Episode 159 – G.W. Pabst’s The Threepenny Opera

Scott, David, and Ryan discuss the politics, authorship, and simple pleasures of the 1931 musical film.

This time on the podcast, Scott is joined by David Blakeslee and Ryan Gallagher to discuss G.W. Pabst’s 1931 film The Threepenny Opera.

About the film:

The sly melodies of composer Kurt Weill and the daring of dramatist Bertolt Brecht come together on-screen under the direction of German auteur G. W. Pabst (Pandora’s Box) in this classic adaptation of the Weimar-era theatrical sensation. Set in the impoverished back alleys of Victorian London, The Threepenny Opera follows underworld antihero Mackie Messer (a.k.a. Mack the Knife) as he tries to woo Polly Peachum and elude the authorities. With its palpable evocation of corruption and dread, set to Weill’s irresistible score, The Threepenny Opera remains a benchmark of early sound cinema. It is presented here in both its celebrated German and rare French versions.

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Buy The Film On Amazon:

Watch Kevin B. Lee’s video essay on the film:

Episode Links:

The Threepenny Opera (1931) – The Criterion Collection
The Threepenny Opera, by Anneliese Varaldiev – The Criterion Collection
The Threepenny Opera: Doubles and Duplicities – The Criterion Collection
The Threepenny Opera (1931) – IMDb
The Threepenny Opera (1931 film) – Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia
Criterion Reflections: The Threepenny Opera (1931) – #405
The Threepenny Opera (1931) – The New York Times
Three Penny Opera: Brecht vs. Pabst, by Jan-Christopher Horak
The Threepenny Opera, by David Kalat – TCM
Will the Shark Bite? G.W. Pabst and The Threepenny Opera – Bright Lights
Shooting Down Pictures – The Threepenny Opera

Episode Credits:

Scott Nye (Twitter / Battleship Pretension)
David Blakeslee (Twitter / Criterion Reflections)
Ryan Gallagher (Twitter / Website)

Music from this episode is by Bobby Darin and Nina Simone.