Magdalene (1988): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1988, Magdalene is a drama and romance film directed by Monica Teuber, running about 113 minutes. “A temptress A lover An outcast A sinner” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Father Joseph Mohr, a newly appointed priest in the town of Oberndorf (near Salzburg), meets the beautiful prostitute Magdalene. He struggles to change her situation and make a new life for her, and while doing so, they fall in love. Mohr struggles with his feelings for her, versus his commitment to God. Meanwhile, the Prior, Mohr's superior, whose corrupt dealings with the Baron von Seidl are threatened by Mohr's integrity and honesty, works (unsuccessfully) to falsely accuse Mohr of sexual misconduct with Magdalene, and thereby remove him from office. Meanwhile, Mohr and local schoolteacher Franz Gruber compose the hymn "Silent Night".

Who’s in it. Magdalene stars Steve Bond as Father Joseph Mohr, Nastassja Kinski as Magdalene, David Warner as Baron von Seidl and Günter Meisner as Prior, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Magdalene has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

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

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