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Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht

Writer · Died August 14, 1956, aged 58 · Augsburg, Germany

Eugen Berthold Friedrich Brecht (10 February 1898 – 14 August 1956), known as Bertolt Brecht and Bert Brecht, was a German theatre practitioner, playwright, and poet. Coming of age during the Weimar Republic, he had his first successes as a playwright in Munich and moved to Berlin in 1924, where he wrote The Threepenny Opera with Elisabeth Hauptmann and Kurt Weill and began a lifelong collaboration with the composer Hanns Eisler. Immersed in Marxist thought during this period, Brecht wrote didactic Lehrstücke and became a leading theoretician of epic theatre (which he later preferred to call "dialectical theatre") and the Verfremdungseffekt. When the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933, Brecht fled his home country, initially to Scandinavia. During World War II he moved to Southern California, where he established himself as a screenwriter while being surveilled by the FBI. In 1947, he was part of the first group of Hollywood film artists to be subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee for alleged Communist Party affiliations. The day after testifying, he returned to Europe, eventually settling in East Berlin, where he co-founded the theatre company Berliner Ensemble with his wife and long-time collaborator, actress Helene Weigel. Description above from the Wikipedia article Bertolt Brecht, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
February 10, 1898
Died
August 14, 1956 (aged 58)
From
Augsburg, Germany
Works as
Writer
Titles
6 on MovieCove · 98 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Down 7% in 30 days

What are Bertolt Brecht's films like?

Across their 5 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Power and Ideas.

Genres

Biography2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 66th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Biography movies
Drama2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 42nd percentile
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Power
73%
Ideas
27%
Class3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCorruption2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFreedom2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 5 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Wry: How sincerely it treats its story and characters, from ironic to earnest. Browse their wry movies.
Tone · Sincerity
ironicearnest

A split, not a type: Ironic 2 · Wry 0 · Earnest 2

Heightened: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their heightened movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 0 · Stylized 1 · Heightened 4

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 3 · Intense 0

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 4 · Shifting 1 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 4 · Some laughs 1 · Funny 0

Slow burn: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their slow burn movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 4 · Even-paced 1 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 1 · Engaged 2 · Full focus 2

Open-ended: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their open-ended movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 1 · Open-ended 3 · Ambiguous 1

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Melancholic
3
Cold
2
Contemplative
2
Tense
1
Absurd
1
Other
1

How their films linger

Thought-provoking5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end

  • Bittersweet4
  • Ambiguous1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Bertolt Brecht's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 3 of their 6 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Bertolt Brecht's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

98 credits, 6 with a MovieCove page; 7 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • The Good Person of Szechwan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    Writer

  • Die Gewehre der Frau Carrar / Würgendes Blei (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    Theatre Play

  • A Santa Joana dos Matadouros (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Writer

  • The Change of the Wheel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Novel

  • Bertolt Brecht - Flüchtlingsgespräche (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Lui-même

  • The Seven Deadly Sins / Mahagonny Song Play - Teatro Alla Scala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    Writer

  • The Good Man from Szechuan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Writer

  • Rules of the Assembly Line, at High Speed (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Story

  • Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Writer

  • Trommeln in der Nacht (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Theatre Play

  • Mack the Knife - Brecht's Threepenny Film(2018)

    Writer

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • National Theatre Live: The Threepenny Opera (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Lyricist · Musical

  • Marianne (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Writer

  • Alter Bahnhof Video Walk (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Writer

  • The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Lyricist · Writer

  • Corneille-Brecht ou Rome l'unique objet de mon ressentiment (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Novel

  • Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Book

  • Canção de Baal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Lyricist · Theatre Play

  • Baal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Novel

  • Le cercle de craie caucasien (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Author

  • The Threepenny Opera (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Book · Composer

  • The Seduction of Angels (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Poem

  • The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Lyricist · Writer

  • The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Theatre Play

  • The Career of Arturo Ui (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Theatre Play

  • The Threepenny Opera (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Book · Composer

  • The Seven Deadly Sins (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Writer

  • Antigone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Theatre Play

  • La vie de Galilée (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Author

  • Mack the Knife (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Original Story

  • Der Mantel des Ketzers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Story

  • Мещанская свадьба (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Story

  • Die Bestie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Story

  • Der springende Punkt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Actor

  • Anna Firling's Roads (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Theatre Play

  • The Caucasian Chalk Circle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Writer

  • Sade Vatandaş Şvayk Hitler'e Karşı (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Screenplay

  • Baal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Theatre Play · Writer

  • Fear and Misery of the Third Reich (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Theatre Play · Writer

  • Svatba (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Theatre Play

  • Germany Pale Mother (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Poem

  • No. 18: Mahagonny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Writer

  • The Tailor of Ulm (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Poem

  • Die Rache des Kapitäns Mitchell (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Story

