Das Gasthaus zur Ehe (1926)

The Marchesa di Cognetti and her two daughters Pamela and Marian, visit, the Hotel Amoroso at Genoa because of the reputation the capable manageress possesses of providing eligible husbands. On the boat by which they travel they meet Lord Percy, a wealthy young Englishman, and Claud Harris, who is traveling with his sister, the beautiful Baroness Sabine Van Zuylen. Both these young men are extremely eligible, but Lord Percy is entirely taken up with the beautiful Baroness. On arrival at the hotel the efforts of the Marchesa and her daughters to present an affluent appearance in spite of the desperate state of their finances give rise to some excellent comedy. They even have to practice the strictest economy with regard to meals, much to the dismay of the younger daughter, Marian, who has a very healthy appetite. She is fortunate enough to secure the devoted attention of a waiter who cannot disguise his admiration, while Pamela delights her mother's heart by making an obvious conquest of Claud Harris. Lord Percy's love affair seems to be imperiled when a Baron Van Zuylen turns up and claims the beautiful Sabine as his wife, and for a time the comedy seems likely to turn to strong drama. The drama, however, reverts to comedy when the waiter not only denounces Van Zuylen as an ex-waiter and a bigamist, but reveals himself as a Grand Duke with his estates unexpectedly restored to him. The Marriage Hotel therefore maintains its reputation by promoting three happy marriages.