The Wild Duck
Die Wildente
Synopsis
Consul Werle holds a reception in honour of the homecoming of his son Gregers. At the reception, Gregers meets his childhood friend, Hjalmar Ekdal, who is married to Gina, a former maid of the Werle family. Hjalmar is unaware that Werle had an affair with Gina and that their 14-year-old daughter Hedwig is not his child. Gregers moves in with the Ekdals with the intention of allowing unsuspecting Hjalmar and his family to share in the "happiness of truth". Hedwig is entirely devoted to a wild duck, which lives on a pond outside their house. When Hjalmar learns the truth about his daughter, he wants to leave his family. Gregers advises Hedwig to kill the wild duck so that her father, impressed by this sacrifice, will return home. On the following day, Hedwig's birthday, she doesn't shoot the duck, but shoots herself instead.
Top Cast
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Bruno Ganz
Gregers Werle
Peter Kern
Hjalmar Ekdal
Anne Bennent
Hedvig, seine Tochter
Jean Seberg
Gina Ekdal, seine Frau
Martin Flörchinger
Alter Ekdal
Heinz Moog
Konsul Werle
Heinz Bennent
Dr. Relling
Sonja Sutter
Frau Sörby
Robert Werner
Molvik
Guido Wieland
Pettersen
Uwe Falkenbach
Der Kahle
Erich Aberle
der Dicke
Bruno Thost
Der Kurzsichtige
Anton Duschek
Graberg
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 28, 1977
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Hans W. Geißendörfer
- Screenplay & Story
- Hans W. Geißendörfer, Henrik Ibsen
- Original Score
- Niels Janette Walen
- Original Title
- Die Wildente
- Country of Origin
- Austria, Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Production Studios
- Solaris Film, Sascha-Film Produktions GmbH, WDR
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Hans W. Geißendörfer
Hans W. Geißendörfer, Henrik Ibsen
Niels Janette Walen
Robby Müller
Jutta Brandstaedter
Bernd Eichinger
Department Leadership Roster
Hans W. Geißendörfer
Director
Lambert Hofer Jr.
Costume Design
Edith Almoslino
Costume Design
Hans W. Geißendörfer
Writer
Robby Müller
Director of Photography
Jutta Brandstaedter
Editor
Bernd Eichinger
Producer
Niels Janette Walen
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Wild Duck.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Wild Duck
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Wild Duck about?
Consul Werle holds a reception in honour of the homecoming of his son Gregers. At the reception, Gregers meets his childhood friend, Hjalmar Ekdal, who is married to Gina, a former maid of the Werle family. Hjalmar is unaware that Werle had an affair with Gina and that their 14-year-old daughter Hedwig is not his child. Gregers moves in with the Ekdals with the intention of allowing unsuspecting Hjalmar and his family to share in the "happiness of truth". Hedwig is entirely devoted to a wild duck, which lives on a pond outside their house. When Hjalmar learns the truth about his daughter, he wants to leave his family. Gregers advises Hedwig to kill the wild duck so that her father, impressed by this sacrifice, will return home. On the following day, Hedwig's birthday, she doesn't shoot the duck, but shoots herself instead.
Who directed The Wild Duck?
The Wild Duck was directed by Hans W. Geißendörfer.
Who stars in The Wild Duck?
The principal cast of The Wild Duck includes Bruno Ganz, Peter Kern, Anne Bennent, Jean Seberg, Martin Flörchinger.
When was The Wild Duck released and how long is it?
The Wild Duck was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 1h 45m.
Who composed the musical score for The Wild Duck?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Wild Duck was composed by Niels Janette Walen.