DER VERUNTREUTE HIMMEL is one of the films that Ernst Marischka directed after SISSI trilogy. This time, he based his film on the novel by Franz Werfel, famous for THE SONG OF BERNADETTE. The movie, though old, has a very universal content and its basic message is salvation and human struggle for right deeds.
When I saw this movie, I must admit that I absolutely loved it. The story of Teta Linek, though may seem quite naive, is very touching. We are all led to illusion by some events in our lives that later turn out not to be true and disappoint us. Having been told lies for twenty years, Teta finally finds out the truth about her nephew Mojmir. I felt empathy with her throughout the movie. Annie Rosar, one of the best Austrian actresses of that time, was incredible in this role - GREAT ACTING, MARVELOUS PERFORMANCE!
DER VERUNTREUTE HIMMEL remained in my heart thanks to other factors as well, particularly, very good cast! Except for already mentioned Annie Rosar, Vilma Degischer, famous archduchess Sophie in Sissi trilogy, gives a memorable performance as Livia Argan; Hans Holt, a very good Austrian actor who played in the Viennese theaters, performs wonderfully as the priest; gorgeous Lotte Lang who was the symbol of Austrian comedy in post war period, portrays Mojmir's mother authentically and lively; and, without doubt, Kurt Meisel shines in his role as Mojmir portraying his unstable character combined with selfish "ego-propaganda".
However, the most important fact about this movie is the moment in the second half. Any viewer will be absolutely surprised. The pope Pius XII (pontiff 1939-1958) himself takes part in the film. The real audience is shot, which was very rare for 1958. Then, the pope was closed in Vatican City for most of his pontiff. This is the scene that makes this movie worth watching for. REALLY INCREDIBLE!
I would recommend everyone to see this movie at least once. IF YOU ARE FED UP WITH VIOLENCE, MURDER AND EXAGGERATED SEX IN THE MOVIES, THIS FILM IS REALLY FOR YOU. 9/10
When I saw this movie, I must admit that I absolutely loved it. The story of Teta Linek, though may seem quite naive, is very touching. We are all led to illusion by some events in our lives that later turn out not to be true and disappoint us. Having been told lies for twenty years, Teta finally finds out the truth about her nephew Mojmir. I felt empathy with her throughout the movie. Annie Rosar, one of the best Austrian actresses of that time, was incredible in this role - GREAT ACTING, MARVELOUS PERFORMANCE!
DER VERUNTREUTE HIMMEL remained in my heart thanks to other factors as well, particularly, very good cast! Except for already mentioned Annie Rosar, Vilma Degischer, famous archduchess Sophie in Sissi trilogy, gives a memorable performance as Livia Argan; Hans Holt, a very good Austrian actor who played in the Viennese theaters, performs wonderfully as the priest; gorgeous Lotte Lang who was the symbol of Austrian comedy in post war period, portrays Mojmir's mother authentically and lively; and, without doubt, Kurt Meisel shines in his role as Mojmir portraying his unstable character combined with selfish "ego-propaganda".
However, the most important fact about this movie is the moment in the second half. Any viewer will be absolutely surprised. The pope Pius XII (pontiff 1939-1958) himself takes part in the film. The real audience is shot, which was very rare for 1958. Then, the pope was closed in Vatican City for most of his pontiff. This is the scene that makes this movie worth watching for. REALLY INCREDIBLE!
I would recommend everyone to see this movie at least once. IF YOU ARE FED UP WITH VIOLENCE, MURDER AND EXAGGERATED SEX IN THE MOVIES, THIS FILM IS REALLY FOR YOU. 9/10