An utterly delightful film, worthy of comparison to Max Ophuls. "Possibly Willi Forst's most celebrated pre-war film, Maskerade is a bittersweet romance concerning an unsophisticated young woman who falls in love with a social celebrity. Essentially adult and lightly cynical in its relationships, it evokes a turn-of-the-century Vienna, with its artists' balls, secret assignations and visits to the opera. The playing, too, has considerable charm and feeling, notably by Paula Wessely (controlled yet vulnerable) and Anton Walbrook (superbly suave and steely as he searches for conquests among the fluttering hearts of the city)." (John Gillett, National Film Theatre, London)