The Lorelei (1931)
A short animated film from 1931 steeped in German folklore, weaving together the Lorelei legend, Wagner's Ring cycle, and the tale of Rip Van Winkle.
The Lorelei - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Lorelei
- Release Year: 1931
- Directed by: Frank Moser
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 29, 1931 (United States)
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Lorelei - Plot
Based on the German legends, there are visual references to the Ring cycle and to anything even vaguely Germanic, including Rip Van Winkle.
Where to Watch The Lorelei
Looking for where to watch The Lorelei?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Lorelei - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Frank Moser
Writers
- Paul Terry
The Lorelei - FAQs
What is The Lorelei (1931) about?
The Lorelei is a short animated film rooted in German folklore. It weaves together visual references to the legendary Lorelei myth, Wagner's Ring cycle, and the tale of Rip Van Winkle, creating a whimsical journey through Germanic legend and mythology in classic early animation style.
Who directed The Lorelei animated short?
The Lorelei was directed by Frank Moser, a prominent figure in early American animation. Moser was a co-founder of the Terrytoons studio alongside Paul Terry, who served as writer on this short, and the two were key contributors to the golden age of theatrical cartoon shorts.
Where can you watch The Lorelei (1931)?
You can find viewing options for The Lorelei on JustWatch, which lists all available streaming and rental platforms in your region. As a 1931 public domain short, it may also surface on free streaming services or archive platforms dedicated to classic animation.
What German legends inspired The Lorelei?
The film draws on the famous Lorelei legend — a Rhine River siren from German folklore — alongside visual nods to Wagner's Ring cycle, a monumental operatic saga rooted in Norse and Germanic myth. The tale of Rip Van Winkle also makes an appearance, adding a playful folkloric layer.
When was The Lorelei released?
The Lorelei hit screens on November 29, 1931, in the United States. It arrived during the early sound era of animation, a period when studios like Terrytoons were producing a steady stream of theatrical shorts to accompany feature films in cinemas.
Who wrote The Lorelei (1931)?
Paul Terry is credited as the writer of The Lorelei. Terry was the driving creative force behind Terrytoons and one of the most prolific figures in early American animation, responsible for characters and shorts that entertained cinema audiences throughout the 1930s and beyond.
Is The Lorelei a Terrytoons production?
Yes, The Lorelei is closely tied to the Terrytoons studio, co-founded by Frank Moser and Paul Terry. Terrytoons was known for producing a high volume of theatrical cartoon shorts during the early sound era, distributed to cinemas across the United States throughout the 1930s.
What are similar animated films to The Lorelei?
If you enjoy The Lorelei's blend of folklore and animation, you might also appreciate Heavy Metal (1981), an anthology animated feature with a similarly mythic and fantastical tone. The House (2022) and Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring (2002) are also worth exploring for fans of distinctive animated storytelling.
More About The Lorelei
Explore further details about The Lorelei on these authoritative resources.