The Blue Swords (1949): cast, story & where to watch
1949 · Film
Released in 1949, The Blue Swords is a drama and history film directed by Wolfgang Schleif, running about 99 minutes.
What it’s about. The story of Johann Friedrich Böttger, an apothecary’s apprentice and alchemist’s assistant. Fleeing from the Prussian King, he goes to Saxony, where King Frederick August the Strong takes him to a fortress and demands that he create gold. Böttger is equipped with everything he would need for the task, but he has known for a while that actual gold production is a myth and instead experiments with porcelain—white porcelain, as the Chinese are said to possess. In 1709, he finally succeeds in surprising the King with the "white gold," the first white porcelain made in Europe, he hopes for freedom.
Who’s in it. The Blue Swords stars Hans Quest as Johann Böttger, Ilse Steppat as Frau von Tschirnhausen, Herbert Hübner as Nehmitz and Albert Bessler as Finanzminister, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Blue Swords page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Blue Swords tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Blue Swords (1949)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Blue Swords change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in The Blue Swords?
- The Blue Swords stars Hans Quest, Ilse Steppat, Herbert Hübner, Albert Bessler and Alexander Engel.
- When was The Blue Swords released?
- The Blue Swords was released in 1949, with a runtime of about 99 minutes.