The Great Love (1942): cast, story & where to watch
1942 · Film · ★ 6.6
Released in 1942, The Great Love is a drama and romance film directed by Rolf Hansen, running about 100 minutes.
What it’s about. The attractive Oberleutnant Paul Wendlandt is stationed in North Africa as a fighter pilot. While in Berlin to deliver a report he is given a day's leave, and on the stage of the cabaret theatre "Skala" sees the popular Danish singer Hanna Holberg. For Paul it is love at first sight. When Hanna visits friends after the end of the performance, he follows her, and speaks to her in the U-Bahn. After the party in her friends' flat, he accompanies her home and chance throws them further together when an air raid warning forces them to take cover in the air raid shelter. Hanna reciprocates Paul's feelings, but after a night spent together Paul has to return immediately to the front. There now follows a whole series of misunderstandings, and one missed opportunity after another. While Hanna waits in vain for some sign of life from Paul, he is flying on missions in North Africa. When he tries to visit her in her Berlin flat, she is giving a Christmas concert in Paris.
Who’s in it. The Great Love stars Zarah Leander as Hanna Holberg, Grethe Weiser as Kaethe, Hannas Zofe, Viktor Staal as Paul Wendlandt and Paul Hörbiger as Alexander Rudnitzky, Komponist, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.6/10, The Great Love has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Great Love page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Great Love tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Great Love (1942)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Great Love change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Great Love worth watching?
- The Great Love holds an audience score of 6.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Great Love?
- The Great Love stars Zarah Leander, Grethe Weiser, Viktor Staal, Paul Hörbiger and Wolfgang Preiss.
- When was The Great Love released?
- The Great Love was released in 1942, with a runtime of about 100 minutes.