The Buddenbrooks

‘Die Buddenbrooks’, GER 1923, directed by Gerhard Lamprecht, 106 min, with English subtitles, rating: 0

Thomas Mann’s eponymous family saga, which was published in 1901 and follows the decline of a merchant family in Lübeck, was filmed for the first time in 1923. While the novel takes place in the 19th century, this film is the only adaptation to date that shifts the story to a contemporary setting. Director Gerhard Lamprecht lays his focus on the contrasting personalities of the two brothers, Thomas and Christian Buddenbrook. Thomas successfully manages the family business; however, Christian’s hedonistic tastes plunge them into bankruptcy. His actions also lead to disastrous consequences for their sister Tony. This tinted silent motion picture was restored in 2024 and given a new musical score by Marco Brosolo. It is being streamed online for the first time in 2025, which marks the 150th anniversary of Thomas Mann’s birth. 

Featuring: Alfred Abel, Peter Esser, Hildegard Imhoff, Mady Christians u. a. 

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