Viel Lärm um nichts

Florentine count Claudio and his companion Benedikt have just fought a successful battle for Don Pedro, when they are invited by Leonato, the governor of Messina, to be his guests for a month. The three men thankfully accept the offer. Soon, Claudio and Leonato′s daughter Hero fall head over heels in love with each other and become engaged. Benedikt, who likes to mock the people around him, often exchanges witty repartees with Leonato′s beautiful, yet sharp-tongued, niece Beatrice. But it only takes a small impulse to bring together the die-hard bachelor and the young woman who is rather sceptical towards men. But the joy of love does not stay unclouded. Don Juan, Don Pedro′s jealous half-brother, sets up an intrigue to prevent the marriage of Claudio and Hero. When Hero is accused of infidelity, Claudio casts her out. It seems that Hero dies dishonoured; and Benedikt has to promise Beatrice to kill his friend in a duel. But fortunately, Don Juan′s shameful deed is revealed before the duel can take place, and the culprit is arrested. Now, Hero returns from the dead and the film ends with a happy double marriage in the governor′s house.

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