
The Tales of Hoffmann
Seen it?1951 | 127 min | Music, Fantasy, Drama
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
More like this
TÁRFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed music film.
DreamgirlsSaturday SpecialAnother musical drama, and a Saturday Special.
MariaSunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Before I FallSunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Take the LeadWeeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
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