Cast
View AllStephen Haggard
as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Victoria Hopper
as Constance Mozart
John Loder
as Prince Lobkowitz
Jean Cadell
as Frau Mozart
Hubert Harben
as Leopold Mozart
Frederick Leister
as Emperor
Marie Lohr
as Empress
Laurence Hanray
as Archbishop of Salzburg
Deidre Gale
as Antoinette as a Child
Pat Fitzpatrick
as Mozart as a Boy
Norman Walker
as Emanuel Schikaneder
George Curzon
as Lorenzo Da Ponte
Richard Goolden
as Weber
Muriel George
as Frau Weber
Raymond Huntley
as Langer
Crew
Director
- Basil Dean
Writer
- Margaret Kennedy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Whom the Gods Love: The Original Story of Mozart and His Wife 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 Basil Dean 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 1936, 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 Whom the Gods Love: The Original Story of Mozart and His Wife took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1370 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 32 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1936, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Whom the Gods Love: The Original Story of Mozart and His Wife shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Charlotte, which focuses more on action than character development, Whom the Gods Love: The Original Story of Mozart and His Wife subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Il Divo and Che: Part Two explore similar territory, Whom the Gods Love: The Original Story of Mozart and His Wife stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 22, 1936
- Runtime: 1h 23m
