While the feature Die schönsten Beine von Berlin is believed lost, small traces have survived in Richter’s sound film Strafsache van Geldern. Willi Vogel, der Ausbrecherkönig (The Van Geldern Case. Willi Vogel, The Jailbreak King, 1932). This adaptation of the murder mystery novel by popular crime writer Hans Hyan features Richter in a small supporting role as a former revue star turned fashion retailer, trapped in an unhappy marriage with high-living lawyer Paulus van Geldern (played by Richter’s namesake and fellow Viennese, Paul Richter). The extract presents a dream sequence early in the film which features “remixed” footage from the revue scenes in Die schönsten Beine von Berlin and Moral, both comedies set in the world of musical theatre. The sequence serves as a fond recollection of the star’s past glory as “La Bella Dolores”, the name of Richter’s character in Die schönsten Beine von Berlin. By the time Strafsache van Geldern was released, Richter’s own star was already waning. A case of art imitating life. – Oliver Hanley