Pabst’s Don Quichotte: A strange, dusty relic

Is it worth your time?

If you have a thing for historical curiosities or you’re a massive fan of Chaliapin’s voice, maybe. Everyone else? You’ll probably find this a bit of a slog. It’s got that heavy, stage-bound feeling that keeps you at arm's length the entire time.

Feodor Chaliapin Sr. is the whole show here. He’s got this massive, booming presence that almost makes you forget the movie is basically stuck in neutral. He plays the Don with this sad, wide-eyed sincerity that’s actually pretty touching when the camera just leaves him alone.

But the rest of it? It’s hit or miss. The supporting cast feels like they’re acting in a completely different movie sometimes. You’ve got these moments where the background players look like they’re waiting for a train that isn’t coming. It’s awkward.

The look and feel

It was shot simultaneously with the French and English versions, and you can tell. It’s got that weird, technical rigidity to it. Every shot feels measured and safe. I kept waiting for someone to trip or for the wind to actually mess up someone’s hair, but no such luck.

The windmills look like they’re made of cardboard. Maybe that’s the point? It’s hard to tell if it’s artistic choice or just the limitations of the era. It feels less like a real location and more like a set that’s been dusted off one too many times.

• Chaliapin’s singing voice is still the best thing about this, even if the audio quality sounds like it’s coming through a tin can.
• The donkey acting is... well, it’s a donkey.
• There’s a scene near the middle that goes on for an eternity where they just talk about food. I think I zoned out and stared at the wall for a full minute.

Compared to something like The Range Feud, which at least knows what it wants to be, this version of Don Quichotte feels like it’s trying to be a serious piece of art while barely holding the narrative together. It’s not quite a disaster, but it’s definitely not a riot either.

I left the screen feeling like I’d just finished a long, dusty walk. It’s not that the movie is bad, it’s just... exhausting. If you’re looking for a breezy afternoon watch, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re a nerd for old German cinema, go ahead. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the pacing. 📽️