  • Herr Puntila And His Servant Matti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Theatre Play

  • Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Writer

  • Brecht and Co (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Writer

  • The Life Story of Baal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Theatre Play

  • Låt er inte förföras (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Writer

  • Das Leben des Galileo Galilei (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 2 episodes · Writer

  • O Gesto, a Festa, a Mensagem - Dois Mil Anos de Teatro (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Theatre Play

  • Der Hofmeister (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Writer

  • Death of the Flea Circus Director (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Theatre Play

  • Die Gewehre der Frau Carrar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Novel

  • Galileo(1975)

    Theatre Play

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • I Was, I Am, I Will Be (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Poem

  • Mahagonny (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Lyricist · Writer

  • Mr. Puntilla and His Man Matti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Author

  • Der aufhaltsame Aufstieg des Arturo Ui (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Writer

  • Dificuldade de Governar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Poem

  • The Good Person of Szechwan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Theatre Play

  • The Gangster Show: The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Adaptation

  • History Lessons (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Novel

  • Trummor i natten (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Theatre Play

  • Arturo Ui (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Novel

  • Bubny a trumpety (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Theatre Play

  • Baal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Story

  • Schweik in World War II (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Original Story

  • Im Dickicht der Städte (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Writer

  • Regeln och undantaget (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Writer

  • Der gute Mensch von Sezuan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Writer

  • BBC Play of the Month (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 1 episode · Theatre Play

  • The Shameless Old Lady (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Novel

  • Life of Galileo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Theatre Play

  • The Life of Galileo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Theatre Play

  • Pušky paní Carrarové (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Theatre Play

  • Three Penny Opera(1963)

    Lyricist · Writer

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • Kavkazský křídový kruh (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    Theatre Play

  • Leben des Galilei (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    Story

  • Mother Courage and Her Children (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Story

  • Księżyc z Alabamy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Author

  • Herr Puntila and His Servant Matti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Writer

  • Zadržitelný vzestup Artura Uie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Theatre Play

  • Der kaukasische Kreidekreis (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Author

  • Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Screenplay

  • Pušky paní Carrarové (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Theatre Play

  • Song of the Rivers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    Writer

  • Wilhelm Pieck - Das Leben unseres Präsidenten (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    Lyricist

  • Leben des Galilei (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    Theatre Play

  • Hangmen Also Die!(1943)

    Adaptation · Original Story

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Schweik is Preparing For Battle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    Lyricist

  • The Murderers Are Coming (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    Short Story

  • Kuhle Wampe or Who Owns the World?(1932)

    Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • A Man's a Man (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1931)

    Director · Writer

  • The Threepenny Opera (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1931)

    Lyricist · Writer

  • The Threepenny Opera(1931)

    Story · Theatre Play

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • The Mysteries of a Hairdresser's Shop (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1923)

    Director · Writer

  • An den kleinen Radioapparat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Lyricist · Original Story

Career shape

A full career of 97 titles, 96 of them dated from 1923 to 2025.

Biggest box office

Mack the Knife - Brecht's Threepenny Film (2018)

$924K worldwide

Highest rated

The Threepenny Opera (1931)

Midcredits 83rd

Most popular right now

Three Penny Opera (1963)

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting2 of 97: 2 only acting, 0 with another roleDirecting2 of 97: 0 only directing, 2 with another roleWriting90 of 97: 86 only writing, 4 with another role · typical Midcredits score65thMusic2 of 97: 0 only music, 2 with another roleOther crew5 of 97: 5 only other crew, 0 with another role

97 titles, 4 with more than one role.

By decade

1920s1 · crew1930s4 · crew1940s4 · crew1950s5 · crew1960s16 · crew1970s24 · crew1980s14 · 1 acting · 13 crew1990s7 · crew2000s7 · crew2010s6 · crew2020s8 · 1 acting · 7 crew

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Bertolt Brecht's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 68th percentile, the median of all 6; across their 5 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 66th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

66thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 5

Approval · how many liked their films

62ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 5

Reach · how many have seen their films

48thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 5

Midcredits score across 6 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up2
  • 50th to 74th3
  • Below 25th1

Shape of the crowd

5 of their 6 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Crowd Pleaser5
  • Mixed1

Most divisive · writer

Three Penny Opera (1963)

60th percentile spread · 29% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · writer

Hangmen Also Die! (1943)

Midcredits 91st · 81% liked

Reviewers score the dialogue 61/100 and the plot and story 54/100 in their films, across 5 reviewed titles. The element that speaks to their work as a writer.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Bertolt Brecht work with?

People who share at least 2 of Bertolt Brecht's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Ernst Busch shares the most, 2.

Actors

Composers

Mixed roles