by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Avery Hopwood's stage farce Fair and Warmer was effectively Germanized in 1937 as Der Mustergatte. Fed up with faithless boyfriends, Margret (Leni Mahrenbach) impulsively accepts a marriage proposal from young businessman Bartlett (Heinz Ruhmann). He proves to be a loyal and steadfast husband -- too loyal and steadfast, as it turns out. Realizing that his wife is bored silly by his sexual conservatism, Bartlett vows to cut loose and play the field -- thereby becoming a much more desirable spouse. The film's highlight is a drunk scene, masterfully played for all it's worth by the talented Heinz Ruhmann.
