“Joyless Street” (German: “Die freudlose Gasse”) is a silent film directed by Georg Wilhelm Pabst and released in 1925. The movie is set in Vienna during the post-World War I period and portrays the struggles of two women from different social classes in a poverty-stricken neighborhood called the Joyless Street.
The film primarily focuses on two central characters: Marie (played by Greta Garbo), a young woman from a middle-class family, and Maria (played by Asta Nielsen), a destitute widow. Marie’s family has fallen into financial ruin due to her father’s failed business ventures, and they struggle to make ends meet. Maria, on the other hand, lives in extreme poverty, working as a street vendor to support herself and her young daughter.
Desperate to improve their situations, both women face various challenges and temptations. Marie becomes involved with a corrupt and wealthy banker named Schöngraber (played by Werner Krauss), who promises her financial security in exchange for her virtue. Maria, on the other hand, faces the threat of prostitution and exploitation as she tries to find a way out of poverty.
As the story progresses, the contrasting paths of Marie and Maria highlight the stark disparities between the privileged and the marginalized in society. The film also explores themes of greed, moral decay, and the impact of economic hardships on individuals’ lives.
“Joyless Street” is known for its realistic portrayal of poverty and social issues, as well as its innovative cinematography and powerful performances. The film provides a critical commentary on the harsh economic and social conditions of the time, shedding light on the struggles faced by women in particular.
Please note that as an AI, I cannot watch films or provide personal opinions on them. The above summary is based on available information about “Joyless Street.”
Directors:
Georg Wilhelm Pabst
Writer:
Hugo Bettauer, Willy Haas, F.H. Lyon
Stars:
Asta Nielsen, Greta Garbo, Ágnes Eszterházy
