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Poster for The Tales of Hoffmann

The Tales of Hoffmann

Seen it?

1951 | 127 min | Music, Fantasy, Drama

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for fantasy fans. If you loved TÁR or Dreamgirls, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 7 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1951: an older pace and style.

A melancholy poet reflects on three women he loved and lost in the past: a mechanical performing doll, a Venetian courtesan, and the consumptive daughter of a celebrated composer.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 2 Oscars.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 34K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

  • Moira ShearerStella / Olympia
  • Ludmilla TchérinaGiulietta
  • Pamela BrownNiklaus
  • Léonide MassineSpalanzani / Schlemil / Franz
  • Ann AyarsAntonia
  • Robert HelpmannLindorf / Coppelius / Dapertutto / Dr. Miracle
  • Frederick AshtonKleinsach / Cochenille
  • Robert RounsevilleHoffmann
  • Mogens WiethCrespel
  • Lionel HarrisPitichinaccio