Circus Waltz
Circus Waltz
Nijinski at the Laundromat
Bread for the Heroes
Old Acquaintances
DIE STRAUSSKISTE
(The Strauss-Box), 1999
22 films with no dialogue, each set to an overlooked work by Johann Strauss. Percy Adlon's tribute to the composer on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Eva Mattes • Lolita Davidovich
Herbert Foettinger • Alfred Eschwé
Written by Percy Adlon
Produced by Eleonore Adlon
Cinematography – Percy Adlon, Ila von Hasberg, Johann Strauss Jr.
A pelemele Film/Leora Films production
Shot in DigiBeta PAL, color
Die Strausskiste I
1. "Horsepower" (3:32)
Liebchen, schwing dich,
Polka Mazur, op. 394
Dirtbikers, airshow pilots, and circus horses
compete with the orchestra’s power.
2. "Addio Venezia" (8:37)
Souvenir de Nizza, Walzer, op. 200
A young woman (Lolita Davidovich) recalls
a ball in a Venetian palace.
3. "Inspiration" (4:01)
Bonbon, Polka française, op. 213
An uninspired painter dreams of three
models peeling off their clothes on a
turning platform. The excitement exhausts
him so much that he falls asleep.
4. "Sweet Things" (4:54)
Patronessen, Polka française, op. 286
At the Café Demel in Vienna, patrons
wordlessly share their passionate
indulgence in the world's most sinful
pastries.
5. "Offenbach Undressed" (5:37)
Orpheus-Quadrille, op. 236
Frolicking and flirtation among the actors
and dancers backstage at a dress rehearsal.
6. "Forever Flirt" (7:16)
Gunstwerber, Walzer, op.4
At a tea dance in a Viennese senior home,
an old waltz brings back bittersweet
memories of the residents' younger days.
7. "Gold!" (5:03)
Figaro-Polka, op. 320
A young upholstery apprentice discovers
that an old sofa holds a staggering treasure.
8. "Rendezvous" (4:41)
Taubenpost, Polka française, op 237
Tourists, regulars, and a mysterious stranger
meet at the golden Strauss statue at the
Volkspark in Vienna.
9. "The Jogger" (2:56)
Herrmann-Polka, op. 91
While her husband is off jogging in the park
of Schönbrunn Castle, a woman enjoys a
magical performance in her royal bedroom.
10."Clara and Claire" (8:16)
Ballg’schichten, Walzer, op.150
Two horse-crazy backpackers are
disappointed that they can’t afford the fare
for a coach tour through Vienna, but
they discover a sisterly soul in one coachwoman.
11."Greenhouse Effect" (2:23)
Ottinger Reiter-Marsch, op. 83
A brass band accidentally ends up in a
greenhouse, and soon becomes hopelessly
lost among the leaves.
12."Electrified" (2:22)
Elektrophor, Polka schnell, op. 297
Between the lightning, the musicians, and
the wind farm, there's no energy crisis here!
Die Strausskiste II
1. "Bread for the Heroes" (2:56)
Krönungs-Marsch, op. 183
In an allergy-inducing environment, bakers bake, stainless steel arms turn, Generals march, and filmmakers shoot.
2. “Niagara” (8:06)
Lavaströme, Walzer, op. 264
A Marilyn Monroe look-alike seeks her own movie moment at the top of the famous falls.
3. "Old Acquaintances" (5:10)
Künstler-Quadrille, op. 201
At Death Valley Junction, a deserted opera house is enlivened by the dancing of a septuagenarian ballerina and her faithful stagehand companion.
4. "The Tzitzit Spinner" (9:38)
Patronessen, Walzer, op. 264
In medieval Morocco, a Jewish man spins traditional tassels for religious garments, one of the most important symbols of his ancient faith.
5. "Flying High" (2:23)
Furioso-Polka, op. 260
A training session turns into a competition, as soloists of the Mussorgski Ballet challenge each other to reach ever-greater heights.
6. "Nijinskij at the Laundromat" (5:06)
Seladon-Quadrille, op. 48
A fastidious man finds a creative solution to the problem of cleaning his only set of clothes.
7. "The Autograph" (9:10)
Abschied von St. Petersburg, Walzer, op. 210
Recalls the married Johann Strauss’ love affair with a student in St. Petersburg.
8. "Happy Birthday" (1:59)
Scherz-Polka, op. 72
Meet Gideon, the filmmakers’ granddaughter, as she celebrates her second birthday.
9. "Circuswaltz" (9:59)
In’s Zentrum, Walzer, op. 387
Audience and performers bid farewell at the season's last performance of Circus Roncalli.
10. "Triumph of the Kiss" (3:36)
Kaiser Franz Joseph I
Rettungs-Jubel Marsch, op. 126
Love conquers all with a parade and kissing contest, set to a heroic and patriotic march.
