Paracelsus (1943)
G.W. Pabst's portrait of the legendary Renaissance physician, alchemist, and astrologer who defied the medical establishment of his age.
Paracelsus - Movie Information
- Original Title: Paracelsus
- Release Year: 1943
- Directed by: G.W. Pabst
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 12, 1943 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: Чудесный исцелитель (SU), 파라켈수스 (KR)
- Production Companies: Bavaria-Filmkunst
- Production Countries: Germany
Paracelsus - Plot
The story of the Renaissance-era Swiss physician, alchemist and astrologer Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, better known to the world as Paracelsus.
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Paracelsus - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- G.W. Pabst
Main Cast
- Werner Krauss
- Mathias Wieman
- Annelies Reinhold
- Harald Kreutzberg
- Peter Martin Urtel
- Fritz Rasp
- Josef Sieber
- Harry Langewisch
- Herbert Hübner
- Franz Schafheitlin
Writers
- Kurt Heuser
Producers
- Fred Lyssa
Paracelsus - FAQs
What is Paracelsus (1943) about?
Paracelsus follows the life of the brilliant and controversial Renaissance figure Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim — known to history as Paracelsus. A Swiss physician, alchemist, and astrologer, he challenged the medical orthodoxy of his era, making him both celebrated and reviled in equal measure.
Was Paracelsus a real historical figure?
Absolutely. Paracelsus (1493–1541) was one of the most influential and divisive figures of the Renaissance. He revolutionized medicine and pharmacology, rejecting ancient Greek theories in favor of observation and experimentation. His full name — Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim — was as outsized as his reputation.
Where can you stream Paracelsus (1943)?
You can watch Paracelsus for free on Kanopy, the library-supported streaming platform. Access typically requires a library card from a participating institution. It's a great way to catch this rare piece of German cinema history without any subscription cost.
Why is Paracelsus (1943) considered a controversial film?
The film was produced in Nazi Germany under the direction of G.W. Pabst, a filmmaker who had previously worked in exile. Its production during the Third Reich has long invited scrutiny, as the heroic portrayal of a German-speaking genius carried ideological undertones consistent with wartime propaganda aesthetics, complicating its legacy.
Who directed Paracelsus and what is his legacy?
G.W. Pabst directed Paracelsus. One of the most significant figures in German-language cinema, Pabst is celebrated for expressionist masterworks like Pandora's Box (1929) and Westfront 1918 (1930). His decision to remain in Germany during World War II and direct state-sanctioned films remains one of cinema history's most debated choices.
Who stars in Paracelsus (1943)?
Werner Krauss leads the cast as the title character, bringing commanding intensity to the role. He's joined by Mathias Wieman as Ulrich von Hutten, Annelies Reinhold as Renata Pfefferkorn, and Harald Kreutzberg as the jester Fliegenbein, among other notable German stage and screen performers of the era.
What is the significance of Werner Krauss in this film?
Werner Krauss was one of the most celebrated actors of German cinema, best known internationally for his role in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920). His casting as Paracelsus brought enormous theatrical weight to the production, and his portrayal of the iconoclastic healer remains the film's most compelling element.
What genre is Paracelsus and who is it for?
Paracelsus is a historical drama — a biographical portrait of a Renaissance maverick told through the lens of 1940s German cinema. It appeals most to fans of classic European film, history enthusiasts, and viewers interested in the intersection of science, mysticism, and political power in the early modern world.
More About Paracelsus
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