The Latest Star from Vaudeville (1917)
A bold 1917 German silent comedy starring Rosa Porten as a variety artist who challenges men to boxing matches on stage.
The Latest Star from Vaudeville - Movie Information
- Original Title: Der neueste Stern vom Variété
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Rosa Porten, Franz Eckstein
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 32m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1917 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: Der neueste Stern vom Varieté (DE), The Latest Variety Sensation (US)
- Production Companies: Treumann-Larsen-Film-Vertriebs-GmbH
- Production Countries: Germany
The Latest Star from Vaudeville - Plot
Stella Orlanda is a young variety artist who can stand her ground like the next man - and not only on the stage from where as a boxer she calls out the strongest men in the audience. - Annette Förster
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The Latest Star from Vaudeville - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rosa Porten
- Franz Eckstein
Main Cast
- Rosa Porten
- Reinhold Schünzel
- Helene Voß
- Marga Köhler
Writers
- Rosa Porten
Producers
- Viggo Larsen
The Latest Star from Vaudeville - FAQs
What is The Latest Star from Vaudeville about?
The film follows Stella Orlanda, a fearless young variety performer who holds her own against anyone — literally. As a stage boxer, she invites the strongest men in the audience to take her on. It's a lively silent comedy that puts a bold, unconventional heroine front and center.
Is Rosa Porten both director and star of this film?
Yes — Rosa Porten wore multiple hats on this production. She co-directed the film alongside Franz Eckstein, wrote the screenplay, and starred as Stella Orlanda. That kind of creative control was remarkably rare for a woman in the German film industry of 1917.
What makes Stella Orlanda such an unusual character?
Stella is a variety artist who doubles as a stage boxer, openly challenging men from the audience to fight her. For a 1917 film, this is a strikingly subversive premise — a woman who physically dominates men in a public arena, played entirely for comedy and spectacle.
Who directed The Latest Star from Vaudeville?
The film was co-directed by Rosa Porten and Franz Eckstein. Rosa Porten was a notable figure in early German silent cinema, and her dual role as director and lead actress on this project reflects her significant creative ambition and influence during that era.
Who are the main cast members in this film?
The cast features Rosa Porten in the lead role of Stella Orlanda, joined by Reinhold Schünzel, Helene Voß, and Marga Köhler. Reinhold Schünzel would go on to become one of the most celebrated actors and directors of the Weimar-era German film industry.
Is The Latest Star from Vaudeville a silent film?
Yes, it is a silent film — as were virtually all movies made in 1917. The film was produced in Germany and has no spoken dialogue, relying instead on physical performance, title cards, and visual storytelling to convey its comedy and character-driven narrative.
What are some similar films to this one?
If you enjoy this kind of early silent comedy, you might also love City Lights (1931), The Gold Rush (1925), and The General (1926). For something closer in era and spirit, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1928) and Miss Mend (1926) are also well worth exploring.
How long is The Latest Star from Vaudeville?
The film runs approximately 32 minutes — a typical length for short-form silent comedies of the 1910s. It's a compact, brisk watch that makes the most of its runtime with its energetic premise and the charismatic screen presence of Rosa Porten as Stella Orlanda.
More About The Latest Star from Vaudeville
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