Flickenschildt, Elisabeth

(1905-1977)

   Actress. Flicken-schildt became closely identified with Gustaf Gründgens's productions in Hamburg during the 1950s, but she began her career in 1933 and was well established in Berlin by 1937 under Heinz Hilpert at the Deutsches Theater. In 1939 she began working extensively with Jürgen Fehling at the Berlin Staatstheater and continued there until 1944; she also made a dozen films during this period, notably the Emil Jannings productions of Heinrich von Kleist's The Broken Jug and Ohm Krüger (with Gründgens and Lucie Höflich). After World War II, Flickenschildt began working intensively with Gründgens in Düsseldorf and later in Hamburg. She credited him during the 1950s with making her one of the most distinctive actresses in classical roles; her performances as Clytemnestra, Phedra, Volumnia, and Maria Stuart won wide praise. Flickenschildt's performances in modern plays were less distinctive though no less effective. With thick red hair and standing nearly six feet tall, her presence onstage could be imposing. She received the Federal Distinguished Cross for Service to the Arts in 1975.