Liebe im Ring (1930)

Max, the son of a fruit seller, is discovered by a boxing manager at a variety show he attends with his girlfriend Hilde, and is later trained as a boxer. He wins his first major fight against Ali, the feared Black boxer. This piques the interest of Lilian, a society woman, who knows how to draw him completely under her spell. Under her influence, he neglects his duties and eventually Hilde as well. But when Hilde is able to prove to him that Lilian also receives other gentlemen, he comes to his senses. During the major fight for the German championship, in which Max is competing, he gives himself away when he spots Lilian among the spectators with her lover. His opponent cleverly takes advantage of this lapse. The fight seems almost lost, but Max pulls himself together and still manages to win. Max’s walk back to his dressing room becomes a triumphal procession. An American journalist also congratulates him on his success and ends his brief interview with the words: “See you in America!” Max’s defeated opponent, by contrast, is not even given a glance by the audience or by his beloved. Hilde is waiting for Max, however, and confesses that she loves him very much, even though he does not deserve it at all. As they kiss, the strong voices of men singing the Boxer Song ring out from outside.