A fabulous treasure, intrepid heroes, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable music. Inspired by Karl May's book, the 1962 film "Treasure on Silver Lake" has become a classic of the adventure genre and an icon of German cinema. It transported audiences to a world of Indians and bandits, where every adventure was filled with romance, danger and heroic deeds.
Strong Plot
Somewhere high in the mountains is hidden a fabulous treasure - a golden hoard that for centuries has been guarded by the Tonkawas from greedy whites. But Cornel and his band of tramps decide to get the treasure at any cost. But Vinnetou, Old Shatterhand and their large group of friends arrive on the scene in time to take up the fight for justice. The film is filled with adventure, romance, danger and beautiful scenery of the Yugoslavian countryside.
Production and Filming
This legendary film had its world premiere on December 12, 1962 at the Universum cinema in Stuttgart. The screening was attended by the creators and lead actors such as Götz George (Fred Engel), Karin Dor (Ellen Patterson) and Ralf Wolter (Sam Hawkens), who were enthusiastically welcomed by the audience already halfway through the film.
Music
Music for the film was composed by Martin Böttcher, whose compositions were performed by members of the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Böttcher did not attend the filming and consulted all details with the producer by phone. The film's theme tune, "Old-Shatterhand-Melodie", stayed at the top of the German charts for 17 weeks.
Tidbits from the filming
- Lex Barker (Old Shatterhand) and Pierre Brice (Vinnetou) loved fast cars and during filming they once embarked on a car race. Brice crashed, but fortunately escaped with only minor injuries.
- The film was sold to 60 countries worldwide, including the United States.
- The dubbing of Vinnetou, by actor Stanislav Fischer, took only four hours to voice all the lines.
- The costumes for the film were designed by Irms Pauli, who had only ten weeks to make them.
- Director Harald Reinl was the husband of actress Karin Dor, who played Ellen Patterson in the film.
- Ralf Wolter (Sam Hawkens) was only 36 years old at the time of filming, even though his character gives the impression of an older man.
Filmic success and legacy
"Treasure on Silver Lake" became the basis for other Mayan adaptations and made several of the actors' stars famous. It celebrated the beautiful Yugoslavian landscape and contributed significantly to the development of German cinema. The film held the record for continuous screening in Czech cinemas for a full 19 weeks.
In conclusion
"Treasure on the Silver Lake" remains one of the most important films based on the novels of Karl May. Even today, more than 60 years after its premiere, it continues to attract audiences with its combination of adventure, romance and unforgettable cinematic moments.
Source.
