Les Contes d'Hoffmann
Synopsis
Seeking to exorcise the failure of his current love affair, the poet Hoffmann tells the tales of his three past loves - the doll-like Olympia, the high-class courtesan Giulietta, and the ambitious but delicate Antonia - and recalls how each was thwarted by the evil influence of his rival. In this production by the distinguished film director, John Schlesinger, with spectacular designs by Maria Bjornson and William Dudley, Offenbach's nightmare world is brought to life. The all-star cast is headed by Placido Domingo as Hoffmann: his three loves are Ileana Cotrubas, Anges Baltsa and Luciana Serra and the manifestations of his rival are sung by Geraint Evans, Robert Lloyd, Siegmund Nimsgern and Nicola Ghiuselev. The score, which includes such favourites as the "Barcarolle" and the "Doll's Song", is conducted by Georges Pretre.
Top Cast
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Plácido Domingo
Hoffmann
Agnes Baltsa
Giulietta
Robert Lloyd
Lindorf
Ileana Cotrubas
Antonia
Luciana Serra
Olympia
Geraint Evans
Coppélius
Nicolai Ghiuselev
Miracle
Gwynne Howell
Crespel
Claire Powell
Nicklaus/Muse
Siegmund Nimsgern
Dapertutto
Philip Gelling
Schlemil
Francis Egerton
Pittichinaccio
Phyllis Cannan
Spirit of Antonia's Mother
Eric Garrett
Luther
Georges Prêtre
Self - Conductor
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Brian Large, John Schlesinger
- Screenplay & Story
- E. T. A. Hoffmann, Jules Barbier
- Original Score
- Jacques Offenbach
- Original Title
- Les Contes d'Hoffmann
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Brian Large, John Schlesinger
E. T. A. Hoffmann, Jules Barbier
Jacques Offenbach
Department Leadership Roster
Brian Large
Director
William Dudley
Production Design
Jacques Offenbach
Original Music Composer
Jules Barbier
Writer
John Schlesinger
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Les Contes d'Hoffmann.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Royal Opera.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Les Contes d'Hoffmann
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Les Contes d'Hoffmann about?
Seeking to exorcise the failure of his current love affair, the poet Hoffmann tells the tales of his three past loves - the doll-like Olympia, the high-class courtesan Giulietta, and the ambitious but delicate Antonia - and recalls how each was thwarted by the evil influence of his rival. In this production by the distinguished film director, John Schlesinger, with spectacular designs by Maria Bjornson and William Dudley, Offenbach's nightmare world is brought to life. The all-star cast is headed by Placido Domingo as Hoffmann: his three loves are Ileana Cotrubas, Anges Baltsa and Luciana Serra and the manifestations of his rival are sung by Geraint Evans, Robert Lloyd, Siegmund Nimsgern and Nicola Ghiuselev. The score, which includes such favourites as the "Barcarolle" and the "Doll's Song", is conducted by Georges Pretre.
Who directed Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
Les Contes d'Hoffmann was directed by Brian Large, John Schlesinger.
Who stars in Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
The principal cast of Les Contes d'Hoffmann includes Plácido Domingo, Agnes Baltsa, Robert Lloyd, Ileana Cotrubas, Luciana Serra.
When was Les Contes d'Hoffmann released and how long is it?
Les Contes d'Hoffmann was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 2h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Les Contes d'Hoffmann was composed by Jacques Offenbach.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
Les Contes d'Hoffmann holds official age classifications: GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.).