Don Juan - Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 78 (Don Juan – 78 Karl Liebknecht Street)

1978, color, 95 min. Feature
Dir.: Siegfried Kühn
Script: Siegfried Kühn
Camera: Claus Neumann
Music: Karl-Ernst Sasse
Cast: Hilmar Thate, Eva Szykulska, Beata Tyszkiewicz, Jürgen Freier, Carin Abicht, Heidrun Halx, Hilmar Baumann, Trude Bechmann, et al.
VHS-PAL, no subtitles - renting information

Synopsis:

Berlin opera director Andrei Vishnevsky decides to put on a provincial production of "Don Giovanni."  In his efforts to surmount the tired, conventional way of performing the piece, he comes across a host of difficulties, especially concerning the interpretation of the titular role.  This leads to conflict, but eventually gives way to mutual consent.  With regard to his love life, however, the director comes out looking less well.  Vera, the female vocalist playing Donna Anna, is an old flame of Andrei who fosters new hope for him.  Yet he also stalks Beate, the singer of the Donna Elvira role.  In the end, he declares his love for Vera with solidarity, so that the modern Don Juan is essentially having a go at the soubrette, though he also happens to be a married father with children.  Despite the backstage drama, the production becomes a success.