#405: PABST, Georg Wilhelm: The Threepenny Opera (1931)
PABST, Georg Wilhelm (Germany)
Other Pabst films in the Collection:
#358: Pandora's Box (1929)
#907: Westfront 1918 (1930)
#908: Kameraschaft (1931)
The Film
The Threepenny Opera [1931]
Spine #405
DVD
DVD
The sly melodies of composer Kurt Weill and the daring of dramatist Bertolt Brecht come together on-screen under the direction of German auteur G. W. Pabst (Pandora's Box) in this classic adaptation of the Weimer-era theatrical sensation. Set in the impoverished back alleys of Victorian London, The Threepenny Opera follows underworld antihero Mackie Messer (a.k.a. Mack the Knife) as he tries to woo Polly Peachum and elude the authorities. With its palpable evocation of corruption and dread, set to Weill's irresistible score, The Threepenny Opera remains a benchmark of early sound cinema. It is presented here in both its celebrated German and rare French versions.
110 minutes
Black & White
Black & White
Monaural
in German
1:19:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2007
Director/Writers
From the play by Bertolt Brecht.
Georg Wilhelm Pabst was 46 when he directed The Threepenny Opera.
Other Pabst films in the Collection:
#358: Pandora's Box (1929)
#907: Westfront 1918 (1930)
#908: Kameraschaft (1931)
The Film
Film Rating (0-60):
The Booklet
Twenty-eight page booklet featuring an essay by Tony Rayns.
Commentary
By scholars David Bathrick and Eric Rentschler.
Archival introduction
60
The ExtrasThe Booklet
Twenty-eight page booklet featuring an essay by Tony Rayns.
Commentary
By scholars David Bathrick and Eric Rentschler.
Archival introduction
By Threepenny stars Rasp and Busch.
Documentary
On Threepenny’s controversial journey from stage to screen.
L’opéra de quat’sous
Multimedia
Presentation of film scholar Charles O’Brien on the differences between the English and French versions.
Presentation of film scholar Charles O’Brien on the differences between the English and French versions.
Archival interview
With actor Rasp.
Galleries
Galleries
Of production photos by Hans Casparius and production sketches by art director Andrej Andrejew.
Extras Rating (0-40):
Extras Rating (0-40):
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