Having been more acquainted with the newer TV series THE STRAUSS DYNASTY directed by Marvin J Chomsky, I was pretty astonished to see this BBC serial made almost 20 years earlier. Comparisons were unavoidable, naturally; yet, as much as Chomsky depicts the musical dynasty of Vienna from a more 'modern' standpoint, David Giles, David Butler and Peter Potter portray the family in a more 'claustrophobic' as well as 'from the inside out' manner. If you enjoyed THE STRAUSS DYNASTY for its dynamism and splendid, attractive use of Strauss' music, you may or may not so much enjoy THE STRAUSS FAMILY due to its 'limitations' of sets so typical of the BBC serials of the time. However, in spite of certain 'shortcomings' that we could notice nowadays, technical shortcomings, THE STRAUSS FAMILY is a wonderful display of excellent performances.
Through 8 episodes, each titled according to the character it seems to highlight most, we can get into the world of the Strauss saga with all their dramas, all their passions, all their inspirations and contradictions. Unlike Schani's line "They throw you flowers and they forget you're human," here we have 'human characters' that are perfectly appealing to audiences who are not necessarily fond of their music. Before 1972 when this series was made, we had had merely fictitious saccharine 'fairy tales' about the great composers. Perhaps, Duvivier's THE GREAT WALTZ would be an exception.
Eric Woofe as Johann Strauss father and Stuart Wilson as Schani are the choices for the roles that may, undeniably, compete with Anthony Higgins and Stephen McGann. They beautifully manifest the neurotic aspects of their musical characters. Easy going Johann Strauss who thinks that 'an fool can work' is a 'walking inspiration' from the very start. His scenes are particularly memorable with Josef Lanner played y excellent Derek Jacobi in the two first episodes. Their friendship is based upon conditions and their conflicts upon competitions. Yet, the drama is resembled in the tactful handling of the musicians' psyche by the two. Stuart Wilson, no doubt to say, steals our attention from the second episodes onward to the final scene thanks to a true development and study of the character. His passion is music and women. The former one was within his total self, the latter one was constantly to be gained and maintained. As a young boy, disobedient to his father who does not see a musician in his young talented son, he is 'tormented' and pushed forward at the same time.
No wonder that most of the episodes' titles are names of women that existed in the lives of the Strausses both father and Schani. Emilie Trampusch played by Barbara Ferris (here, the character is far more developed than in the later version). Schani, we can say is a bit less lucky with women, even his own sisters who do not occur to understand him but wives particularly: Hetti (Margaret Whiting) much older wife of Schani, yet, having a crush on him to a great extent, Lili, his girl wife spoiled and capricious. Finally, Adele who found him gentle and kind and as lonely as she used to be. Quite a drama but quite a source for musical inspiration as well. Yet, there is one woman that is, perhaps, one of the most powerful and influential female characters ever, that is Anna (Anne Stallybrass), Schani's mother.
Nominated for the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Anna Strauss, we can say that watching her is any viewer's pleasure. In STRAUSS DYNASTY Lisa Harrow resembles much of the similar emotions, some scenes or even lines bear resemblance. Yet, as much as I liked Lisa Harrow in the role intensely, Anne Stallybrass is truly marvelous. She wonderfully highlights her character's determination, indefatigable strive for better future of her son(s), disappointment with years. One of her most unforgettable lines is "when there is no work, one must create work!" Incredible woman.
The supporting characters are no less memorable and unique played by wonderful British actors. Young, beautiful Jane Seymour as Josef's wife Karoline, David de Keyser as Hirsch, a foxy impresario of Johann Strauss the Elder, Sonia Dresdel as Signora Lucari who, among the Claques, notices a new rising star in young Schani; delicious Cheryl Kennedy as ambitious Marie Geistinger (the 'Eva' character of the newer version); Christopher Benjamin as Dommayer and Carleton Hobbs as Drechsler. Finally, we have the most important figure of the time for Austria, emperor Franz Josef whose legacy does not seem to outlast Johann Strauss's, the elderly emperor played by Michael Bryant.
After seeing the first episode, you soon forget that most of the story actually takes place within the walls, in inner sets and perfectly get used to that. All thanks to performances that bring those historical characters back to life. A great series highly worth seeing. If you like the Shakespearian acting, this is truly for you!
Through 8 episodes, each titled according to the character it seems to highlight most, we can get into the world of the Strauss saga with all their dramas, all their passions, all their inspirations and contradictions. Unlike Schani's line "They throw you flowers and they forget you're human," here we have 'human characters' that are perfectly appealing to audiences who are not necessarily fond of their music. Before 1972 when this series was made, we had had merely fictitious saccharine 'fairy tales' about the great composers. Perhaps, Duvivier's THE GREAT WALTZ would be an exception.
Eric Woofe as Johann Strauss father and Stuart Wilson as Schani are the choices for the roles that may, undeniably, compete with Anthony Higgins and Stephen McGann. They beautifully manifest the neurotic aspects of their musical characters. Easy going Johann Strauss who thinks that 'an fool can work' is a 'walking inspiration' from the very start. His scenes are particularly memorable with Josef Lanner played y excellent Derek Jacobi in the two first episodes. Their friendship is based upon conditions and their conflicts upon competitions. Yet, the drama is resembled in the tactful handling of the musicians' psyche by the two. Stuart Wilson, no doubt to say, steals our attention from the second episodes onward to the final scene thanks to a true development and study of the character. His passion is music and women. The former one was within his total self, the latter one was constantly to be gained and maintained. As a young boy, disobedient to his father who does not see a musician in his young talented son, he is 'tormented' and pushed forward at the same time.
No wonder that most of the episodes' titles are names of women that existed in the lives of the Strausses both father and Schani. Emilie Trampusch played by Barbara Ferris (here, the character is far more developed than in the later version). Schani, we can say is a bit less lucky with women, even his own sisters who do not occur to understand him but wives particularly: Hetti (Margaret Whiting) much older wife of Schani, yet, having a crush on him to a great extent, Lili, his girl wife spoiled and capricious. Finally, Adele who found him gentle and kind and as lonely as she used to be. Quite a drama but quite a source for musical inspiration as well. Yet, there is one woman that is, perhaps, one of the most powerful and influential female characters ever, that is Anna (Anne Stallybrass), Schani's mother.
Nominated for the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Anna Strauss, we can say that watching her is any viewer's pleasure. In STRAUSS DYNASTY Lisa Harrow resembles much of the similar emotions, some scenes or even lines bear resemblance. Yet, as much as I liked Lisa Harrow in the role intensely, Anne Stallybrass is truly marvelous. She wonderfully highlights her character's determination, indefatigable strive for better future of her son(s), disappointment with years. One of her most unforgettable lines is "when there is no work, one must create work!" Incredible woman.
The supporting characters are no less memorable and unique played by wonderful British actors. Young, beautiful Jane Seymour as Josef's wife Karoline, David de Keyser as Hirsch, a foxy impresario of Johann Strauss the Elder, Sonia Dresdel as Signora Lucari who, among the Claques, notices a new rising star in young Schani; delicious Cheryl Kennedy as ambitious Marie Geistinger (the 'Eva' character of the newer version); Christopher Benjamin as Dommayer and Carleton Hobbs as Drechsler. Finally, we have the most important figure of the time for Austria, emperor Franz Josef whose legacy does not seem to outlast Johann Strauss's, the elderly emperor played by Michael Bryant.
After seeing the first episode, you soon forget that most of the story actually takes place within the walls, in inner sets and perfectly get used to that. All thanks to performances that bring those historical characters back to life. A great series highly worth seeing. If you like the Shakespearian acting, this is truly for you!
