Dance on the Volcano

Dance on the Volcano (German: Tanz auf dem Vulkan) is a 1938 German historical musical comedy film directed by Hans Steinhoff and starring Gustaf Gründgens, Sybille Schmitz and Ralph Arthur Roberts.[1] [2] It was shot at the Johannisthal Studios in Berlin. The film's sets were designed by the art director Rochus Gliese. A light-hearted costume film, the production was a significant departure for both its director, best known for his Nazi-supporting propaganda films, and its star Gründgens, celebrated as a classical actor.[3]

For the silent film, see Daughter of the Night (film).
Dance on the Volcano
Directed byHans Steinhoff
Written byHans Rehberg
Hans Steinhoff
Peter Hagen
Produced byWerner Kortwich
StarringGustaf Gründgens
Sybille Schmitz
Ralph Arthur Roberts
CinematographyEwald Daub
Edited byMartha Dübber
Music byTheo Mackeben
Production
company
Majestic Film
Distributed byTobis Film
Release date
30 November 1938
Running time
86 minutes
CountryGermany
LanguageGerman

It made significant changes to the historical story, including turning Jean-Gaspard Deburau from a mime into a singer. Gründgens was unhappy with his performance, while both Adolf Hitler and the Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels were critical of the production. This had led to some sources mistakenly suggesting it was either banned or had its release delayed for several years. In fact, the film was given an immediatate release and appears to have been popular with contemporary audiences.[4]

Synopsis

In Paris in 1830, the popular singer Jean-Gaspard Deburau performs in front of large crowds Théâtre des Funambules every evening. In the day he secretly write satirical ballads against the reactionary reign of Charles X. When both men compete for the romantic affections of Countess Cambouilly, Debureau begins to openly sing his attacks on the monarch. He is sentenced to death, but is rescued on the steps of the guillotine when the people of Paris rise up and overthrow the King, driving him from the country and placing his cousin Louis Phillipe on the throne.

Cast

References
  1. Niven p.281
  2. O'Brien p.19
  3. O'Brien p.19
  4. O'Brien p.19-20

Bibliography
  • Klaus, Ulrich J. Deutsche Tonfilme: Jahrgang 1938. Klaus-Archiv, 1988.
  • Niven, Bill, Hitler and Film: The Führer's Hidden Passion. Yale University Press, 2018.
  • O'Brien, Mary-Elizabeth. Nazi Cinema as Enchantment: The Politics of Entertainment in the Third Reich. Camden House, 2006.
  • Rentschler, Eric. The Ministry of Illusion: Nazi Cinema and Its Afterlife. Harvard University Press, 1996.
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