The demonisation of director Veit Harlan resulting from his notorious film 'Jud Suss' has been well documented.
A year earlier he made 'The Immortal Heart' which although not one of his greatest has touches of the master film-maker that he undoubdtedly was.
It is a biopic covering the final years in the life of Peter Henlein, inventor of the world's first pocket watch and based upon the play 'The Nuremburg Egg' by Veit's father Walter.
Henlein is played by one of the greatest actors of all time, Heinrich George and playing his wife Ev is Kristina Soederbaum both of whom were to appear in 'Jud Suss'.
Ev is much younger than Peter and one cannot help but sympathise with her as she lies in bed each night hoping for some 'tender loving care' whilst he is downstairs slaving over his invention. Bearing in mind that he has a wonky heart it is likely that had he fulfilled his marital duties he would not have lived long enough to invent the watch! Unsurprisingly they part but are reunited just before he expires. Their scenes together are excellent as his single mindedness is in contrast to her strong emotions. Ironically Kristina plays the inventor's third wife whilst also being the third wife of the director! Excellent support also from Paul Wegener as Henlein's doctor.
There is a great sense of time and place here as we really feel we are in 16th Century Nuremburg. Despite an indifferent print one can still appreciate Bruno Mondi's work as lighting cameraman. One of the most striking features is the inspired use of the music of J. S. Bach especially in the opening and closing sequences.
Far from being a classic this piece has a great deal to recommend it and like all of Harlan's films, including 'Jud Suss'(!) is worthy of consideration.
2 Reviews
One of the many light entertainment films done during that period
cynthiahost22 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of Veit Harlands non propaganda films. Honest accurate autobiography of the creators of the pocket watch. It's more honest than his next film that he was possibly shooting simultaneously or planning ,which would be released in 1940, Judd Suss.The problem is that Kristine Soderbaum is mismatched as the inventors wife. He's too old for her.The love scene's are laughable and unbelievable.Rejected from the inventors affections,she turn to his assistant, that I thought was his son.The beginning scene shows Him and his assistant on a ship during a storm. The men on the ship are racing around because of the fear the ship going to sink. They threaten him but then they all jump the ship. Heinrch jumps at the end holding the globe to float on. All of a sudden the scene jumps to the next scene and they have already been rescued.The assistant is cleaning a gun ant it goes off hitting Hein and injuring him. Then next scene ,editing jump,is in the middle of a court room trial scene ,as if some scene are missing,to find out who's responsible for the ship disaster.It's during the time he locks the door and Chrisitne is trying to come in ,that inspires him to invent the pocket watch.Inspite of editing glitches. It's a very good movie. Paul Wegner ,of Golem fame,plays the doctor,who get's rid of the bullet from his wound . George put's off the operation cause it's dangerous. Creating the pocket watch before his death. His wife nagging him makes him go up to a tower to finish the invention.The costumes on some of the actors especially Soderbaums looks as if they got it from a Holloween costume shop.Probably the budget.Don't let this throw you off it's a good movie.
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