The Wild Duck (1976)

The Wild Duck (1976) poster

Consul Werle holds a reception in honour of the homecoming of his son Gregers. At the reception, Gregers meets his childhood friend, Hjalmar Ekdal, who is married to Gina, a former maid of the Werle family. Hjalmar is unaware that Werle had an affair with Gina and that their 14-year-old daughter Hedwig is not his child. Gregers moves in with the Ekdals with the intention of allowing unsuspecting Hjalmar and his family to share in the "happiness of truth". Hedwig is entirely devoted to a wild duck, which lives on a pond outside their house. When Hjalmar learns the truth about his daughter, he wants to leave his family. Gregers advises Hedwig to kill the wild duck so that her father, impressed by this sacrifice, will return home. On the following day, Hedwig's birthday, she doesn't shoot the duck, but shoots herself instead.

Director: Hans W. Geißendörfer
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 105 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Niels Janette Walen
Cinematography: Robby Müller
Editing: Jutta Brandstaedter
Production: Solaris Film, Sascha-Film Produktions GmbH, WDR
Country: Austria, Germany
Language: Deutsch
Original Language: de
More Films by Director: Hans W. Geißendörfer
More Films in Genre: Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Wild Duck about?
Consul Werle holds a reception in honour of the homecoming of his son Gregers. At the reception, Gregers meets his childhood friend, Hjalmar Ekdal, who is married to Gina, a former maid of the Werle family. Hjalmar is unaware that Werle had an affair with Gina and that their 14-year-old daughter Hedwig is not his child. Gregers moves in with the Ekdals with the intention of allowing unsuspecting Hjalmar and his family to share in the "happiness of truth". Hedwig is entirely devoted to a wild duck, which lives on a pond outside their house. When Hjalmar learns the truth about his daughter, he wants to leave his family. Gregers advises Hedwig to kill the wild duck so that her father, impressed by this sacrifice, will return home. On the following day, Hedwig's birthday, she doesn't shoot the duck, but shoots herself instead.
Who directed The Wild Duck?
The Wild Duck was directed by Hans W. Geißendörfer.
Who stars in The Wild Duck?
The Wild Duck stars Bruno Ganz, Peter Kern, Anne Bennent, Jean Seberg, Martin Flörchinger, Heinz Moog.
How long is The Wild Duck?
The Wild Duck has a runtime of 1h 45m (105 minutes).
What genre is The Wild Duck?
The Wild Duck is a Drama film.
Where was The Wild Duck produced?
The Wild Duck was produced in Austria, Germany.