by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Filmed in France, the German-language domestic drama Der Ball was based on a novel by Helen Nemirosky. The nouveau-riche parents of heroine Dolly Haas neglect the girl as they try to crash high society. Angry at her folks, Haas sabotages their plans to stage a lavish ball by throwing all the invitations in the river. When no one shows up, the parents blame each other for their supposed ostracization, and the marriage is rent asunder. Tearfully, the daughter confesses all, and everyone realizes that they've been behaving like dolts and poultroons. The simultaneously filmed French-language version, titled Le Bal, starred Danielle Darrieux as the daughter.
