Heart of Stone (German: Das kalte Herz, lit.: The Cold Heart) is a DEFA movie from 1950, based on Wilhelm Hauff’s fairytale of the same name.
Deep in the black forest, a poor charcoal burner called Peter Munk, dreams of wealth and fortune. If he were rich, he thinks, he would have no worries and would be able to marry his childhood sweetheart Lisbeth. In order to turn his luck around, he visits the Glass-Imp; a magical being which grants three wishes to people born on Sunday. Peter wastes his two first wishes on fickle possessions, causing the Glass-Imp to deny him the third.
When the gifts of the Glass-Imp turn out to not last Peter that long, he strikes a deal with the evil Dutch-Mike, who offers him infinite riches in exchange for his heart. Now, Peter is finally able to marry Lisbeth but his lack of heart is causing him to act very cruel towards her, eventually striking her dead.
This leads to Peter overthinking his situation, and he is able to retrieve his heart by tricking Dutch-Mike. The Glass-Imp grants Peter’s third wish, giving Lisbeth back her life.
Tropes include
- Adaptational Early Appearance: In the original fairytale, Lisbeth only shows in the final third of the story when Peter wants to get a wife out of boredom. Here, they are childhood sweethearts.
- Adaptational Wealth: Lisbeth isn’t the daughter of a poor woodsman anymore but instead lives with her wealthy uncle.
- Back from the Dead: After Peter learns his lesson, Lisbeth gets brough back to life.
- Be Careful What You Wish For: All of Peter’s wishes end up causing him distress in the long run. The movie ends with him learning that he should be content with what little he has.
- Dances and Balls: In the beginning of the film, there is a big dance in the village.
- Deal with the Devil: Peter gives Dutch-Mike his heart in exchange for a bunch of money.
- Earn Your Happy Ending: Peter has to get back his heart and repent for what he has done before he gets back his old job and his beloved Lisbeth.
- Happily Ever After: Even though Peter is not any wealthier in the end, he is still a lot happier.
- Named by the Adaptation: The dance floor king who here is called Hannes and upgraded to Peter’s romantic rival.
- Old Beggar Test: The Glass-Imp transforms into an old beggar to test both Lisbeth and Peter.
- Secret Test of Character: Lisbeth passes but Peter fails by getting angry and murdering his wife. Oops.
- Wealthy Ever After: Completely subverted.
