Die Alkestiade (1958)
A 1958 German drama directed by Hans Schweikart, drawing on the timeless myth of Alcestis and her extraordinary act of sacrifice.
Die Alkestiade - Movie Information
- Original Title: Die Alkestiade
- Release Year: 1958
- Directed by: Hans Schweikart
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Original Language: German
- Production Countries: Germany
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Die Alkestiade - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hans Schweikart
Main Cast
- Alexander Kerst
- Johanna Hofer
- Peter Lühr
- Horst Tappert
- Peter Pasetti
- Otto Schenk
- Kurt Horwitz
- Hans Pössenbacher
Die Alkestiade - FAQs
Who directed Die Alkestiade?
Die Alkestiade was directed by Hans Schweikart, a prominent German theater and film director known for his work in postwar German cinema and stage productions. He helmed this 1958 drama, bringing the mythological story of Alcestis to the screen with a distinguished cast.
Who are the main actors in Die Alkestiade?
The cast features Alexander Kerst as Apollo, Peter Lühr as Admetos, Peter Pasetti as Herakles, Horst Tappert as Erster Hirt, Johanna Hofer as Aglaja, Otto Schenk as a young night watchman, Kurt Horwitz as Teiresias, and Hans Pössenbacher as a citizen.
Is Die Alkestiade based on a true story?
Die Alkestiade is not based on a true story. It draws from ancient Greek mythology, specifically the legend of Alcestis, who agrees to die in place of her husband Admetos. The story was famously dramatized by Euripides and later reimagined by American playwright Thornton Wilder.
What is the mythological story behind Die Alkestiade?
The Alcestis myth centers on Queen Alcestis, who sacrifices her own life to save her husband King Admetos from death. The hero Herakles ultimately intervenes, wrestling Death to bring her back. The myth explores themes of devotion, mortality, and divine intervention in human affairs.
Is Die Alkestiade an adaptation of a stage play?
Yes, Die Alkestiade is rooted in theatrical tradition. The story originates with Euripides' ancient Greek tragedy Alcestis and was later reimagined by Thornton Wilder in his play The Alcestiad. This 1958 German film adaptation brought the mythological drama to a cinematic audience.
What genre is Die Alkestiade?
Die Alkestiade is a drama. Rooted in classical Greek mythology, it carries the weight of tragedy and philosophical reflection, exploring themes of sacrifice, love, fate, and the relationship between gods and mortals — hallmarks of the dramatic tradition stretching back to ancient theater.
What language is Die Alkestiade in?
Die Alkestiade is in German. Produced in Germany in 1958, the film was made entirely in the German language, reflecting the postwar German cultural landscape and the country's enduring engagement with classical European theatrical and literary traditions.
What are some films similar to Die Alkestiade?
If Die Alkestiade appeals to you, consider exploring The Divide (2021), The German Lesson (2019), Loro (2018), Grass (2018), Euphoria (2018), 3 Faces (2018), Upon Entry (2023), For My Country (2023), Three Goodbyes (2025), and The Son of a Thousand Men (2025).
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