Thursday, February 7

Tonio Kröger

Directed by Rolf Thiele, 1964, 90 min.

A brilliant adaptation of Thomas Mann’s 1903 novella about a young writer torn

between contradictory desires for security and luxury as well as the carefree, passionate

life. Fluid time structure, eerie music, and black and white evoke a dream-like world.

Thursday, February 21

The Blue Angel (Der blaue Engel)

Directed by Josef von Sternberg, 1930, 99 min.

Ever-fascinating film classic based on the novel Professor Unrath by Heinrich Mann. Emil Jannings stars as Professor Rath, a stuffy professor who falls blindly in love with the cabaret entertainer Lola-Lola, who ruins his life. The role of Lola-Lola made Marlene Dietrich an international star.

Thursday, March 21

The Captain from Köpenick (Der Hauptmann von Köpenick)

Directed by Helmut Käutner, 1956, 93 min.

Film based on the comedy of the same title by Carl Zuckmayer. A young shoemaker imprisoned for stealing a small amount of money is released after 15 years. Catch 22: one needs a resident’s pass to get a job, but without a job one can’t obtain a pass. He’s caught in the net of Prussian bureaucracy until he discovers a costume military uniform that fits him like a second skin….

Thursday, April 4

The Mystery of Kaspar Hauser (Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle)

Directed by Werner Herzog, 1974, 110 min.

Film based upon a true and mysterious story, first recounted as a criminological case study by Anselm Feuerbach. In 1828 a young man suddenly appeared on a street in Nuremberg, barely able to speak or walk. He later explains that he had been held captive in a dungeon for as long as he could remember. Herzog’s poignant rendering explores Kaspar’s alternate vision of the world and the intriguing results of benefactors’ efforts to integrate him into society. Stunning performance by Bruno S., the star of several Herzog films.