Watch The Threepenny Opera

The Threepenny Opera is a German musical film from 1931 that is based on the play of the same name by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill. The film is directed by G.W. Pabst and stars Rudolf Forster, Lotte Lenya, and Carola Neher in the lead roles. The story is set in Victorian London and revolves around the infamous "Mack the Knife," played by Forster, a notorious thief and womanizer. He marries Polly Peachum (Neher) against the wishes of her father, Mr. Peachum, who runs a gang of beggars and prostitutes. Peachum is outraged by their marriage because he wants Polly to continue bringing in money for the kingdom of beggars. Meanwhile, Mack's old flame, Jenny (Lenya), is looking to get her hands on Mack's money and get him back.

As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse of the corrupt and decadent society of the time, filled with backstabbing, corruption, and murder. The film takes a satirical approach to the events that unfold, using dark humor to highlight the absurdity of capitalist society and its moral decay.

One of the most striking aspects of The Threepenny Opera is its use of music. The film is often described as a musical, but the songs are not the typical, happy-go-lucky numbers that one might expect. Instead, the film's composer, Kurt Weill, infuses the music with a sense of irony that reflects the bleak and cynical nature of the story.

The film's standout musical number is undoubtedly "Mack the Knife," which has become a classic in its own right. The catchy, upbeat melody belies the song's macabre lyrics, which describe Mack's murderous exploits. The song's popularity has endured over the years, with countless artists from Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble covering it.

The Threepenny Opera was a critical and commercial success upon its release, cementing Pabst's reputation as one of Germany's most eminent filmmakers. The film's use of dark humor and biting social commentary was groundbreaking at the time, and its influence can be seen in countless films and works of art that followed.

Overall, The Threepenny Opera is a must-see for fans of musicals and those interested in the history of cinema. Its combination of black comedy, social commentary, and memorable music make it a film that has stood the test of time. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a watch.

The Threepenny Opera is a 1931 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.