Ein Lied geht um die Welt (1933)

The film is set in Venice. Ricardo is an unknown tenor. Rigo works as a musical clown. They share an apartment. The unemployed tenor Ricardo sees little chance of getting an engagement at the opera and now wants to work in radio. Here, too, his efforts seem doomed to fail. But Ricardo does not give up and simply begins to sing. The radio staff are delighted; he is hired, and his broadcasts make him famous. His first records are released, and Rigo also becomes better known as Ricardo’s partner in their duo. At a record shop, Ricardo meets Nina, a saleswoman who, however, is in love only with his voice. Ricardo is unhappily in love, and his sorrow deepens when he realizes that Rigo has won Nina’s heart. The two men’s friendship breaks down over this, and Ricardo no longer wants to perform with Rigo. So Rigo tries performing alone, but the audience expects Ricardo to sing. Ricardo finally decides to save his rival’s performance after all and sing. The two men’s friendship is saved. Ricardo sticks with singing, and Rigo stays with Nina.