The Making of a King

Original title: Der alte und der junge König - Friedrichs des Grossen Jugend

1935
1h 31m

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YOUR RATING

Werner Hinz and Emil Jannings in The Making of a King (1935)

The story of the stormy relationship between King Friedrich Wilhelm and his son, who later became known as King Frederick the Great of Prussia.The story of the stormy relationship between King Friedrich Wilhelm and his son, who later became known as King Frederick the Great of Prussia.The story of the stormy relationship between King Friedrich Wilhelm and his son, who later became known as King Frederick the Great of Prussia.

Director
- Hans Steinhoff
Writers
- Rolf Lauckner
- Thea von Harbou
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

120

YOUR RATING

Director
- Hans Steinhoff
Writers
- Rolf Lauckner
- Thea von Harbou
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 nomination

Trivia
The movie became the first movie of the national socialistic politic that required every student in Germany to see the movie in class.

Goofs
While the movie doesn't specifies when then first movie is set, it is clearly set around 1730. It is shown for King Frederic Wilhelm I to have 5 kids and Crown Prince Frederic, Princess Friederike (whom the king called "Fritzchen") and Priness Wilhelmine. However in real life he had 6 children who were alive, not including Wilhelmine, Friederike and Frederic, who were adults already.

Quotes
Friedrich Wilhelm I. König von Preussen: [last line, to his son Friedrich] Make Prussia great!

Crazy credits
The opening credits say "Inter Nationes shows a movie about a era of German History, which today lies beyond pro and contra of opinions. The conflict between fathers and sons however today is still valid.

Soundtracks
Flute Concerto in G Major - 3. Presto
(uncredited)
written by Johann Joachim Quantz
(played at the wedding of Prince Friedrich and Princess Elisabeth)

User reviews4

Review

Featured review

8/10

Excellent portrayal of Prussian nobility

Had this film been produced in America there can be no doubt that Emil Jannings would have collected the 1935 Oscar as best actor for his role as Frederick William I of Prussia. His performance was simply mesmerizing. Every scene is illuminated by his presence and the impact of his delivery makes one rethink the whole history of this much discussed period.

Known as the 'Soldier King', Frederick William has often been dismissed as an authoritarian ogre; an archetypal Prussian whose absolute rule terrorized his Court and his family. But the truth is certain to be more detailed than such a basic caricature. There was an honorable and well designed purpose to his ruthless authority and this production allows us to learn and experience that wisdom through the eyes of his more famous son, Frederick II (the Great).

Of course the restrictions of 1935 Nazi Germany prevented the clear depiction of young Frederick's homosexuality but allusions to it are clearly made. When standing before his father many years after the execution of his lover, young Federick reminds the old king of his torment. "Every night and every day I see Katte before me Your Majesty" explains the Crown Prince, "in fact he stands between us now." Wonderful stuff. A must see for all students of German history.