Heart of Stone (1950 film) facts for kids

Heart of Stone (which is Das kalte Herz in German) is an exciting East German fantasy film. It was directed by Paul Verhoeven. This movie was special because it was the very first East German film made using a cool color process called Agfacolor. It came out in 1950. The story is based on a classic fairy tale written by Wilhelm Hauff way back in 1826.

The Story of Peter Munk

A Young Man's Dream

The film tells the story of Peter Munk, a young woodsman who lives with his mother in the Black Forest. Peter makes a living by selling charcoal. He feels a bit sad because he isn't as rich as some of the other people in his village. He also wants to marry the beautiful Lisbeth. Peter dreams of becoming wealthy so he can have a better life and marry the girl he loves.

Wishes from a Forest Spirit

Peter hears about a friendly forest spirit called Glasmännlein. This spirit is said to grant wishes. Peter decides to find him, hoping to change his luck. Glasmännlein grants Peter two wishes. Peter uses these wishes to become rich and buys a glass factory.

When Wishes Go Wrong

However, Peter doesn't know much about running a business. His new glass factory doesn't do well. He also starts gambling his money away. Soon, he loses all his wealth and ends up with many debts. He can no longer marry Lisbeth because he is being chased by people he owes money to.

A Darker Deal

Desperate for more wealth, Peter seeks out another, darker forest spirit named Holländer-Michel. This spirit offers to make Peter rich again. But there's a huge price: Holländer-Michel wants Peter's heart. He replaces Peter's real heart with one made of stone. Holländer-Michel shows Peter that many other rich villagers have also traded their hearts for stone ones.

The Cost of Wealth

Peter agrees to the deal. He becomes a very successful businessman, but he is also very harsh and uncaring. His new stone heart makes him lose his kindness and happiness. He even loses Lisbeth because he has become so cold. The film shows how chasing wealth at any cost can make someone lose what truly matters.

Meet the Cast

Here are some of the main actors and the characters they play in Heart of Stone:

• Lutz Moik as Peter Munk
• Hanna Rucker as Lisbeth
• Paul Bildt as Glasmännlein
• Erwin Geschonneck as Holländer-Michel
• Paul Esser as Ezechiel
• Lotte Loebinger [de] as Peter Munk's Mother
• Alexander Engel as Lisbeth's Uncle
• Hannsgeorg Laubenthal as Hannes
• Karl Hellmer as Master Anton
• Walter Tarrach [de] as the Amtmann (a local official)
• Eva Probst as Bärbel
• Herbert Kiper as Hochzeitslader (wedding guest inviter)
• Karl Heinz Deickert [de] as Elias