Tales of Hoffmann

Overview

This movie, directed by Richard Oswald, is based on the operetta "Les contes de Hoffmann" by Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880), which is a genial musical potpourri from various short stories and novels by the Prussian writer, composer, painter, lawyer and judge E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776-1822). While Hoffmann's literary work was longtime considered to be merely fantastical, it was finally researched, in the last years, according to its metaphysical background. Characteristic for Hoffmann's work is his life-long fight against rationalism and for the revelation of nature morte, culminating mostly in carnival-like scenes anticipating literary techniques only described in the works of Bachtin and Bachelard.

Cast

Kurt Wolowsky

junger Hoffmann

Max Ruhbeck

Onkel

Paula Ronay

Tante

Werner Krauss

Conte Dapertutto

Friedrich Kühne

Coppelius, Brillenhändler

Lupu Pick

Spalanzani, Direktor eines Museums

Ernst Ludwig

Rat Crespel

Nelly Ridon

Frau Rat Crespel

Ruth Oswald

kleine Antonia

Andreas Van Horn

Dr. Mirakel