Different from the Others (partially lost silent German film; 1919)

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Kino Films DVD cover.

Status: Partially Lost


Different From The Others (Anders als die Andern) is a German silent film from 1919.[1] It is the earliest-known sympathetic portrayal of homosexuality in cinema. The film was made to protest a German law that made homosexual behavior a criminal offense. It was planned and partially funded by an organization whose purpose was to create "sexual freedom" for people of all sexual identities.

Plot

The plot revolved around a closeted homosexual violinist and teacher. After falling in love with one of his students, he decides to come open with him. The two hit it off romantically, and all goes well until someone creates a scandal out of it. Their partnership goes public, and the violinist's career is ruined. He commits suicide and many mourn his death and discrimination.

Reception and Banning

The film was considered controversial by general public, but it was praised by the homosexual community in Germany at the time.[2] Many homosexuals felt that it offered an effective commentary on society's stance on the subject, reflecting how many homosexual Germans were committing suicide around this time. Many who saw the film claimed that it moved them to tears.

The film was eventually banned from viewing from anyone except doctors, lawyers, and medical researchers, and by 1933, when the Nazis came into power, the film was among many works that were burned.

Availability

The film was thought completely lost save for a single copy until a 50-minute fragment of the film was found in the mid-1970s.[3] Despite the original running time being unknown, the plot remained mostly intact. A few reconstruction efforts were made for some DVD releases, and while some of the film is missing, the fragment's discovery was met positively.

References

  1. Wikipedia article. Retrieved 17 Mar '16.
  2. New York Times article about the film. Retrieved 17 Mar '16.
  3. Amazon link the Kino DVD release. Retrieved 17 Mar '16.