Joy and Sorrow (1957)
Directed by Wolfgang Liebeneiner
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Ruth Leuwerik plays the regal title character in the lavish German historical drama Koenige Louise (Queen Louise). The wife of Prussian monarch Friedrich Wilhelm III (Dieter Borsche), Queen Louise quickly becomes one of the most popular women in all Europe. She also convinces her husband to stop squandering his time and talents and to actively participate in the politics of his kingdom. As a result, Wilhelm and the Czar of Russia (Bernhard Wicki) agree to form a united front against the incursions of Napoleon (Rene Deltgren). Alas, this strong political stand proves to be Wilhelm's undoing, and Queen Louise, feeling herself responsible for the political debacle, literally dies of a broken heart.