s female staff and even with the director’s wife. In reality, he is the impoverished Count Rudolf Lerchenau, who lives in a rented apartment with his loyal servant Franz. Franz advises him to marry Carmen Zambesi, the daughter of a wealthy coffee merchant. Franz has already arranged everything for a meeting at the Grand Hotel. Reluctantly, Rudolf goes to the hotel, where Zambesi and his daughter are already waiting for him. There, he gets caught on the beautiful Alice’s pearl necklace, scattering all 185 pearls across the floor. As they pick up and count the pearls, Rudolf and Alice soon grow closer, while Franz tries to convince the Zambesis that Count Lerchenau has just died. Alice, who is supposed to be meeting advertising copywriter Fritz von Schröder, brushes him off as well. The next day, Franz has arranged a new job for Rudolf as chauffeur to President Ottokar Frühwirt. He simply writes the required annual reference for Rudi Lindt himself, under his real name, Count Lerchenau. Since Frühwirt wants to speak with Lerchenau in person, Franz takes on the count’s role. Rudolf, now working as a chauffeur, encounters Alice, who is Frühwirt’s niece. But they all continue playing their parts and, after a drive in their splendid car, visit Aunt Emma, who lives in a palatial house with Alice’s friend Käthe and a large female staff. During the night, all sorts of encounters take place between the guests and the residents throughout the sprawling building. Alice is angry with Rudolf because she suspects him of having a fling with Käthe. Although the Zambesis, summoned by Franz, reappear, as does Alice’s fiancé von Schröder, Rudolf eventually wins Alice over.