The three-act romantic operetta Das Land des Lachelns (The Land of Smiles) by Franz Lehar was one of Lehar's later works, and was wildly popular in Vienna and Germany upon its 1929 debut. The title refers to the supposed Chinese custom of smiling, regardless of what is happening in life, with the leading character, Prince Sou-Chong singing a song early in the show titled Always smiling which describes this. This production from the Festival Orchester Morbisch, the Ballett der Seefestspiele Morbisch, and the Schor, Statisterie und Kinderstatisterie der Seefestspiele Morbisch is directed by Peter Edelmann, and was recorded at the 2019 festival.
Great excitement reigns in the royal hunting grounds. The prince has proclaimed his hunt and wants to bag wild pig, and receive a ceremonial maiden. The poaching community, so full of the love of life, are unable to provide both.
The royal master of the hunt, Baron Weps, is willing to present the prince with a tame pig and a widow for a high bribe. But the hunt is cancelled. The baron, who did not wish to return the money, presents his nephew as the prince.
The princess then arrives to catch her husband, in flagranti. At the same time, Adam the bird seller comes to visit his fiancee Christel. Christel wishes to ask the prince to give Adam a job.
A jolly play of mistaken identities, jealousy and love commences.