Mutterliebe (1939)

Marthe Pirlinger is the very embodiment of a devoted, caring mother. She and her husband Josef, a husband who is perhaps too carefree and full of joie de vivre, have brought four children into the world: their three sons, Walter, Felix, and Paul, and their daughter, Franzi. During a family outing, a thunderstorm suddenly breaks out, and father Josef is abruptly struck dead by lightning. Marthe is now completely on her own. From then on, she has to toil as a washerwoman in Vienna to somehow keep herself and the children going. Her sole aim from that point on is to give them a reasonably carefree life. She wants the children to be able to attend good schools, Franzi to receive ballet training, and Walter to go to the conservatory. Marthe makes all kinds of sacrifices to achieve these ambitious goals. Sometimes she works all night until she can hardly stand. Her only support during this time is the kindly notary Dr. Koblmüller, who becomes a good friend. The man, who looks rather old, has serious intentions toward Marthe, but she is entirely focused on her family and shows little interest in the lawyer’s plans to marry her. At times, her children prove less than helpful in their actions. Paul has gone blind as a result of a childish dare, so Marthe even sacrifices the cornea of one of her own eyes to restore his sight in at least one eye. At least Walter has become a musician, and Franzi has found success as a ballet dancer. Over the years, Marthe has also been able to expand her laundry business, which even turns a small profit. When her employee Rosl is expecting a child by her son Felix, Marthe demands that he marry the girl. Mother and son have a fierce argument over the matter. Felix eventually gives in to his mother’s wishes. Things do not go entirely smoothly for Franzi either, and after a failed love affair she cries on her mother’s shoulder. Another quarrel is not so easily resolved. Walter has lied to his mother and even taken money from the till without asking. After the argument, Marthe takes a firm hand and throws her son out of the house. Many years later, all the troubles have passed, and a mother’s love has weathered every setback and complication. Grandmother Marthe looks back with satisfaction at her children, who have turned out well, all things considered.