Thomas Müntzer (1956): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1956, Thomas Müntzer is a drama and history film directed by Martin Hellberg, running about 131 minutes.

What it’s about. In 1523, young Thomas Müntzer arrives with his wife Ottilie in the Thuringian village Allstedt to assume the rectorate. As a follower of Luther′s teachings, he finds in the Bible not only reasons for clerical, but also for secular reforms. But when Luther turns away from the rural population after a discord with Müntzer, it is Müntzer who becomes the peoples′ spokesman. He is forced to go to Southern Germany, where he convenes with revolting farmers. But his way leads him back to Thuringia. In 1525, he and Heinrich Pfeiffer form the centre of the Thuringian peasant uprising in Mühlhausen, but their success is diminished by the fact that peasants and craftsmen don′t seem to be able to work together. In Frankenhausen, Müntzer becomes the leader of a peasants′ army that is set to fighting the ruler′s army – and sustains a devastating loss. Müntzer is arrested and sentenced to death by decapitation for his insurgency.

Who’s in it. Thomas Müntzer stars Wolfgang Stumpf as Thomas Müntzer, Margarete Taudte as Ottilie von Gersen, Aribert Grimmer as Fuhrmann von Thomas Müntzer and Wolf Kaiser as Schwabenhannes, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Thomas Müntzer page.

If you liked it. Fans of Thomas Müntzer tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.