Falstaff (1979): cast, story & where to watch
1979 · Film
Released in 1979, Falstaff is a notable film directed by Götz Friedrich, running about 125 minutes.
What it’s about. This performance, and the film that documents it, is superb! From its comically vulgar opening in the Garter Inn, where we are introduced to a rotund (and slightly pathetic) Falstaff - in a richly nuanced performance by baritone Gabriel Bacquier cocooned in prosthetic girth (his face is too thin for the enormity to be real) - to the supremely beautiful nocturnal magic of the Finale in Windsor Park, Solti is lovingly accompanied by the sublime Vienna Philharmonic. They play with such delicacy and elan what is an undeniably delicate score, that I lost myself in the instrumentation, forgot it was Verdi, thought it was Mozart, and couldn't remember which Mozartean Opera this was. The woodwinds and strings are singled out for special praise: perfect intonation and phrasing doesn't begin to do them justice. They breathe life into this score, propel it forward, act as a Chorus commenting on the action.
Who’s in it. Falstaff stars Gabriel Bacquier as Falstaff, Richard Stilwell as Ford, Max René Cosotti as Fenton and John Lanigan as Dr. Cajus, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Falstaff page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Falstaff (1979)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Falstaff change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Falstaff?
- Falstaff stars Gabriel Bacquier, Richard Stilwell, Max René Cosotti, John Lanigan and Karan Armstrong.
- When was Falstaff released?
- Falstaff was released in 1979, with a runtime of about 125 minutes.