The story of the stormy relationship between King Friedrich Wilhelm and his son, who later became known as King Frederick the Great of Prussia.
Acting
Jannings' volcanic rage—silent film titan refusing to whisper.
Production
1935 Nazi-era Prussian propaganda accidentally humanizes the monster.
Director
Hans Steinhoff
Emil Jannings
König Friedrich Wilhelm I.
Werner Hinz
Kronprinz Friedrich
Leopoldine Konstantin
Königin Sophie
Carola Höhn
Kronprinzessin
Georg Alexander
Erbprinz von Bayreuth
Fritz Odemar
Hotham
Paul Henckels
Pesne
Claus Clausen
Leutnant Hans Hermann von Katte
Marieluise Claudius
Prinzessin Wilhelmine
Ellen Frank
Gräfin Arnim
Ruth Eweler
Frl. von Sonsfeld
Emilia Unda
Frau von Ramen
Egon Brosig
2. Wucherer
Albert Florath
Pfarrer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made under Goebbels' watch, this was meant to glorify Prussian militarism—yet Jannings' performance accidentally exposes the rot at its core.
Jannings, the first Best Actor Oscar winner, became the Nazis' favorite star. His collaboration haunted his legacy forever.
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