In a charming, fairy-tale world, young Lancelot finds himself the reluctant heir to a fortune – but only if he marries. Terrified of women and desperate to avoid the clutches of aggressive suitors, the shy and bumbling Lancelot flees his family’s pressures and takes refuge in a monastery.

The monks, eager to collect the promised dowry themselves, hatch a clever scheme: they convince Lancelot to marry a doll – a mechanical creation crafted by a toymaker to look and act just like a real woman. Lancelot reluctantly agrees, believing the lifeless bride will spare him the horrors of a real marriage.

But things quickly spiral into hilarious confusion. Unknown to Lancelot, the toymaker’s spirited daughter, Ossi, has decided to play a trick and secretly takes the doll’s place. As Lancelot “marries” what he believes to be a mechanical bride, Ossi comes to life – literally and figuratively – turning his carefully planned escape into a whirlwind of romantic misunderstandings, comic misadventures, and unexpected feelings.

“Die Puppe” (“The Doll”), directed by Ernst Lubitsch and based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s whimsical tale and Edmond Audran’s operetta, is a masterful silent-era romantic comedy that showcases Lubitsch’s early brilliance. With its ingenious set design, theatrical flourishes, and signature “Lubitsch Touch” of sophisticated humor and playfulness, the film turns a simple premise into a sparkling satire of gender roles, love, and societal expectations.

Lighthearted yet clever, “Die Puppe” is a celebration of love’s unpredictability, the folly of appearances, and the joy of embracing one’s true desires. Both a fairy tale and a sly social commentary, it remains a timeless example of Lubitsch’s wit, charm, and unparalleled ability to craft romantic farce with a tender heart.

Lead Cast

• Hermann Thimig
• Max Kronert
• Victor Janson