Ludwig II, 1955

FULL SCREEN

A romantic and opulent portrait of the Bavarian King Ludwig II (1845-1886). Very early, Ludwig turned his back on politics, to dedicate himself fully to the arts. The film chronicles his biography, from his accession to the throne to his mysterious death at Lake Starnberg. It depicts his friendship with Richard Wagner and his spiritual closeness to his cousin Elisabeth, Sissi, who would later become Empress of Austria, and further shows his unbridled passion for building massive palaces and castles. Helmut Käutner portrays him as a lonely sovereign, a victim of insanity. O.W. Fischer, a very popular actor in his time, ideally embodies King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Ludwig II: Glanz und Ende eines Königs

1955

115 min.

West Germany (FRG).

Directed by: Helmut Kautner

Screenplay: George Hurdalek, Peter Berneis.

Plot: Kadidja Wedekind

Music: Heinrich Sütermeister

Photography: Douglas Slocombe

Cast: O.W. Fischer, Marianne Koch, Paul Bildt, Friedrich Domin, Rolf Kutschera, Herbert Hübner, Robert Meyn, Rudolf Fernau, Willy Rösner, Klaus Kinski. Companies: Aura, Bavaria Film

Genre: Drama