1971-1980 Classics Drama Egon Günther Germany

Egon Günther – Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (1976)

adminFebruary 4, 2023

0 457

Rebellious young Werther is passionately, but hopelessly, in love with Lotte. Although he knows that she is married to somebody who can offer her a secure future, Werther tries to be near her. Lotte cannot decide between these two men. She eventually rejects Werther, who does not survive her decision. Based on the novel by Goethe. Director Egon Günther and set designer Helga Schütz make cameo appearances.
—DEFA Film Library

The last letters written by Werther, who put an end to his life because of thwarted love, are handed over to a befriended Leipzig publisher by Wilhelm, an intimate friend of Werther’s. The letters conjure up past times and events: Werther receives an invitation to a ball. Before going to the ball, he visits Lotte’s parental home, becomes acquainted with her in the intimate circle of her siblings, enjoys her company at the ball, dances with her, and is henceforth unable to part with her company. He visits her again and again, accompanies her on strolls. Yet he comes to realize that she is unattainable: she is engaged.

Werther strives to separate himself from her. He works – far away from his beloved – in law chambers, experiences the humiliation and conceit of vainglorious aristocrats. And he returns to Lotte, who, in the meantime, has married Albert. Werther is not able to rein in his passion; Lotte puts him in his place. Werther, the unhappy lover, shoots himself with Albert’s pistol. No clergyman accompanies the coffin; Albert is preoccupied with his legal documents. (Source: Progress Film-Verleih)