Jacob the Liar (1974)

Jacob the Liar (1974) poster

A Jewish ghetto in the east of Europe, 1944. By coincidence, Jakob Heym eavesdrops on a German radio broadcast announcing the Soviet Army is making slow by steady progress towards central Europe. In order to keep his companion in misfortune, Mischa, from risking his life for a few potatoes, he tells him what he heard and announces that he is in possession of a radio - in the ghetto a crime punishable by death. It doesn't take long for word of Jakob's secret to spread - suddenly, there is new hope and something to live for - and so Jakob finds himself in the uncomforting position of having to come up with more and more stories.

Director: Frank Beyer
Genre: History, Drama, Comedy
Runtime: 100 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Joachim Werzlau
Cinematography: Günter Marczinkowsky
Editing: Rita Hiller
Production: DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme, Künstlerische Arbeitsgruppe "Johannisthal", Filmové studio Barrandov, Fernsehen der DDR
Country: Czechoslovakia, East Germany
Language: Deutsch
Original Language: de

Themes

Heartbreaking Tragic Losses, Keening Grief and Mourning Process, Radiant Hope in the Darkest Hour, Dark Humor and Macabre Comedy, Unwavering Faith and Hope

Keywords

hope, ghetto, radio transmission, murder, gestapo, death

Trailer

Jacob the Liar Trailer

Similar Movies

More Films by Director: Frank Beyer
More Films in Genre: History, Drama, Comedy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jacob the Liar about?
A Jewish ghetto in the east of Europe, 1944. By coincidence, Jakob Heym eavesdrops on a German radio broadcast announcing the Soviet Army is making slow by steady progress towards central Europe. In order to keep his companion in misfortune, Mischa, from risking his life for a few potatoes, he tells him what he heard and announces that he is in possession of a radio - in the ghetto a crime punishable by death. It doesn't take long for word of Jakob's secret to spread - suddenly, there is new hope and something to live for - and so Jakob finds himself in the uncomforting position of having to come up with more and more stories.
Who directed Jacob the Liar?
Jacob the Liar was directed by Frank Beyer.
Who stars in Jacob the Liar?
Jacob the Liar stars Vlastimil Brodský, Erwin Geschonneck, Henry Hübchen, Blanche Kommerell, Manuela Simon, Zsuzsa Gordon.
How long is Jacob the Liar?
Jacob the Liar has a runtime of 1h 40m (100 minutes).
What genre is Jacob the Liar?
Jacob the Liar is a History, Drama, Comedy film.
Where was Jacob the Liar produced?
Jacob the Liar was produced in Czechoslovakia, East Germany.
What are the themes of Jacob the Liar?
The themes of Jacob the Liar include: Heartbreaking Tragic Losses, Keening Grief and Mourning Process, Radiant Hope in the Darkest Hour, Dark Humor and Macabre Comedy, Unwavering Faith and Hope.