Les Contes d'Hoffmann (1981): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1981, Les Contes d'Hoffmann is a drama and music film directed by Brian Large, running about 150 minutes.

What it’s about. Seeking to exorcise the failure of his current love affair, the poet Hoffmann tells the tales of his three past loves - the doll-like Olympia, the high-class courtesan Giulietta, and the ambitious but delicate Antonia - and recalls how each was thwarted by the evil influence of his rival. In this production by the distinguished film director, John Schlesinger, with spectacular designs by Maria Bjornson and William Dudley, Offenbach's nightmare world is brought to life. The all-star cast is headed by Placido Domingo as Hoffmann: his three loves are Ileana Cotrubas, Anges Baltsa and Luciana Serra and the manifestations of his rival are sung by Geraint Evans, Robert Lloyd, Siegmund Nimsgern and Nicola Ghiuselev. The score, which includes such favourites as the "Barcarolle" and the "Doll's Song", is conducted by Georges Pretre.

Who’s in it. Les Contes d'Hoffmann stars Plácido Domingo as Hoffmann, Agnes Baltsa as Giulietta, Robert Lloyd as Lindorf and Ileana Cotrubas as Antonia, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.6/10, Les Contes d'Hoffmann has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Les Contes d'Hoffmann page.

If you liked it. Fans of Les Contes d'Hoffmann tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.