Prince of Hamburg, The

Written in 1811, shortly before his suicide at the age of 34, Heinrich Von Kleist's "The Prince of Homburg" is a strangely haunting drama based on a 17th century story about a Prussian nobleman who, in disobeying military orders, is sentenced to death, but nevertheless defeats the invading Swedish forces. Von Kleist transforms this incident into an exploration of reality and dream, passion and dissemblance, cowardice and bravado. Written as if by the very spirit of poetry, Von Kleist's "Prince" stars Frank Langella and represents an exuberance in the triumphs of life. This hitherto unknown German classic was given its American premiere by New York City's renowned experimental Chelsea Theater Center and was shot entirely on location at the famous Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville, North Carolina.

1977, Drama, 120 minutes, Color

Cast: Frank Langella, Randy Danson, M'el Dowd


Written by: Heinrich Von Kleist

Music by: Mel Marvin

Directed by: Kirk Browning


Produced by: Lindsay Law

Executive Producer: Jac Venza


A presentation of Thirteen/WNET New York: Great Performances, Theater In America 1977


Productions Stills