Summaries

In early-1930s Germany, a passionate stage actor faces a dilemma: renounce his apolitical stance and comply with the Reich's doctrine, or face oblivion. But, Faustian bargains never end well. What is the price of success?

A German stage actor finds unexpected success and mixed blessings in the popularity of his performance in a Faustian play as the Nazis take power in pre-WWII Germany. As his associates and friends flee or are ground under by the Nazi terror, the popularity of his character supersedes his own existence until he finds that his best performance is keeping up appearances for his Nazi patrons.—Keith Loh <[email protected]>

Craving to make a name for himself in early-1930s Germany, the passionate stage actor, Hendrik Höfgen, has dedicated himself--body and soul--entirely to his art. But, pretty soon, as the Nazi Party rises to power, the ambitious artist will find himself before a pressing dilemma: renounce his apolitical stance and comply with the Third Reich's doctrine, or face oblivion. However, Faustian bargains never end well. What is the price to pay for one's soul?—Nick Riganas

Details

Keywords
  • nazi
  • actor
  • ambition
  • success
  • nazi germany
Genres
  • Drama
Release date Oct 7, 1981
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) Unrated
Countries of origin Hungary Austria West Germany
Language English German Latin French Hungarian
Filming locations Hamburg, Germany
Production companies Mafilm Manfred Durniok Filmproduktion Objektív Film

Box office

Tech specs

Runtime 2h 26m
Sound mix Mono
Aspect ratio 1.66 : 1

Synopsis

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