Ecstasy (Ekstase) (Rhapsody of Love) (Symphony of Love) (1940)

67% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
48% of users liked it
(811 ratings)

Except for the title, Ecstacy bears little resemblance, in plot or in quality, to the erotic Czech classic of 1933. Tiffany Bolling, who once upon a time played such respectable roles as Regina Hubbard in Another Part of the Forest, takes the money and runs in yet another heavy-breather. This time… More Except for the title, Ecstacy bears little resemblance, in plot or in quality, to the erotic Czech classic of 1933. Tiffany Bolling, who once upon a time played such respectable roles as Regina Hubbard in Another Part of the Forest, takes the money and runs in yet another heavy-breather. This time she's the frustrated wife of a film director. Bored, Bolling decides to cast about for a glamorous, independent life of her own, resulting in series of sexual escapades. Jack Carter, Britt Ekland and Julie Newmar show no signs of embarrassment while appearing in their brief supporting roles. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Gustav Machatý
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 20, 1933 Wide
On DVD: Jun 11, 2002
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
The symbolism with which Director Gustav Machaty attempts to point up the theme of romantic frustration and ultimate fulfillment rather heightens the confusion on the whole, though there are a few isolated instances when it is strikingly effective.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
It still has its charms, both cinematic and sensual.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Unfortunately, the film has aged badly, and today is mainly a curiosity piece.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
The movie was made by the Czech Gustav Machaty, who had a particular affinity for erotic subjects told from a woman's standpoint.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Much heralded erotic film (for its time) that made a sexy star of Hedy Lamarr.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The simple story is told with invention by director Gustav Machaty, who seems especially influenced by the editing techniques of Eisenstein.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It's a little dull today but it's still interesting from a historical perspective.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Ah, the scandal!
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It just doesn't live up to its cause celebre rep.

Read all 9 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This is one of those early talkies that didn't take advantage of the fact that they could now have the characters engage in interesting, lengthy, and character building conversations. This movie could have been a lot better than it was if it had taken the chance of writing great… More
This is one of those early talkies that didn't take advantage of the fact that they could now have the characters engage in interesting, lengthy, and character building conversations. This movie could have been a lot better than it was if it had taken the chance of writing great dialogues for the characters. Instead they go around doing normal uninteresting, for the most part, everyday things. The only plus side to this movie is the nudity, which would have been extremely controversial for the 30s.
Randy T

Scandalous for it's time, Ecstasy is somewhat of a 'bridge' film. It ties together the silent film era with that of talkies, and it links pre-code cinema with imposed censorship. Though it has scoring and sound there is very little dialog.… More
Scandalous for it's time, Ecstasy is somewhat of a 'bridge' film. It ties together the silent film era with that of talkies, and it links pre-code cinema with imposed censorship. Though it has scoring and sound there is very little dialog. (Director Gustav Machaty was obviously schooled in the techniques of silent pictures.) Even if it is noticeably short on script, Ecstasy is thick with beautiful scenery and artistic camera angles. Machaty was much more interested in the art of his cinematography than in the substance of his story. Best known for the extraordinary nude scenes of the beautiful Hedy Lamarr, Ecstasy is more remarkable for it's significance as a milestone in the history of motion pictures than as a 1930's classic film.
Cindy I

Only worth watching to see a very young Hedy Lamarr swimming and running through the forest nude. Otherwise pretty dull.