The true story of one of the greatest singing groups ever to hit the scene during the World Depression Era is effective in showing Berlin during imminent Nazi take-over, but seems to focus mainly on the issue of religion. Other than debating who's Jewish and who isn't, there is a preoccupation with the services of prostitutes, and marrying the same once successful.The group member with the initial idea to "do something" is shown eating bird seed, implying he can not even afford groceries. Once gathered, the ensemble rehearses for months without pay, for the sheer chance at eventual success. Of course they do make it big; too big for the liking of certain political party sympathisers.For fans of the original music (including the FDR Presidential Campaign song "Happy Days Are Here Again") this film delivers. Many of the legendary tunes are worked into the plot. The "naughty" suggestions in "Veronika, der Lenz ist da" are accepted by even respectable upper class theater guests, paving the way for recording contracts and world stardom of the newly discovered "Comedian Harmonists".This German/Austrian co-production filmed in German has high production values. The setting reminds of "Cabaret", however the story (although based on true events) is rather thin. The overuse of some of the above mentioned situations becomes unnecessary and boring. As a viewer with a background extremely partial to this story I looked for detail and could see several obvious embellishments for the sake of drama. There must have been more than wine, women and song to tell about. The final minutes somewhat redeem the earlier shortcomings, delivering a tear-jerking love story along with sad good-byes amidst still-cheering audiences

Excellent example of how politics should stay out of art (e.g. Shostakovich in Stalin's time and blacklisting of artists in US in McCarthy era). This movie draws the viewer in - what will happen to the members of the group? Will they survive Hitler's Germany? Realistic portrayals of both squabbling and camaraderie that exists inside creative groups. Well-photographed in proper time period fashions and decor, music pleasing to the ear. A real treat!

That piece has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. It isn`t that much of a documentary but it`s a fine music film about an astonishing band and more than that, it shows the fearful end of friendship and art the nazis caused with their ways. Everybody should see it, even if you don`t know the group, they do represent the heights of German culture, right before the anti-culturals rose to power. And Germany never recovered...

Telling the tale of a true sextet of German singers who just happen to start their group just before the Nazis begin taking over Germany. It shows their struggle to start and their eventual success and how it affects them and their women and wives. It certainly is a movie which ever one should see, and I will always wonder why this movie was not nominated for an oscar.