The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1943)
"Münchhausen" (original title)

A 1940's descendant (Hans Albers) of an eccentric German Baron recounts some of his ancestor's enhanced... See full synopsis »

Director:

Josef von Báky

Writer:

Erich Kästner (script & dialogue)

Stars:

Hans Albers, Wilhelm Bendow, Brigitte Horney

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hans Albers	...	Baron Münchhausen
Wilhelm Bendow	...	Der Mondmann
Brigitte Horney	...	Zarin Katharina II
Michael Bohnen	...	Herzog Karl von Braunschweig
Ferdinand Marian	...	Graf Cagliostro
Hans Brausewetter	...	Freiherr von Hartenfeld
Hermann Speelmans	...	Christian Kuchenreutter
Marina von Ditmar	...	Sophie von Riedesel
Andrews Engelmann	...	Fürst Potemkin
Käthe Haack	...	Baronin Münchhausen
Waldemar Leitgeb	...	Fürst Grigorij Orlow
Walter Lieck	...	Der Läufer
Hubert von Meyerinck	...	Prinz Anton Ulrich
Jaspar von Oertzen	...	Graf Lanskoi
Werner Scharf	...	Prinz Francesco d'Este

Storyline

A 1940's descendant (Hans Albers) of an eccentric German Baron recounts some of his ancestor's enhanced... See full synopsis »

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Plot Keywords:

surrealism | harem | disembodied head | told in flashback | cannonball | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Adventure | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

6 August 1943 (Hungary)

Also Known As:

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universum Film (UFA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min 119 min (restored) 134 min (premiere)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Agfacolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Writer Erich Kästner is widely reported to be billed as "Berthold Bürger" on this film, but there is in fact no writing credit at all. Kästner was a banned author in Nazi Germany and his books were among those burnt in 1933, which might account for the lack of writing credit here.

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Goofs

Sophia's "beauty spots" disappear and reappear during the opening scenes of the film.

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Connections

Featured in Frozen Flashes (1967)

User Reviews

The Mysteriously Unknown Masterpiece

When I look at how many people have rated this film, and I think of all the movie lovers out there who have never seen, or even heard of this delightful gem; It saddens me. I truly believe that it is among the greatest achievements in the history of film. The unique pastel colour is magnificent, and the film is filled with hilarious and daring moments. Especially when you consider that Münchhausen is a Nazi era 1943 German film; It really is hard to believe that this is true. Acclaimed director Terry Gilliam of Monty Python and 12 Monkey's fame, obviously tried to draw more attention to this striking wonder when he made his own version of this tale 'The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen'. If it wasn't for Mr.Gilliam, I probably would have never bothered to even watch this film. So I owe him many thanks as Münchhausen happens to be only 1 of 20 some odd films I have given a full 10 rating, and I have rated thousands of films. The pace, humour, and sheer originality of this fantasy make it one of the easiest subtitled films to watch in existence, period. It ranks up there with the greatest pre-1950's films such as The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre, and Chaplin's brilliant City Lights. If you love movies, if you love classic cinema, if you love original fantasy films, if you love humorous films; Seek out 1943's Münchhausen whatever you do. It will not disappoint. This film is certainly not for children. However, in terms of flat out fantasy entertainment, I would say that this nearly 70 year old antique blows away Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings films any day, and easily. Enough said.