Burning Secret (1988)

This symbol-filled story, filmed with sensuous detail and nuance, is set in Austria in the 1920s. While being treated for asthma at a country spa, an American diplomat's lonely 12-year-old ... See full summary »

Director:

Andrew Birkin

Writers:

Andrew Birkin (screenplay), Stefan Zweig (novel)

Stars:

David Eberts, Faye Dunaway, Klaus Maria Brandauer

5 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Eberts	...	Edmund
Faye Dunaway	...	Sonya
Klaus Maria Brandauer	...	Baron
Ian Richardson	...	Edmund's father
John Nettleton	...	Doctor Weiss
Martin Obernigg	...	Concierge
Václav Stekl	...	Assistant Concierge
Vladimír Pospísil	...	Hotel Manager
Karel Karas-Kratochvil	...	Doorman
Ivo Niederle	...	Sanatorium Manager
Jarmila Derkova	...	Frau Isambard
Josef Kubícek	...	Station Master
Veronika Jeníková	...	Kissing Woman
Roman Hajek	...	Kissing Man
Raoul Schránil	...	Hotel Guest (as Raul Schranil)

Storyline

This symbol-filled story, filmed with sensuous detail and nuance, is set in Austria in the 1920s. While being treated for asthma at a country spa, an American diplomat's lonely 12-year-old son is befriended and infatuated by a suave, mysterious baron. During a story of his war experiences, the baron reveals the scar of a wound from an American soldier and thrusts a pin through it, saying "see-- no feeling." Little does the boy realize that it is his turn to be wounded. But soon his adored friend heartlessly brushes him aside and turns his seductive attentions to his mother. The boy's jealousy and feelings of betrayal become uncontrollable.

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Plot Keywords:

asthma | oedipus complex | pedophilia | mother son relationship | remake | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK West Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 December 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Avastahto mystiko

Filming Locations:

Barrandov Studios, Prague, Czech Republic

Company Credits

Production Co:

B.A. Produktion, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), C.L.G. Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Baron: Perhaps we may go exploring instead.
Edmond: Where to?
Baron: That's the fun of exploring. One never knows where to.

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Connections

Remake of The Burning Secret (1933)

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Soundtracks

"Improvisation"
(uncredited)
Music by Emile Gastelle

User Reviews

Insightful, sensitive treatment of a young boy discovering his nascent manhood.

This film is about manhood, and a boy's (actually every boy's) journey to manhood. The scene in the dining room with the baron and the young boy explains it all. The baron recites Goethe's poem, "ErlKonig" and interprets it for the young boy-man. Schubert set this poem to music (ErlKonig, The Erl King). The poem is a dialog of a child, and his father who holds him close as they ride horseback toward their home. The child expresses fear and apprehension about what he sees on the journey. At the end of the poem, the "kind war tot" - "the child was dead" in the arms of his father. This movie is about the "death" of childhood, which must take place if a boy is to become a man. The film is filled with obvious symbolism and has a most satisfying conclusion. This is a personal favorite. If you can find a copy, buy it.