Die Sendung der Lysistrata (1961) in Color — Starring Barbara Rütting & Romy Schneider

Plot Summary

Athens is caught in the grinding misery of the Peloponnesian War, a seemingly endless conflict that has taken the city’s young men away from their homes and families for years on end. The women of Athens — wives, mothers, and daughters who have been left behind to manage households and raise children alone — have grown increasingly desperate and angry as the senseless fighting continues with no end in sight, while the men who make the decisions about war and peace seem utterly indifferent to the suffering their policies cause.

Lysistrata, a bold, intelligent, and charismatic Athenian woman, conceives an audacious plan to force the men to make peace. She summons the women of Athens and proposes a radical strategy: they will collectively refuse all romantic and intimate contact with their husbands until the men agree to end the war and negotiate a lasting peace. The proposal is met with initial alarm and reluctance — the women are not eager to deny themselves either — but Lysistrata’s passionate arguments about the futility of war and the power women possess ultimately persuade them to take this extraordinary stand.

The women’s strike produces immediate and devastating effects on the male population, who find themselves confronted with a form of resistance they had never anticipated and have absolutely no idea how to combat. The men’s initial amusement quickly turns to frustration, outrage, and eventually desperate negotiation as they realize the women are completely serious and will not relent. The comic genius of the situation lies in the reversal of power — the men who control armies and govern cities are rendered helpless by a force they cannot fight with swords or speeches.

The film builds to a triumphant resolution as the women’s solidarity and determination prove stronger than the men’s stubborn pride, forcing them to the negotiating table and demonstrating that the supposedly weaker sex possesses a form of power more effective than any weapon of war. The production’s mixture of ancient wisdom and modern sensibility makes it a timeless statement about the absurdity of conflict and the enduring strength of women’s collective action.

Cast & Crew

Director: Fritz Kortner

Stars: Barbara Rütting, Romy Schneider, Karin Kernke, Helmut Lohner, Hans Söhnker, Hannes Messemer, Rudolf Vogel

Barbara Rütting commands the screen as the formidable Lysistrata, while the young Romy Schneider brings radiant charm to her role. Director Fritz Kortner, one of the great figures of German theatre and cinema, directs the production with razor-sharp comic timing and genuine theatrical bravado, creating a work that caused a national sensation upon broadcast.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of Die Sendung der Lysistrata brings vibrant visual life to the classical Greek settings, the elaborate costumes, and the expressive performances of this star-studded production. Now also available in colour — in Farbe — for audiences worldwide. The colour presentation enhances the theatrical spectacle and comic energy of this bold adaptation. Buy Die Sendung der Lysistrata (1961) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

Die Sendung der Lysistrata caused enormous controversy when it aired on German television in 1961, with some viewers objecting to its frank treatment of sexuality while others celebrated it as a masterpiece of television drama. The production showcases Romy Schneider in a role that helped redefine her screen image. Through colorization, this landmark German television production has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: Original German mono soundtrack with English subtitles
• Runtime: Approximately 105 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What is the source material?
A: The film is based on Lysistrata by Aristophanes, one of the most famous comedies of ancient Greek theatre, written in 411 BC as an anti-war satire during the Peloponnesian War.

Q: Is this in German?
A: Yes, the film features its original German mono soundtrack with English subtitles, preserving the performances of its stellar German-language cast.

Q: Why was this production controversial?
A: The frank treatment of the play’s central premise — women using romantic denial as political leverage — caused a sensation on conservative 1960s German television, generating enormous public debate.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

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