May I Call You Petruschka?

(Darf ich Petruschka zu Dir sagen?)

GDR, 1980, 91 min, color
In German; no subtitles
Credits:
Director
Script
Dramaturg
Editor
Camera
Set Design
Costume Design
Music (Score)
Other
Cast

Synopsis

Peter, a 35-year-old ballet soloist, is giving his final performance tonight. For the last time, he sits in his dressing-room, is made up, goes on stage, savours the audience's applause, and is overcome with the realization that the career he has poured his life and passion into has come to an end.

 

Peter thinks back on his successful artistic career and his life together with fellow dancer Lotte. The couple met while working at the same opera house, fell in love, married, and had a child together. When Lotte became seriously ill, no one knew whether she would be able to dance again. It took both incredible talent and extreme dedication for the couple to overcome this challenge and become internationally renowned ballet soloists.

Commentary

The roles of Peter and Lotte are performed by professional dancers Frank and Hannelore Bey, with dialogue syncronized by voice actors. Approximately one-third of the film consists of scenes from famous ballets, allowing the Beys to showcase their artistic talents.

Availability

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