Prince of the Magic Fountain: an interview with Peter Nestler

Prince of the
The Magic Fountain
Peter Nestler

We were recently contacted by filmmaker Zoltan Nestler, who informed us that his father Peter Nestler, was still working in the movie industry. We know Mr. Nestler, of course, as Prince Alfred in the Kiddie Matinee classic THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN (1961). We contacted Mr. Nestler, who was delighted to speak with us about this fairy tale filmed deep in the heart of Bavaria.

KiddieMatinee.Com: Although you primarily worked as an actor, you are also an accomplished cinematographer, editor and writer. Can you tell us about some of your favorite film projects?

Peter Nestler: I have no particular favorites. Here is the web address of the "Viennale Festival" , with comments on about 23 titles for "a Tribute to Peter Nestler".

KM.C: Can you tell us about your recent TV production, "Die Verwandlung des guten Nachbarn," which you produced and directed?

PN: Yes, you can find comments about it at the Viennale home site.

KM.C: You are a founding member of the "New Munich Group". Is this primarily an acting group?

PN: We were some young filmmakers and friends, but we never did found any group. "New Munich Group" is an invention by a film critic! (Internet Movie Database, take note!)

KM.C: Do you recall if THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN was a U.S. production, a German production, or did it have international backers?

PN: It was a U.S. production. I think it was the "Mirisch Company" of Detroit. Allan David contracted German actors and crew.

KM.C: How did you land the lead role of Prince Alfred in THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN?

My agent told me about it. It was fun to be in this movie, it happened at the beginning of my very short and not so glamorous career as an actor. I used my fees to produce my own short documentary films, and ever since I have done documentaries in the 44 years following.

KM.C: You did a lot of horse riding in THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN. Was this easy for you?

This horse riding in the beautiful Bavarian summer landscape was really fun. I had to ride on a white horse. White horses are quite rare, and expensive to hire. The one I got was 18 years old, and in one sequence I had to ride at a gallop through the forest. The whole crew was concerned about the outcome of this effort, because Prince Alfred was a bit heavier than the average jockey, and a retake was just impossible. But my horse and I succeeded, and I am glad the editor didn't throw out this unforgettable scene.

KM.C: Although filmed in Germany, THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN appears to have been filmed in the English language. Was this true? Are you proficient in English?

PN: Yes, it was filmed in English; maybe Allan David accepted the German actors' accents, hoping it would give a local touch, or just remind the audience that they were watching a German fairy tale.

KM.C: Any particular memories about the filming of this fairy tale, and the history behind the castle "Neuschwanstein"?

PN: You can find more about the historic castle of King Ludwig at Germanworld

In the American crew there was an elderly specialist for optical effects; unfortunately I have forgotten his name (Wee Gee). But I remember him so well as one of these masters of handicraft in the film business, doing their work with enthusiasm and love.

KM.C: "Allan David" is a mysterious personage, and we have been unable to uncover any information about him. Can you tell us anything about this producer-director?

PN: I liked him - but I had to fight for my salary. Not every one of the German crew had been paid when David disappeared back to the U.S. after the dubbing work had been done in Munich. In the sound studio I went on strike for some time until he paid me my final wages. David then invited me to come to Hollywood, where he wanted to build me up as an actor. He even offered to be my agent for 10 years, taking for himself 50% of my expected income as an American movie star. I told him "No, thanks", and said I had other plans concerning my future. He then commented that "Germans are always looking down instead of seeing the possibilities in life"!

KM.C: Did you see THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN when it was completed? Was it released in Germany?

PN: I have never seen this movie, which never was shown in the Grimm Brothers homeland.

KM.C: Even after forty years, THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN still has an impressive following amongst fantasy film audiences. Do you have any final comments for your fans?

PN: I recommend the reading of the original Grimm brother's fairytales. I did read them for my own children and grand-children. But these fairy tales are great stuff for adults too.

KM.C: Thank you for speaking with us!