150 Years of Thomas Mann: The Manns – Part 1

1923 to 1933.

CINEMA | BIOPIC

The Manns - A Novel of the Century is a 2001 family saga directed by Heinrich Breloer and starring Armin Mueller-Stahl and Monica Bleibtreu.



The first part of the award-winning docu-drama Die Manns – Ein Jahrhundertroman is dedicated to the life of the famous Mann family of writers from 1923 to 1933.



The focus is on the upper-middle-class life of Thomas Mann, his wife Katia and their six children in Munich. The success of works such as The Magic Mountain has provided the family with material security. While the older children, especially Erika and Klaus Mann, developed artistically and enjoyed the spirit of the Golden Twenties, their lives were shaped by their distant and conflictual relationship with their father. His inner turmoil, also due to his suppressed homosexuality, had a significant influence on the family dynamics.

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At the same time, the film takes a look at Heinrich Mann, Thomas' older brother, in Berlin. Their relationship is determined by closeness and rivalry at the same time. Heinrich, politically engaged and committed to social progress, leads a freer life - not least through his relationship with the fun-loving Nelly Kröger. His novel Professor Unrat is made into a film with Marlene Dietrich and also brings him international recognition.

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A turning point in film was the awarding of the Nobel Prize for Literature to Thomas Mann in 1929. His voice is gaining political weight – and he is increasingly using it to defend democracy. This first part ends with Hitler's seizure of power in 1933 and shows the beginning of the Mann family's exile.

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Price: Reserved tickets must be picked up at least 15 minutes before the start of the event. In case of non-collection, the tickets will be charged.

Regular:
CHF 17.- Seat numbered
Reduced (members KP / Kulturgesellschaft Klosters / guest card):
CHF 15.- Numbered seat
Reduced (young audience up to 18 years / apprentices / students with ID / Kulturlegi):
CHF 10.- Seat numbered
Wheelchair user with accompaniment (regular):
CHF 15.- Numbered seat

Cast
Docudrama, 2001, Germany, 105 minutes, FSK: 12, Director: Heinrich Breloer
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Photo credit: WDR2025