Director Max Ophuls final film telling the story of once-famous courtesan Lola Montes who was forced to work as a circus attraction in her later life. Lolas life unfolds in flashback as she answers the questions of a fee-paying audience, lorded over by the cruel and sadistic ringmaster (Peter Ustinov). Her past affairs are related in every detail for the enjoyment of the crowds, including affairs with King Ludwig I (Anton Walbrook) and composer Franz Liszt (Will Quadflieg).