Nanon (1938) in Color — Starring Erna Sack & Johannes Heesters

Nanon (1938) — Buy This Classic in Color

Nanon (1938) is a charming German musical comedy set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, starring Erna Sack, Johannes Heesters, and Oskar Sima. Directed by Herbert Maisch, this professionally colorized version brings the lavish period settings and operatic performances to vivid new life. With its enchanting blend of romance, humor, and spectacular vocal performances, Nanon remains a treasured gem of 1930s European cinema. Buy your colorized copy today for €15.00 and own this delightful classic movie in color.

Plot Summary

In the tumultuous days of the French Revolution, the beautiful innkeeper Nanon (Erna Sack) runs a popular establishment where both aristocrats and revolutionaries mingle uneasily. Her tavern serves as a social crossroads where political factions temporarily set aside their differences, drawn together by fine food, lively conversation, and the enchanting singing of the hostess herself. When the handsome Marquis d’Doubleval (Johannes Heesters) arrives in disguise, fleeing the revolutionary tribunals that have condemned countless aristocrats, Nanon hides him in her establishment and the two fall deeply in love. Their blossoming romance is complicated by the dangerous political climate, as revolutionary officials grow increasingly suspicious of Nanon’s loyalties and begin watching her every move. The local revolutionary committee, led by bumbling but dangerous officials, circles ever closer to discovering the truth about her mysterious guest. With her extraordinary voice and quick wit, Nanon must navigate the deadly politics of the Terror while protecting the man she loves and keeping his aristocratic identity hidden from the authorities. Along the way, there are cases of mistaken identity, comic entanglements with self-important officials who are easily distracted by Nanon’s musical charms, and spectacular musical numbers that showcase Erna Sack’s legendary coloratura soprano at its most dazzling. The film builds to a thrilling conclusion as Nanon devises an audacious plan to smuggle the Marquis to safety while the revolution’s chaos provides unexpected cover for their escape.

Cast & Crew

Director: Herbert Maisch

Stars: Erna Sack, Johannes Heesters, Oskar Sima, Otto Gebühr, Dagny Servaes, Karl Paryla, Kurt Meisel, Clemens Hasse, Berthold Ebbecke, Ursula Deinert

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized version of Nanon reveals the sumptuous period costumes, the ornate French interiors, and the revolutionary street scenes with gorgeous new visual richness. The 18th-century fashions worn by both the aristocratic characters and the common folk of revolutionary France are rendered in exquisite detail, from the silks and brocades of the nobility to the rougher fabrics of the revolutionaries. The original black and white film captured the musical numbers and romantic comedy beautifully, but the professionally colorized restoration brings out the warm amber glow of the inn’s candlelit rooms, the rich tapestries and furnishings that decorate the aristocratic hiding places, and the elaborate production design that recreates revolutionary Paris with frame-by-frame precision. The outdoor scenes depicting the revolutionary streets come alive with period-accurate color that enhances the dramatic contrast between the beauty of the old world and the violence threatening to destroy it. Watch this restored classic film in rich, vibrant color. Now also available in colour.

Buy Nanon in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Nanon showcases the remarkable Erna Sack, considered one of the greatest coloratura sopranos of the 20th century, famous for her extraordinary high notes that could reportedly shatter glass. Her vocal range and technical brilliance were virtually unmatched among film performers of the era, and this film captures her talents at their peak with several elaborate musical set pieces that demonstrate why audiences across Europe flocked to see her perform. Johannes Heesters, who would become one of Europe’s most beloved performers with a career spanning an astonishing seven decades — performing on stage well into his nineties — brings elegant charm and romantic magnetism to the leading role. The film is based on the operetta by Richard Genée, the same librettist who co-wrote Johann Strauss II’s celebrated Die Fledermaus. Director Herbert Maisch crafted a production that balances the lighthearted musical comedy with genuine dramatic tension from the revolutionary setting, creating an entertaining film that works both as escapist entertainment and as a reflection on the power of art and love to survive political upheaval. The colorization brings stunning visual beauty to this rare gem of 1930s European musical cinema, making it accessible to modern audiences who can now appreciate the full grandeur of its period production design.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD restored
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white (in Farbe)
• Audio: Original mono restored
• Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this a German-language film?
A: Yes, Nanon is a German musical comedy from 1938, featuring the legendary soprano Erna Sack and Johannes Heesters. The film is set in revolutionary France but performed entirely in German.

Q: Is this the complete version?
A: Yes, this is the full 1938 theatrical release directed by Herbert Maisch, presented in its professionally colorized version with all musical sequences intact.

Q: What is the operetta this film is based on?
A: The film is based on the operetta Nanon by Richard Genée, the celebrated librettist who also co-wrote the libretto for Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus. The operetta premiered in 1877 and was widely popular across Europe.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: DRM-free MP4, compatible with virtually any device or media player.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: €15.00 for instant download. The colorization process ensures every scene looks stunning in color.

Q: Can I watch on multiple devices?
A: Absolutely. The file is DRM-free, so you can watch on your TV, tablet, phone, or computer.

Related Colorized Classics

• Born to Dance (1936)
• Song of Love (1947)
• Follow the Fleet (1936)
• London After Midnight (1927) Minoru Production
• The Model and the Marriage Broker (1951)