Danton (1931 film)

Danton is a 1931 German historical drama film directed by Hans Behrendt. The film stars Fritz Kortner as Georges Danton, and depicts the final days of the French Revolution, focusing on the power struggle between Danton and Maximillian Robespierre, played by Werner Krauss.

The film portrays Danton as a charismatic and popular figure who advocates for moderation and an end to the Reign of Terror. Robespierre, in contrast, is depicted as a cold and ruthless ideologue determined to maintain his grip on power through extreme measures. The narrative follows the events leading to Danton's arrest, trial, and eventual execution, highlighting the political machinations and ideological clashes of the era.

Danton (1931) is notable for its expressionistic style, reflecting the influence of German Expressionism on filmmaking at the time. It also explores themes of political extremism, the corrupting influence of power, and the tragedy of revolutionary movements turning on themselves. While overshadowed by later adaptations of the Danton story, particularly Andrzej Wajda's 1983 film Danton, the 1931 version remains a significant early cinematic interpretation of this historical figure and period. It offers a particular perspective shaped by the socio-political climate of Weimar Germany.