The Silent Star
Der schweigende Stern
“You are there … on man’s most incredible journey!”
Synopsis
A mysterious magnetic spool found during a construction project is discovered to have originated from Venus. A rocket expedition to Venus is launched to discover the origin of the spool and the race that created it.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
ClipOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2025-06-10
Top Cast
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Oldřich Lukeš
Prof. Harringway Hawling
Ignacy Machowski
Prof. Saltyk
Julius Ongewe
Talua, afrikanischer Fernsehtechniker
Mikhail Postnikov
Prof. Arsenew
Kurt Rackelmann
Prof. Sikarna
Günther Simon
Robert Brinkmann, deutscher Pilot
Hua-Ta Tang
Dr. Tchen Yu
Lucyna Winnicka
Joan Moran
Yoko Tani
Sumiko Ogimura, japanische Ärztin
Ruth-Maria Kubitschek
Frau Arsenjew
Eva-Maria Hagen
Reporterin
Karen Fredersdorf
Binkmans Mutter
Werner Senftleben
Funker
Nico Turoff
Wüstenarbeiter (uncredited)
Eduard von Winterstein
Weimann, Kernphysiker
Stanisław Igar
Scientist (uncredited)
Artur Młodnicki
Scientist (uncredited)
Józef Pieracki
Scientist (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Melbourne International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
October 31, 1962
Wide Cinema Exhibition
November 9, 2011
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Kurt Maetzig
- Screenplay & Story
- Stanisław Lem, Jan Fethke, Alexander Stenbock-Fermor, Günter Reisch, Günther Rücker, Wolfgang Kohlhaase, Kurt Maetzig
- Original Score
- Andrzej Markowski, Gordon Zahler
- Original Title
- Der schweigende Stern
- Country of Origin
- East Germany, Poland
- Spoken Languages
- English, German
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Studios
- DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme, Crown International Pictures, Zespół Filmowy "Iluzjon"
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Kurt Maetzig
Stanisław Lem, Jan Fethke, Alexander Stenbock-Fermor, Günter Reisch, Günther Rücker, Wolfgang Kohlhaase, Kurt Maetzig
Andrzej Markowski, Gordon Zahler
Joachim Hasler
Lena Neumann
Department Leadership Roster
Kurt Maetzig
Director
Anatol Radzinowicz
Production Design
Andrzej Markowski
Original Music Composer
Joachim Hasler
Director of Photography
Lena Neumann
Editor
Elli-Charlotte Löffler
Costume Design
Jan Fethke
Writer
Alexander Stenbock-Fermor
Writer
Günter Reisch
Writer
Günther Rücker
Writer
Wolfgang Kohlhaase
Writer
Kurt Maetzig
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Silent Star.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Silent Star
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Silent Star about?
A mysterious magnetic spool found during a construction project is discovered to have originated from Venus. A rocket expedition to Venus is launched to discover the origin of the spool and the race that created it.
Who directed The Silent Star?
The Silent Star was directed by Kurt Maetzig.
Who stars in The Silent Star?
The principal cast of The Silent Star includes Oldřich Lukeš, Ignacy Machowski, Julius Ongewe, Mikhail Postnikov, Kurt Rackelmann.
When was The Silent Star released and how long is it?
The Silent Star was released in 1960 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.
Who composed the musical score for The Silent Star?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Silent Star was composed by Andrzej Markowski, Gordon Zahler.
Is The Silent Star based on a book or true story?
The Silent Star is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Stanisław Lem".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Silent Star?
The Silent Star holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).