Manja Valewska (1937)
A lavish 1937 Austrian romantic melodrama set in 19th-century Russia, where love, betrayal, and a sensational murder trial collide in the world of imperial aristocracy.
Manja Valewska - Movie Information
- Original Title: Manja Valewska
- Release Year: 1937
- Directed by: Josef Rovenský
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 6, 1937 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: Manja Walewska (DE)
- Production Countries: Austria
Manja Valewska - Plot
A romantic melodrama set in 19th-century Russia: magnificent uniforms, dashing officers, glittering balls. A young woman, unhappily married to an aging count, who is passionately in love with another man, must stand trial on charges of murder after her husband commits suicide.
Where to Watch Manja Valewska
Looking for where to watch Manja Valewska?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Manja Valewska - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Josef Rovenský
Main Cast
- Maria Andergast
- Olga Tschechowa
- Hans Schott-Schöbinger
- Rudolf Carl
- Harry Nestor
Manja Valewska - FAQs
What is Manja Valewska about?
Manja Valewska is a romantic melodrama set in 19th-century Russia, full of glittering balls and dashing officers. It follows a young countess trapped in a loveless marriage to an aging count. Deeply in love with another man, she finds herself on trial for murder after her husband takes his own life.
Who directed Manja Valewska?
Manja Valewska was directed by Josef Rovenský, a Czech-born filmmaker who worked in German-language cinema during the 1930s. The film stands as one of his notable works from that era, blending romantic drama with courtroom tension against a lavish 19th-century Russian backdrop.
Who are the main actors in Manja Valewska?
The film stars Maria Andergast as Countess Manja Raminska and Olga Tschechowa as Countess Pola Valewska. They are joined by Hans Schott-Schöbinger as Jaro von Olginski and Rudolf Carl as Finko, Oginski's servant. Harry Nestor also appears in a supporting role.
When was Manja Valewska released?
Manja Valewska had its release in Germany on May 6, 1937. The film is an Austrian production made during the late 1930s, a period of rich output in German-language cinema before the upheavals of World War II reshaped the European film industry.
Is Manja Valewska based on a true story?
Manja Valewska is not based on a specific true story. It is a fictional romantic melodrama set against the opulent world of 19th-century Russian aristocracy. The narrative of a countess facing a murder trial after her husband's suicide is a dramatic invention designed to explore themes of love, duty, and social judgment.
What genre is Manja Valewska?
Manja Valewska is a Drama, more specifically a romantic melodrama. It combines the lush visual spectacle of 19th-century Russian aristocratic life — uniforms, ballrooms, and passionate affairs — with the emotional intensity of a courtroom narrative, making it a compelling blend of romance and tragedy.
How long is Manja Valewska?
Manja Valewska runs for 93 minutes, or about 1 hour and 33 minutes. That's a compact but satisfying runtime for a melodrama of its era, giving the film enough space to develop its romantic tensions and build toward the dramatic courtroom climax without overstaying its welcome.
What are similar movies to Manja Valewska?
If you enjoy Manja Valewska, you might appreciate other emotionally rich dramas like The German Lesson (2019), A White, White Day (2019), R.M.N. (2022), Ayka (2018), and Finally Dawn (2024). These films share a similar focus on complex characters navigating moral and emotional pressures in vivid, atmospheric settings.
More About Manja Valewska
Explore further details about Manja Valewska on these trusted resources.