Der Alpenkönig und der Menschenfeind

Ever since Rappelkopf was once deceived by a con man, he has become the epitome of a suspicious, stubborn misanthrope and a family nuisance. His wife and daughter, as well as his servants, suffer from his bad moods, accusations, and insinuations. The kind, alpine mountain spirit Astragalus, the King of the Alps, wants to rescue the grumpy man from his constant discontent and misanthropy. He promises to remedy his situation and makes Rappelkopf an offer he cannot refuse: he is to become his alter ego, to slip into another, better form. In the guise of his brother-in-law, the tyrant is to visit his family to convince himself of their loyalty and love. The King of the Alps, in turn, wants to appear as Rappelkopf, the living mirror of the true family despot, in order to morally purify him through self-knowledge.

Directed by Rudolf Steinboeck, Der Alpenkönig und der Menschenfeind leans on a strong ensemble — Attila Hörbiger, Paul Hörbiger, Alma Seidler — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1965.