Das hölzerne Kälbchen

Synopsis

"Das hölzerne Kälbchen" (The Wooden Calf) is a 1961 German film featuring Günther Haack. The story is adapted from a play by Bertolt Brecht and explores themes of deception, justice, and moral ambiguity. Centered on a narrative involving a mysterious wooden calf used as a pivotal plot device, the film delves into human greed and societal hypocrisy, presenting a dramatic, theatrical experience with sharp dialogues and compelling performances. With its roots in Brechtian dramatics, the film challenges traditional storytelling through a mixture of symbolism and social critique, offering audiences both entertainment and intellectual engagement.

Cast

• 

  Günther Haack

  Bürle

• Ursula Alberts

  Frau des Bürle

• Kurt Steingraf

  Schultheiß

• 

  Gertrud Brendler

  Frau des Schultheiß

• Willi Neuenhahn

  Schmied

• 

  Lore Frisch

  Frau des Schmieds

Reviews

Critical reception of "Das hölzerne Kälbchen" is mixed but leans positively, particularly among fans of classic German cinema and Brechtian theater adaptations. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.6/10, indicating moderate approval. Reviewers have praised Günther Haack's performance for bringing depth and nuance to the complex characters. Critics highlight the film's faithful adaptation of Brecht's themes and its atmospheric direction that effectively captures the tone of the source material. However, some reviews note that the pacing might feel slow for contemporary viewers accustomed to more dynamic storytelling. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a compiled rating for this film, reflecting its niche audience and limited modern distribution. Metacritic similarly lacks data, which is common for films from this era and region. Overall, "Das hölzerne Kälbchen" is valued for its artistic merit and historical significance in German cinema rather than broad mainstream appeal, often recommended for enthusiasts of theatrical film and classic European narratives.