Cast
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Marianne Hoppe
as Madeleine
Paul Dahlke
as Madeleine's Husband
Ferdinand Marian
as Michael
Siegfried Breuer
as Viktor
Elisabeth Flickenschildt
as Doorkeeper's Wife
Karl Günther
as Jeweler
Eric Helgar
as Michael's Brother
Karl Platen
as Michael's Servant
Walter Lieck
as Tall Man
Hans Stiebner
as Fat Man
Anja Elkoff
as Singer
Ernst Legal
as
Hugo Flink
as
Klaus Pohl
as
Leo Peukert
as
Crew
Director
- Helmut Käutner
Writer
- Willy Clever
- Helmut Käutner
Producer
- Hermann Grund
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Romance in a Minor Key examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Helmut Käutner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1943, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Romance in a Minor Key took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 123 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1943, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: June 25, 1943
- Runtime: 1h 38m