Gfaller was married to the operetta singer Therese Wiet and often appeared with her in Leipzig where the couple were based for most of their careers.

He began acting in children's roles at the Carltheater in the suburbs of Vienna and then attended the Dorr'sche Theatre and Music School.

In 1926, he became the founding artistic director of the Leipzig theatre Panorama Künstlerspiele [de] where both he and his wife were based until their retirement.

The phrase in the title, "feurige Elias" ("fiery Elijah" in English), is a German colloquial term for steam locomotives.

The closure led to protests, rallies, and a final silent march by the residents of the town and the railway's employees.