Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac

Movie spotlight

Cyrano de Bergerac

1938
Movie
90 min
English

Inspired by Edmond Rostand's 1897 play, this 1938 BBC Television studio production retells the comic and heroic drama of the 17th-century Gascon swordsman, poet, and philosopher, Cyrano de Bergerac (1990). Secretly and passionately in love with beautiful Roxane, Cyrano, who is embarrassed by his elongated nose, is shocked to find out that she has fallen head-over-heels in love with the handsome but superficial recruit to the Cadets de Gascogne, Christian de Neuvillette. As a result, convinced that he stands no chance against the handsome but tongue-tied suitor, Cyrano steps aside and becomes Christian's tutor in the delicate matters of love, composing poems and ardent letters to help him woo Roxane.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Richard OswaldGenres: Romance, Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

In 17th-century Paris, the brilliant poet and swordsman Cyrano de Bergerac is deeply in love with his beautiful cousin Roxane. However, Cyrano believes his prominent nose makes him unattractive and fears Roxane would never love him. He agrees to help the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo Roxane by writing love letters and speaking eloquent words on his behalf, leading to a complex and tragic love triangle.

Critical Reception

The 1938 German adaptation of Edmond Rostand's play was met with critical acclaim for its theatricality and strong performances, particularly from Gustav Gründgens in the titular role. It is considered a faithful and visually impressive rendition of the classic story, capturing both the wit and the pathos of Cyrano's predicament.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dramatic intensity and romantic storytelling.

  • Gustav Gründgens' performance as Cyrano is a standout.

  • Visually rich and a faithful adaptation of the source material.

Google audience: Audience reception for this specific 1938 German version is not widely documented through Google user reviews. However, the enduring popularity of the Cyrano de Bergerac story suggests a general appreciation for its themes of love, sacrifice, and poetic expression.

Fun Fact

This German adaptation was directed by Richard Oswald, known for his prolific career in pre-war German cinema, and its star, Gustav Gründgens, was one of Germany's most celebrated stage actors of the 20th century.

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