Romeo und Julia im Schnee / Kohlhiesls Töchter

With live musical accompaniment by Florian C. Reithner

Lubitsch meets Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet are the enamoured offspring of two hostile peasant families from the Black Forest. Instead of the death potion, sugar water is served, and the tragedy ultimately turns into a grotesque farce between Capulethofers and Montekuglers. With KOHLHIESL'S DAUGHTER, the setting changes to the Bavarian mountains, where the director moves The Taming of the Shrew, but remains at least as amusing: Henny Porten in a double role as prickly Liesel and sweet Gretel, who is courted by two marriage-minded suitors. The wintry farce (including wild slippery scenes) is considered Lubitsch's most popular German comedy and is now being shown in Vienna for the first time in a brand new restoration. (Florian Widegger)