Orpheus in the Underworld

(Orpheus in der Unterwelt)

GDR, 1974, 88 min, color
In German; no subtitles
Credits:
Director
Script
Dramaturg
Editor
Camera
Set Design
Costume Design
Music (Score)
Cast
Production Company

Synopsis

This musical comedy based on an opera by Jaques Offenbach incorporates a twist on the classic Greek myth: Orpheus, a music teacher at a girls’ school in the ancient Greek city of Thebes, actually does not miss his wife Eurydice that much – until the gods and Offenbach himself pressure him to retrieve her from Hades. 

 

The filmic version of the classic opera presents a feast of beautiful voices, theatrical staging and spectacular costumes. One of DEFA’s last wide-screen (70 mm) films, this opulent production had a budget of 4 million marks and was shot in ORWO color with Dolby stereo sound.

Availability

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