Everyman (1961)
A landmark Austrian morality film adapting Hugo von Hofmannsthal's timeless stage classic about death, faith, and the human soul.
Everyman - Movie Information
- Original Title: Jedermann
- Release Year: 1961
- Directed by: Gottfried Reinhardt
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 21, 1961 (Austria)
- Production Countries: Germany, Austria
Everyman - Plot
Everyman (German: Jedermann) is a 1961 Austrian drama film directed by Gottfried Reinhardt, based on the play written by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The film was selected as the Austrian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 34th Academy Awards, but was not nominated.
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Everyman - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gottfried Reinhardt
Main Cast
- Ewald Balser
- Walther Reyer
- Paula Wessely
- Sonja Sutter
- Ellen Schwiers
- Paul Dahlke
- Herbert Fux
- Rudolf Rhomberg
- Kurt Heintel
- Alma Seidler
Writers
- Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Producers
- Otto Dürer
Everyman - FAQs
Is Everyman based on a true story?
Everyman is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of Hugo von Hofmannsthal's celebrated morality play Jedermann, which itself draws on a long tradition of medieval allegorical drama exploring themes of death, faith, and the reckoning of the soul.
What is Everyman about?
Everyman follows a wealthy man summoned by Death to account for his life before God. As he desperately seeks companions to accompany him, friends, family, and riches all abandon him. Only Faith and Good Deeds remain by his side, offering a deeply moral reflection on mortality and redemption.
Who are the main actors in Everyman?
The film stars Walther Reyer in the title role of Jedermann, alongside Ewald Balser, Paula Wessely, Sonja Sutter, Ellen Schwiers, Paul Dahlke, Herbert Fux, Rudolf Rhomberg, Kurt Heintel, and Alma Seidler in key supporting roles.
Who directed Everyman?
Everyman was directed by Gottfried Reinhardt, an Austrian-American filmmaker and producer. He is the son of legendary theatre director Max Reinhardt, whose famous outdoor productions of Jedermann at the Salzburg Festival inspired this cinematic adaptation.
Was Everyman submitted to the Academy Awards?
Yes. Everyman was selected as Austria's official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 34th Academy Awards, held in 1962. Despite the distinction of being chosen as the national submission, the film ultimately did not receive a nomination.
When was Everyman released?
Everyman was released on December 21, 1961, in Austria. The film is a German-language production made in Germany and Austria, and it represents one of the most notable screen adaptations of Hugo von Hofmannsthal's enduring morality play.
What language is Everyman in?
Everyman is performed entirely in German, reflecting its origins as an adaptation of Hugo von Hofmannsthal's German-language morality play Jedermann. The film is a co-production between Germany and Austria, and the German dialogue is central to its theatrical, poetic tone.
How long is Everyman?
Everyman has a runtime of 96 minutes, or 1 hour and 36 minutes. The film's measured pace suits its theatrical source material, allowing the allegorical narrative and the moral weight of each encounter to unfold with deliberate dramatic effect.
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