The Great Waltz 1938

A vibrant musical romance follows renowned composer Johann Strauss as his passionate infatuation with a beautiful singer threatens his marriage. Set against the glittering backdrop of 19th‑century Vienna, his soaring waltzes echo the intensity of love and the peril of risking everything for art.

A vibrant musical romance follows renowned composer Johann Strauss as his passionate infatuation with a beautiful singer threatens his marriage. Set against the glittering backdrop of 19th‑century Vienna, his soaring waltzes echo the intensity of love and the peril of risking everything for art.

Does The Great Waltz have end credit scenes?

No!

The Great Waltz does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Great Waltz

See more

Read the complete plot summary of The Great Waltz, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Johann ‘Schani’ Strauss II [Fernand Gravey] is dismissed from his bank job and forms a ragtag group of unemployed musicians who snag a slot at Dommayer’s cafe, Herman Bing running the place. The initial audience is small, but when two opera singers, Carla Donner and Fritz Schiller, pass by while their carriage is being repaired, the music swells and draws a larger crowd.

Strauss finds himself swept up in a student protest; he and Carla Donner avoid arrest and escape to the Vienna Woods, where the seeds of a new waltz are planted and the composer begins to shape Tales from the Vienna Woods.

Carla asks for music to sing at an aristocratic soiree, and this collaboration leads to a publishing contract that accelerates Strauss’s rise and pulls him toward a life he hadn’t planned.

With his career taking off, Strauss can marry his sweetheart, Poldi Vogelhuber. Yet the growing closeness between Strauss and Carla during rehearsals of operettas invites gossip, especially from Count Anton ‘Tony’ Hohenfried, Donner’s admirer.

Poldi remains loyal, and the marriage becomes a lasting partnership. In a climactic moment, Strauss is received by the Kaiser Franz Joseph I of Austria [Henry Hull], a reconciliation that follows the earlier tensions, and the two stand before cheering crowds on the balcony of Schönbrunn.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore the mobile app

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Great Waltz

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Great Waltz. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


The Great Waltz - Trailer

The Great Waltz Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


romantic rivalryblue danube waltzaustrian composerreference to the danube riverhusband wife relationshipjohann strauss characterviennese composeryear 1845violinistviennese waltzprologuenicknameconducting an orchestrabecoming famousfemale opera singerpolkacasinoorchestra conductorroyaltydebutseductionkissmarriage receptionsigned contractmarcharrestextramarital affairemperorcomposing musicwasherwomanprinting pressflash forwardimperial palacelong suffering wifeoperastrauss waltzcomposer as protagonist1800smusic publisheropera singerrevolutionfired from a jobvienna austriamusicianself sacrificeaustria historybank clerk

The Great Waltz Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Great Waltz across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Toute la ville danse Der große Walzer El gran vals Большой вальс 翠堤春晓 A Grande Valsa შესანიშნავი ვალსი Il grande valzer

Similar Movies To The Great Waltz You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy