Synopsis

Classical myth: Midas prefers Pan's music to Apollo's, so Apollo curses him with asses' ears. His barber whispers the secret to a hole in the ground but the growing reeds whisper it to passersby. No main title. Midas strolls in a studio garden. The fur-clad Pan plays his pipes and Midas awards him a palm branch. The young Apollo plays his lyre but Midas again awards the palm to Pan. Apollo curses Midas with asses' ears. At the palace Midas hides his ears with a cap but exposes himself to his shocked barber. The barber spreads the secret to a laughing soldier and to the mistress of the kitchen who whips him. In a studio wood he tells the secret to a hole in the ground but reeds grow from the ground (personified by maidens flapping their hands like ears). Passersby learn the secret from the whispering reeds, whip off Midas's cap and mock him. Alone, he looks at his reflection (695ft). Note: The German intertitles are numbered 1-2 and 4-6. (Shotlist)