Carmen (1918 film)

Pola Negri 1

Carmen is a 1918 silent film directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The film is an adaptation of the novella Carmen by Prosper Mérimée, which also inspired the famous opera by Georges Bizet.

Plot

The film follows the story of Carmen, a seductive gypsy woman who works in a cigarette factory in Seville. She captivates Don José, a soldier who falls deeply in love with her, leading him to abandon his military duties and his former lover, Micaëla. Carmen's free-spirited nature and her involvement with the smuggler Escamillo ultimately lead to a tragic conclusion.

Cast

• Pola Negri as Carmen
• Harry Liedtke as Don José
• Leopold von Ledebur as Escamillo
• Grete Diercks as Micaëla

Production

The film was produced by UFA, the leading film studio in Germany at the time. Carmen was one of the early films that showcased Lubitsch's talent, which later led to his successful career in Hollywood.

Reception

Carmen was well-received in Germany and helped establish Pola Negri as a major star. The film's success also contributed to the international recognition of Ernst Lubitsch as a prominent director.

Legacy

Carmen (1918) is considered an important work in the history of silent cinema and is notable for its artistic direction and performances. It remains a significant example of early 20th-century European filmmaking.

See also

• Carmen (novella)
• Carmen (opera)
• Ernst Lubitsch
• Pola Negri
• Silent film

External links

• Carmen (1918 film) at IMDb