Dance of the Seven Veils

Synopsis

Russell's composer biopics were usually labours of love. However, this was the opposite: Russell regarded the music of Richard Strauss 'bombastic, sham and hollow', and despised the composer for claiming to be apolitical while cosying up to the Nazi regime. Strauss is depicted in a variety of grotesquely caricatured situations: attacked by nuns after adopting Nietzsche's philosophy, duels with jealous husbands, literally batters his critics into submission with his music, and glorifies the women in his life and fantasies.

Cast

Christopher Gable

Richard Strauss

Judith Paris

Kenneth Colley

James Mellor

Vladek Sheybal

Imogen Claire

Sally Bryant

Maggy Maxwell

Otto Diamant

Gala Mitchell