Jedermann

In 1920 at the start of the first Salzburger Festspiele Max Reinhardt staged for the first time Von Hoffmannstal's version of the mythical play Jedermann (Everyman); the staging of this play would become a tradition, still every year the Salzburger Festspiele start with Jedermann.

The production of 1961 was documented on film by Reinhardt's son Gottfried Reinhardt. He justly did not try to adapt the play into film, but made a well-done registration of the play. There is one big difference however: the film starts (scene: voice of God) on the traditional place for the staging of the play (the Domplatz in front of the Cathedral), but soon leaves this place and the rest of the play takes place in and on different places in Salzburg and its environment, only to end on the Domplatz.

Maybe not a great cinematic treat, but very interesting viewing for the play itself and for a cast that includes some of the most important names of the Austrian (and German) theater at the time. And last but not least a historically important film for its documentation of a Max Reinhardt staging, though some changes vis-à-vis the 1920 staging are to be expected. Some prior knowledge of the play and Max Reinhardt may be required; a must-see for students of the German culture and language.