The Grand Duke

About the show

In the fictional duchy of Pfennig-Halbpfennig, theatrical manager Ernest Dummkopf and comedian Ludwig learn that a conspiracy plans to overthrow the Grand Duke. The notary explains a statutory-duel law under which a card draw makes the loser legally dead and transfers his position to the winner. Ludwig exploits the law to replace Grand Duke Rudolph, then finds himself bound to several women through betrothals. The notary eventually reveals that the ace is the lowest card, so the duel never made Ludwig duke. The law expires, and Rudolph marries the Princess of Monte Carlo, Ernest marries Julia, and Ludwig marries Lisa.