The First Polka (1979)

The First Polka (1979) poster

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.

Director: Klaus Emmerich
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 96 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Edward Aniol
Cinematography: Michael Ballhaus
Editing: Hannes Nikel
Production: Bavaria Film, Neue Deutsche Filmgesellschaft, WDR
Country: Germany
Language: Deutsch
Original Language: de
More Films by Director: Klaus Emmerich
More Films in Genre: Drama

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 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.
Who directed The First Polka?
The First Polka was directed by Klaus Emmerich.
Who stars in The First Polka?
The First Polka stars Maria Schell, Ernst Stankovski, Claus Theo Gärtner, Eva Maria Bauer.
How long is The First Polka?
The First Polka has a runtime of 1h 36m (96 minutes).
What genre is The First Polka?
The First Polka is a Drama film.
Where was The First Polka produced?
The First Polka was produced in Germany.