A young worker in a cigarette factory fancies the director, but he refuses her a serious relationship. Then she wins the lottery, and, since the factory has financial problems, the director proposes to her. Now she turns him down. This oneall score is the opening for a highly entertaining game of competence between the two, in which she proves herself a loyal pal with efficient marketing ideas. Interesting is the reference to other popular media, such as the film star pictures distributed with consumer products. Wanda’s Trick seems an exemplary film in Rosa Porten’s oeuvre. First, the title highlights the female protagonist’s perspective, which is maintained throughout the narrative. Nearly all Dr. R. Portegg’s films include a woman’s name or characterization in the title. Second, Wanda/Diana seems a prototypical Rosa Porten-heroine: a young woman ready for upward social mobility, clearing the hurdles with a smart and open mind and handling the consequences in a carefree but loyal spirit. Third, class boundaries were a recurring issue in Porten’s dramas
and comedies, and the comedies enabled the scenarist and director to make fun of upper class men without becoming too judgmental. Fourth, the intertwining of love and money becomes the source of serious complications and eccentric solutions. Last but not least, there are the realistic settings shot in a documentary-like quality, which reflect social circumstances and gender attitudes.

Annette Förster