Dinner for One

Every year, on the last evening of the year, Miss Sophie tirelessly gathers her four best friends in her country house to celebrate her 90th birthday.
In attendance are Admiral von Schneider, who throws a cheerful "Skol" around the room, Mr. Pommeroy, who gargles a "Happy New Year" in Miss Sophie's direction, the noble Sir Toby, who skilfully roars "Cheerio, Miss Sophie" across the room, and finally Mr. Pommeroy, who gargles a "Happy New Year" to Miss Sophie, the aristocratic Sir Toby, who expertly bellows "Cheerio, Miss Sophie" across the room, and finally Mr. Winterbottom, who presents himself as a man of charm on Miss Sophie's right. At least that's the fictional cast.
Because in the real sketch, Butler James has to act as a double for all the party guests present - or not present. Good old Miss Sophie has outlived them one by one over the years. The last one faded away 25 years ago. So the butler has to step into the breach and bring the dead back to life. He pours, raises his glass and pours again. At first he is still well dressed in the best butler's style and walks with a candle-straight gait. But from round to round, the alcohol visibly takes over. "Same procedure as every year".
And what to do if the TV has just given up the ghost? New Year's Eve without Miss Sophie? - Impossible, and so the roles are assigned without further ado. Who will play the tiger? Let the party begin...
How many times can you trip over a tiger skin? For over 40 years now, Miss Sophie and her butler James have been as much a part of German New Year's Eve as the obligatory champagne and fireworks.
Director: Nelly Eichhorn