The First Polka
Originally released in 1979. The First Polka is a drama film. directed by Klaus Emmerich.
Starring Maria Schell, Ernst Stankovski, and Claus Theo Gärtner
Synopsis
The intertwined lives of people of both Polish and German extraction who live on the pre-World War II border between the two countries are explored in this drama. Valeska is the Polish/German matriarch of a family living on the German side of the border. Her son is involved with the Hitler youth, but nonetheless keeps secret the presence on family land of a Jew who is hiding from the authorities. When the son inadvertently kills a soldier to prevent his sister from being raped, he runs away after borrowing money from the Jewish man. When soldiers come to the family's door looking for the missing soldier who had been billeted there, the Jewish man commits suicide. In another episode, one of the family's daughters marries a German soldier in a ceremony presided over by a Polish priest.
Quick Facts
Director
Top Cast
Maria Schell
as Valeska Piontek
Ernst Stankovski
as Anwalt Wondrak
Claus Theo Gärtner
as Feldwebel Metzmacher
Eva Maria Bauer
as Tante Lucie
Erland Josephson
as Leo Maria Piontek
Guido Wieland
as Herr Montag
René Schell
as Josef Piontek
Marco Kröger
as Andreas
Jan Biczycki
as Archpriest Pattas
Regine Lamster
as Irma
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- DE
Production Companies
- Bavaria Film
- Neue Deutsche Filmgesellschaft
- WDR
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The First Polka about?
The intertwined lives of people of both Polish and German extraction who live on the pre-World War II border between the two countries are explored in this drama. Valeska is the Polish/German matri...
Who directed The First Polka?
The First Polka was directed by Klaus Emmerich.
How long is The First Polka?
The First Polka has a runtime of 1 hours and 36 minutes (96 minutes total).
When was The First Polka released?
The First Polka was released on February 28, 1979 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in The First Polka?
The main cast of The First Polka includes Maria Schell, Ernst Stankovski, Claus Theo Gärtner, Eva Maria Bauer, Erland Josephson.