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Bel Canto or May a Hooker Sob?

‘Belcanto oder Darf eine Nutte schluchzen?’, FRG 1977, directed by Robert van Ackeren, 95 min, with English subtitles, rated: 12 

This stylized satire, inspired by Heinrich Mann’s novel ‘A World Reception’, sheds light on the ominous alliance of money and culture. An unsuccessful theatre manager tries to raise money for a new opera house (thereby also securing his own career) at a gala with personalities from the cultural and financial world. But he fails miserably. Cult performers such as Kurt Raab, Udo Kier, and Romy Haag, and the film’s expressive black-and-white images, exaggerated gestures, and a cappella singing, offer viewers an unusual cinematic experience.

Featuring: Kurt Raab, Romy Haag, Udo Kier, Nikolaus Dutsch, Helga Krauss, Gabriele LaFari

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