A one-hour version of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, with a somewhat revised storyline reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz".
Practical Effects
Bizarre practical effects and painted backdrops that age like weird wine.
Costume
Harald Kreutzberg's genuinely unsettling Drosselmeyer makeup—nightmare fuel.
Production
TV-budget Oz homage that commits harder than it has any right to.
Director
Heinz Liesendahl
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This West German TV production aired annually in Europe for decades, becoming accidental childhood trauma for generations who caught Kreutzberg's face before bedtime.
Edward Villella and Patricia McBride were New York City Ballet stars; this was their rare on-screen pairing, filmed during a European tour stop.
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