From the time of his birth in 1556, Petrus Gonsalvus suffered from a rare condition now known as “hypertrichosis” or “Ambras syndrome.” He was covered in hair like a wild animal, and many believed he was a talking ape. Shortly afterwards, he was presented to the French King Henry II and grew up in the magnificent surroundings of the Palace of Fontainebleau, in the King’s menagerie, where he was regarded as a presumed creation of the devil.

But soon the young man began to speak, read, and write, gradually earning the respect of the court. Eventually, the royal household chose a wife for him—as an experiment…

The moving fate of this couple tells one of the most powerful stories ever written: how love can overcome prejudice and cruelty…

Documentary
52 min.

Written and directed by: Julian Roman Pölsler
Producer: Dieter Pochlatko
Production Manager: Rosmarie Lackner
Cinematography: Stefano Pancaldi
Sound: Stefano Cirone
Editing: Michaela Müllner
Production Design: Enid Löser
Costumes: Uli Fessler
and others

Production year: 2012

Supported by Fernsehfonds Austria, BMUKK, Province of Lower Austria