...und das ist die Hauptsache!? (1931)

Werner and Renée Roettlinck are a refined married couple from what are known as the “better circles.” He is a respected managing director, while she is every inch a grande dame, distinguished in manner and appearance. They have a young son named Peterle. During Carnival in February, the couple go together to a masquerade ball after receiving complimentary tickets anonymously. It takes them a little while to loosen up and join in the lively festivities. The bold, highly sociable Pixi, who has far fewer inhibitions than the Roettlincks, is already in the mood and starts openly flirting with the managing director. His elegant, reserved wife decides to turn a blind eye for this one night and gives Werner a kind of free pass. It turns out that the tickets came from Pixi. Renée remains oddly stiff at first and feels uncomfortable when strange men ask her to dance. But her husband tells her that she too can “let herself go” tonight, and that it shouldn’t affect their marriage. While Werner has a wonderful time with the fun-loving Pixi, Renée meets a genuine prince, who soon begins courting her. When she has to watch Werner and Pixi’s goings-on from a distance, feeling resentful, Renée decides not to let the evening be spoiled and joins in the flirtation with the high-born man, who has impeccable manners. He has already had an elegant dinner laid out in his hotel room, and Renée is happy to accept his invitation. The artist Pixi has taken Werner to her studio to continue the festivities. Suddenly, Werner remembers that he left his wife at the ball without a word. When he calls home late that evening, he discovers that Renée still hasn’t returned. Werner suspects he may have gone too far with Pixi and grows seriously worried about his wife’s whereabouts. The prince, who quickly turns out to be an impostor after her jewels, also makes little headway with Renée, despite his refined manner, dinner, and champagne. Renée’s old inhibitions return, and as the night wears on, she grows more and more inhibited and stiff. Before the slick crook can get his hands on her valuables, the police arrive; they have been waiting in the next room for the fake “prince” to return so they can arrest him. For Renée and Werner Roettlinck, the experience ends with their realizing that they still love each other more than they thought—and that is what matters most …