Max Neufeld
Actor
About Max Neufeld
Max Neufeld was a prominent Austrian film director, screenwriter, and actor who played a significant role in European cinema during the silent and early sound eras. Born in Vienna in 1887, he began his career as an actor in the early 1910s, appearing in numerous Austrian and German productions before transitioning to directing in the 1920s. His directorial debut came with 'Die Tänzerin von Sacerdo' in 1920, marking the beginning of a prolific career behind the camera. Neufeld became particularly known for his sophisticated comedies and romantic dramas, often working with his wife, the celebrated Austrian actress Liane Haid. Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, he established himself as one of Austria's most successful directors, creating films that combined technical polish with popular appeal. With the rise of the Nazi regime, Neufeld, who was Jewish, emigrated to Italy where he continued his filmmaking career, though with less commercial success than in his Austrian period. His final years were spent in relative obscurity, and he died in Vienna in 1967, largely forgotten despite his substantial contributions to European cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
As an actor, Neufeld specialized in supporting roles during the silent era, displaying a theatrical yet naturalistic style typical of Austrian film actors of the period. His performances were characterized by expressive gestures and facial work essential for silent film communication, though he never achieved star status as an actor.
Milestones
- Acting debut in The Ancestress (1919)
- Directorial debut with Die Tänzerin von Sacerdo (1920)
- Marriage to actress Liane Haid (1926)
- Successful run of comedies in late 1920s
- Emigration to Italy due to Nazi persecution (1938)
- Post-war return to Austrian filmmaking
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognition as one of Austria's pioneering film directors
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Max Neufeld played a crucial role in establishing the commercial cinema industry in Austria during the 1920s, helping to create a distinctive Austrian film style that blended Viennese charm with international appeal. His films contributed to the golden age of Austrian cinema and helped launch the international careers of several Austrian actors. His work represents an important bridge between Germanic and Italian cinema traditions, particularly during his exile years in Italy.
Lasting Legacy
Neufeld's legacy lies primarily in his contribution to Austrian popular cinema of the 1920s and early 1930s. While not as internationally recognized as some of his contemporaries, his films were influential in developing the Viennese film comedy genre. His career also exemplifies the fate of many Jewish artists in European cinema during the Nazi era, forced into exile and struggling to regain their former success. His films remain important documents of Austrian culture between the wars.
Who They Inspired
Neufeld influenced subsequent generations of Austrian and German directors in his approach to popular entertainment cinema. His successful formula of combining romance, comedy, and musical elements became a template for Austrian film production. His work during his Italian period also contributed to the development of Italian popular cinema of the 1940s.
Off Screen
Max Neufeld married the celebrated Austrian actress Liane Haid in 1926, making them one of Austria's most prominent film couples. Their marriage lasted until 1933 and produced one son. The couple frequently collaborated professionally, with Haid starring in many of Neufeld's most successful films. After their divorce, Neufeld's personal life became more private, especially during his years in Italy and after his return to Austria.
Education
Limited information available, likely received standard Viennese education of the period with possible early theatrical training
Family
- Liane Haid (1926-1933)
Did You Know?
- Began his career as an actor before transitioning to directing
- Married Austria's biggest female film star of the 1920s, Liane Haid
- Was of Jewish heritage and forced to flee Austria after the Nazi annexation
- Spent his exile years working in Italian cinema
- His film 'The White Horse Inn' (1926) was one of the most successful Austrian films of the 1920s
- Returned to Austria after World War II but never regained his former success
- Directed both silent and sound films, successfully making the transition
- Often worked with the same group of actors creating a stock company feel
- His films were known for their sophisticated Viennese atmosphere
- Despite his success in the 1920s, he is now largely forgotten in film history
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Max Neufeld?
Max Neufeld was an Austrian film director, actor, and screenwriter who was active in European cinema from the 1910s through the 1950s. He was particularly successful during the 1920s and early 1930s, known for his sophisticated comedies and romantic dramas, and was married to actress Liane Haid.
What films is Max Neufeld best known for?
Neufeld is best known for films like 'The White Horse Inn' (1926), 'The Love of a Ballerina' (1925), 'The Beggar Student' (1931), and 'The Song of the Black Mountains' (1933). He also acted in 'The Ancestress' (1919) early in his career.
When was Max Neufeld born and when did he die?
Max Neufeld was born on February 13, 1887, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, and died on December 18, 1967, in Vienna, Austria, at the age of 80.
What awards did Max Neufeld win?
While Max Neufeld was commercially successful during his active years, particularly in the 1920s, there are no major recorded awards or nominations in the available historical records. His recognition came primarily through box office success and critical praise in contemporary film journals.
What was Max Neufeld's directing style?
Neufeld's directing style was characterized by elegant visual composition and a sophisticated approach to comedy and romance. He excelled at creating films with Viennese charm, smooth narrative flow, and polished production values that appealed to both domestic and international audiences.
Learn More
Films
1 film
