Invitation to the Waltz (film)

British International Pictures

Industry	Film production
Headquarters	Elstree , United Kingdom

Invitation to the Waltz is a 1935 British historical musical film directed by Paul Merzbach, featuring performances by Lilian Harvey, Wendy Toye, and Carl Esmond. The storyline is adapted from a theatrical work authored by Eric Maschwitz.

Production

The movie was produced by British International Pictures at the Elstree Studios, with set designs crafted by art directors John Mead and Clarence Elder. Its musical score incorporates selections from classical music, arranged under the direction of Walter Goehr. This project marked the sole British production for London-born German actress Harvey, who returned from her career in Hollywood to enter into a three-picture agreement with British International Pictures. Following this film, she relocated back to Germany and signed with UFA.

Synopsis

Set in London, the narrative follows Jenny, an aspiring ballet dancer, who encounters an aide to the Duke of Wuerttemberg. The Duke is engaged in Britain to negotiate both a matrimonial alliance and a military supply agreement related to the Napoleonic War. An Italian impresario discovers Jenny, prompting her journey to Venice for advanced dance instruction. The Duke becomes captivated by her talent and extends an invitation for her to perform at Stuttgart’s state opera, with intentions of making her his companion.

British officials advise Jenny to adopt a lavish lifestyle funded by the Duke while in Stuttgart, aiming to leverage this influence to secure his continued support of the treaty against Napoleon. At the border, she crosses paths again with the Duke’s aide, who harbors resentment toward her perceived role as the Duke’s mistress. Unable to reveal her true purpose, Jenny inadvertently alienates both him and local inhabitants through her assertive behavior.

After successfully obtaining the Duke’s treaty renewal, Jenny’s plans for departure are disrupted when Napoleon invades Stuttgart. She is compelled to perform before the Emperor but ultimately manages to flee alongside the Duke’s aide.

Bibliography

• Bergfelder, Tim & Cargnelli, Christian. Destination London: German-speaking emigrés and British cinema, 1925-1950. Berghahn Books, 2008.
• Low, Rachael. Filmmaking in 1930s Britain. George Allen & Unwin, 1985.
• Wood, Linda. British Films, 1927-1939. British Film Institute, 1986.

External links

• Invitation to the Waltz at the British Film Institute