Die Gänsemagd (1957): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1957, Die Gänsemagd is a fantasy and family film directed by Fritz Genschow.

What it’s about. A beautiful princess is betrothed to the prince of a neighboring kingdom, and when the time comes, she sets out with a small entourage to wed him. She is given a magic handkerchief by her mother, which she is told will protect her, along with a talking horse. Before she departs, her mother entrusts her to the care of her chambermaid, who promises to look after her. Unknown to the queen, however is the fact that the chambermaid desires the prince for herself, and has been concocting an evil plan to accomplish her ends. With the reluctant help of two bumbling servants, the chambermaid deprives the princess of the magic handkerchief, and tricks her into changing places with her, swearing her to secrecy. Once they arrive at the palace, the maid is taken for the princess, who becomes a goose girl.

Who’s in it. Die Gänsemagd stars Rita-Maria Nowotny as Prinzessin Rosemargret, Renée Stobrawa as Königin-Mutter, Renate Fischer as Malice - Kammermädchen and Günter Hertel as Prinz Friedbert, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.0/10, Die Gänsemagd has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Die Gänsemagd page.

If you liked it. Fans of Die Gänsemagd tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.