| Dance on the Volcano | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Hans Steinhoff |
| Written by | Hans Rehberg Hans Steinhoff Peter Hagen |
| Produced by | Werner Kortwich |
| Starring | Gustaf Gründgens Sybille Schmitz Ralph Arthur Roberts |
| Cinematography | Ewald Daub |
| Edited by | Martha Dübber |
| Music by | Theo Mackeben |
Production company | Majestic Film |
| Distributed by | Tobis Film |
Release date |
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Running time | 86 minutes |
| Country | Germany |
| Language | German |
Dance on the Volcano (German: Tanz auf dem Vulkan) is a 1938 German historical musical comedy film directed by Hans Steinhoff and starring Gustaf Gründgens, Sybille Schmitz and Ralph Arthur Roberts.[1][2] It was shot at the Johannisthal Studios in Berlin. The film's sets were designed by the art director Rochus Gliese. A light-hearted costume film, the production was a significant departure for both its director, best known for his Nazi-supporting propaganda films, and its star Gründgens, celebrated as a classical actor.[3]
It made significant changes to the historical story, including turning Jean-Gaspard Deburau from a mime into a singer. Gründgens was unhappy with his performance, while both Adolf Hitler and the Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels were critical of the production. This led to some sources mistakenly suggesting it was either banned or had its release delayed for several years. In fact, the film was given an immediatate release and appears to have been popular with contemporary audiences.[4]