Wilhelm Tell (1923)
A landmark German silent film bringing the legendary Swiss hero Wilhelm Tell to life, featuring a remarkable cast led by Conrad Veidt.
Wilhelm Tell - Movie Information
- Original Title: Wilhelm Tell
- Release Year: 1923
- Directed by: Rudolf Walther-Fein, Rudolf Dworsky
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Original Language: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 22, 1923 (Germany)
- Production Countries: Germany
Wilhelm Tell - Plot
William Tell (German: Wilhelm Tell) is a 1923 German silent adventure film directed by Rudolf Dworsky and Rudolf Walther-Fein and starring Hans Marr, Conrad Veidt and Erich Kaiser-Titz. The film portrays the story of the legendary Swiss national hero William Tell.
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Wilhelm Tell - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rudolf Walther-Fein
- Rudolf Dworsky
Main Cast
- Hans Marr
- Conrad Veidt
- Erich Kaiser-Titz
- Emil Rameau
- Fritz Kampers
Writers
- Willy Rath
Wilhelm Tell - FAQs
Who plays Wilhelm Tell in the 1923 film?
Hans Marr portrays the title role of Wilhelm Tell in the 1923 German silent film. Conrad Veidt, one of the most celebrated actors of the Weimar-era cinema, plays the antagonist Hermann Gessler, the tyrannical Austrian governor whose cruelty drives Tell to rebellion.
Is Wilhelm Tell (1923) based on a true story?
Wilhelm Tell is based on the legendary Swiss folk hero whose historical existence remains debated. The story is most famously dramatized in Friedrich Schiller's 1804 play. Tell is celebrated as a symbol of Swiss resistance against Habsburg oppression, though scholars consider him largely a mythological figure rather than a documented historical person.
Where can you stream Wilhelm Tell (1923)?
Streaming availability for Wilhelm Tell (1923) varies by region and platform. As a century-old silent film, it may be accessible through classic cinema archives, public domain repositories, or specialty streaming services. Visit JustWatch to compare current viewing options available in your region.
Who directed the 1923 Wilhelm Tell film?
The 1923 silent film Wilhelm Tell was co-directed by Rudolf Walther-Fein and Rudolf Dworsky. The film was produced in Germany and released on August 22, 1923, during the vibrant and artistically fertile period of Weimar-era German silent cinema.
What is the 1923 Wilhelm Tell film about?
The film dramatizes the legend of Wilhelm Tell, the Swiss national hero who defied Austrian Habsburg rule. It centers on Tell's act of rebellion against the tyrannical governor Gessler, including the iconic apple-shooting scene, and his role in inspiring the Swiss people's struggle for freedom and independence.
Who wrote the screenplay for Wilhelm Tell (1923)?
The screenplay for the 1923 silent film Wilhelm Tell was written by Willy Rath. The script draws on the enduring legend of the Swiss folk hero, most prominently shaped by Friedrich Schiller's celebrated 1804 stage play of the same name, which remains the definitive literary treatment of the Tell myth.
What genre is the 1923 Wilhelm Tell?
Wilhelm Tell (1923) is classified as a Drama. It is also a silent adventure film rooted in historical legend, blending epic storytelling with themes of tyranny, heroism, and national identity. The film belongs to the tradition of large-scale prestige productions that characterized German silent cinema of the early 1920s.
What role does Conrad Veidt play in Wilhelm Tell?
Conrad Veidt, already a major star of German Expressionist cinema following his iconic role in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), plays Hermann Gessler, the ruthless Austrian governor whose oppressive rule over the Swiss cantons provokes Wilhelm Tell's legendary act of defiance and the broader uprising for Swiss liberty.
More About Wilhelm Tell
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