The Temporary Widow
| The Temporary Widow | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Gustav Ucicky |
| Produced by |
Erich Pommer Günther Stapenhorst |
| Written by |
Karl Hartl Walter Reisch Benn Levy |
| Starring |
Lilian Harvey Laurence Olivier Athole Stewart |
| Music by | Robert Stolz |
| Cinematography | Carl Hoffmann |
| Distributed by | Universum Film AG |
Release dates | 15 November 1930 |
Running time | 84 minutes |
| Country |
United Kingdom Germany |
| Language | English |
The Temporary Widow is a 1930 British-German comedy film by the Austrian director Gustav Ucicky, starring Laurence Olivier in his first film role, Lilian Harvey and Athole Stewart.[1]
Kitty Kellermann is put on trial for murdering her husband, a failed painter. When her counsel resigns from his mandate, the mysterious Peter Bille steps in, though it becomes apparent that he actually is not an advocate but Kitty's lover and moreover confesses the murder. The widow has to admit that the pictures by her deceased spouse sell much better, only for him to suddenly appear alive.
The film was based on the play Hokuspokus written by Curt Goetz. A German language version Hokuspokus was made at the same time. After the war, director Kurt Hoffmann filmed two further versions in 1953 (starring Curt Goetz himself) and in 1966.
Cast
- Lilian Harvey - Kitty Kellermann
- Laurence Olivier - Peter Bille
- Athole Stewart - President of the Court of Justice
- Gillian Dean - Witness Anny Sedal
- Frank Stanmore - Witness Kulicke
- Felix Aylmer - Public Prosecutor
- Frederick Lloyd - Counsel for the Defense
- Henry Caine - Councillor Lindberg