S2E09 - The Flame [1923] with Stefan Drössler

For our season finale, we’re excited to welcome Munich Film Museum director Stefan Drössler to discuss the (mostly) lost film THE FLAME. Stefan was responsible for the reconstructions of both THE FLAME and THE LOVES OF THE PHARAOH, and shares his insights into all elements of the restoration process: handling and structuring the film elements, creating (or recreating) the soundtracks, and speculative tinting. We also discuss the state of the German and American film industries circa 1923, Lubitsch’s decision to leave for America, his German identity, and the fates of many of Lubitsch’s German collaborators.

Gloria Mercer was our dialogue editor for this episode.

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Thanks to the guests who lent their time and support to this season: Luci Marzola, Jaime Rebanal, Tim Brayton, David Cairns, Maddie Whittle, Paul Cuff, Bram Ruiter, Willa Ross, Kristin Thompson, and Stefan Drössler.

Our editors, Griffin Sheel and Gloria Mercer.

And others who lent valuable counsel and support: Anna Citak-Scott, Dave Kehr and the MOMA, David Cairns, Jose Arroyo, Matt Severson and the Margaret Herrick Library, and many others.

We have a Discord!

NEXT WEEK:

That brings us to the end of Lubitsch’s Berlin period and, thusly, the end of season 2! Join us in July when we return for our third season in which we cover Lubitsch’s American silent period.

WORKS CITED:

FILM HISTORY: THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY Vol. 21 No. 3: Ernst Lubitsch and EFA by Stefan Drössler

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER Trailer