This title is broadcast every year on All Saints' Day on German television. It is the story of the poor locksmith Brandner Kasper, who is visited by the Boandlkramer (the Bavarian death)in order to be taken to heaven. But since Brandnerkasper doesn't want to die, he makes his guest drunk and cheats at a card game. He gains 18 more years on earth. This cheating scene is the central scene in the entire piece and so well acted by Fritz Strassner and Toni Berger that one can watch it time and again. Especially Berger as Boandlkramer is a joy to watch and is copied ever since. For him, it was the role of his life. The rest of the cast is a show case of Bavaria's finest actors from the 70's, for example Gustl Bayerhammmer, Ernie Singerl, Alfred Pongratz and Ludwig Schmid-Wildy, to mention only a few. Since part of the movie is set in heaven or acted against blue screens there is a fair amount of special effects in it. They are bad from start to finish, but give the piece a certain charm. The heaven scenes are very reminiscent of Monty Python's animations. So, if you are a fan of Bavarian tales, Bavarian humour, and Bavarian actors, try this, you will not be disappointed.
Review of Der Brandner Kaspar und das ewig' Leben
Der Brandner Kaspar und das ewig' Leben
(1975 TV Movie)
A Bavarian classic! A must see!
28 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers