Rübezahl's Wedding 1916
Step back to 1916 and climb into the misty heights of the Tyrolean Alps with *Rübezahl's Wedding*, a rare fantasy gem from the silent era.
Director: Rochus Gliese
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rübezahl's Wedding (1916) about?
In *Rübezahl's Wedding*, a Tyrolean village ascends the Alps in search of a spot to celebrate spring and build a future. Festivities unfold with folk dances—until the mythical Rübezahl appears, threatening destruction if they don't retreat. The tale pits pastoral dreams against an ancient, unforgiving force of nature.
Who directed Rübezahl's Wedding?
The film was directed by Rochus Gliese, a German artist and filmmaker known for his visually inventive approach to early cinema.
Who stars in Rübezahl's Wedding?
The cast stars Arthur Ehrens as the nobleman leading the expedition, with Hedwig Gutzeit, Georg Jacoby, and Emilie Kurz among the villagers facing Rübezahl's wrath.
Is Rübezahl's Wedding (1916) worth watching?
As a silent-era fantasy with historical curiosity value, *Rübezahl's Wedding* offers a brief but memorable glimpse into early filmmaking and Germanic folklore. While not widely known today, it's a treat for silent cinema fans and those exploring the roots of fantasy film. Its short runtime and unique premise make it a niche yet worthwhile watch.
How long is Rübezahl's Wedding?
The film has a runtime of 83 minutes.
About Rübezahl's Wedding (1916) — A Silent-Era Alpine Fantasy Turned Dark
Step back to 1916 and climb into the misty heights of the Tyrolean Alps with *Rübezahl's Wedding*, a rare fantasy gem from the silent era. Directed by Rochus Gliese and led by Arthur Ehrens as the town's noble guide, this 83-minute short film captures a quaint spring festival on the mountainside—complete with children's folk dances and the promise of new homes for the villagers. But the revelry is shattered when a towering, supernatural figure known as Rübezahl emerges, casting a dark shadow over the celebration and demanding the people leave immediately. The film blends folklore with early cinematic enchantment, weaving a tale of wonder and sudden menace against breathtaking alpine backdrops.
Though rooted in silent-era simplicity, *Rübezahl's Wedding* (1916) endures as a fascinating artifact of fantasy cinema, where myth and village life collide in a fleeting, atmospheric spectacle. The contrast between pastoral innocence and looming supernatural dread gives the story its haunting charm, while Gliese's direction lends a dreamlike quality to the proceedings. It's a snapshot of a time when storytelling on screen was just beginning to explore the boundaries between reality and legend.