Top, die Wette gilt! (2017)

Film Overview
"Top, die Wette gilt!" is a homage documentary film that was presented on ZDF and ORF on 22nd April 2017, to celebrate the 75th birthday of the late iconic entertainer Frank Elstner. This 90-minute film is a kind of autobiography, drawn from an "in-front-of-the-camera" viewpoint, including clips from his hit German television show "Wetten, dass.?", interviews, and other information about Frank Elstner's profession.

Cinematic Style and Themes
The film integrates historic clips and contemporary interviews. Clips from "Wetten, dass.?" are kindly interspersed within the film, dealing with the audience to unforgettable moments from the program, including his interactions with many stars. The motion picture likewise includes interviews with Frank Elstner and different contemporaries and buddies like Marcel Reich-Ranicki, Thomas Gottschalk, and Michelle Hunziker.

Specific emphasis is placed on the beginning and realization of "Wetten, dass.?", as it was among the most effective shows in Europe with Frank Elstner as the developer and very first moderator. The movie's title "Top, die Wette gilt!", which approximately equates to "Okay, the Bet is on!" is also the well-known catchphrase from this show.

Plot Summary
"Top, pass away Wette gilt!" utilizes a mix of documentary strategies to state Frank Elstner's illustrious career. The movie focuses on how Elstner, as a tv speaker, reinvented German tv with his innovative ideas and special presentation design.

It highlights Elstner's groundbreaking programs, but it mainly revolves around "Wetten, dass.?", a program where participants wager they might do amazing things. This unusual concept quickly won over German audiences and made Elstner a home name.

The movie takes the audiences on an emotional trip down memory lane, showcasing Elstner's life and profession, his successes and failures, and his individual battles and victories. It reviews a few of the most remarkable minutes on "Wetten, dass.?" while interspersing profession anecdotes and individual reflections from Frank Elstner and others who understood him well.

Crucial Reception
"Top, die Wette gilt!" was popular by audiences for its sentimental and touching representation of a cherished television legend. The combination of historical product with modern commentary allowed for a well-rounded homage to Frank Elstner.

Strong praise was offered to the visual and narrative design of the documentary, the comprehensive presentation of Elstner's life's work, and the remarkable series of interview partners, offering detailed insights into the character of this innovative tv developer.

In essence, "Top, die Wette gilt!" is a fitting tribute to Frank Elstner - a compelling tribute to a tv leader whose innovative ideas left a lasting legacy on German television.

Conclusion
"Top, die Wette gilt!" effectively encapsulates the essence of Frank Elstner's career, providing an intimate look at the life of among Germany's most popular television entertainers. The movie integrates a precise paperwork of his work with psychological interviews, producing an emotional tribute to the breathtaking charisma and imaginative genius of Elstner. The film hence stands as a long-lasting testament to Elstner's influence on the show business and declares why he is celebrated as a genius of German television.

Top Cast

  • Frank Elstner (small)
    Frank Elstner
    Self
  • Kai Pflaume (small)
    Kai Pflaume
    Self
  • Norbert Blüm (small)
    Norbert Blüm
    Self
  • Karl Dall (small)
    Karl Dall
    Self
  • Paola Felix (small)
    Paola Felix
    Self
  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Self
  • Thomas Gottschalk (small)
    Thomas Gottschalk
    Self
  • Dieter Hallervorden (small)
    Dieter Hallervorden
    Self
  • Klaas Heufer-Umlauf (small)
    Klaas Heufer-Umlauf
    Self
  • Bernhard Hoëcker (small)
    Bernhard Hoëcker
    Self
  • Michelle Hunziker (small)
    Michelle Hunziker
    Self