The film, directed by Carl Boese and starring Lilian Harvey and Willy Fritsch, was released in 1931 during the early sound era. Lilian Harvey plays a Polish countess named Anna who is engaged to a dull banker, but yearns for excitement and adventure. She decides to create a fictitious cousin from Warsaw named Anneliese, who is wild and free-spirited. Anna then dons a wig and poses as Anneliese to attract the attention of two young men, one a French diplomat (played by Henri Garat) and the other a Polish aristocrat (played by Willy Fritsch).
As Anneliese, Anna indulges in daring escapades and romantic escapades, leading to a passionate love triangle. However, her true identity is eventually revealed, leading to comic misunderstandings and ultimately a happy ending.
The film was a major success, launching Lilian Harvey and Willy Fritsch as a popular screen couple, and inspiring several sequels and remakes over the years. Critics praised the film's sparkling wit, lively musical numbers, and Harvey's effervescent charm. Today, it is considered a classic example of the romantic comedies of the early sound era.