The Captain from Kopenick
Der Hauptmann von Köpenick
Synopsis
A young shoemaker is arrested for stealing a small amount of money, and is jailed for fifteen years. Upon his release, he wants to get a permit to get a job and start anew, but finds that without a job he can't get a permit, and without a permit he can't get a job. Ensnared in the absurd net of Prussian bureaucracy, he can't see any way out. That is, until he enters a thrift shop and spots a Prussian officer's uniform that fits him like a second skin...
Top Cast
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Heinz Rühmann
Wilhelm Voigt
Martin Held
Dr. Obermüller
Hannelore Schroth
Mathilde Obermüller
Willy A. Kleinau
Friedrich Hoprecht
Leonard Steckel
Adolph Wormser
Friedrich Domin
Zuchthausdirektor
Erich Schellow
Capt. von Schlettow
Walter Giller
Willy Wormser
Wolfgang Neuss
Zuchthäusler Kallenberg
Bum Krüger
Schutzmann Kilian
Joseph Offenbach
Wabschke
Ilse Fürstenberg
Marie Hoprecht, Voigts sister
Maria Sebaldt
Auguste Viktoria Wormser
Edith Hancke
Lieschen, das kranke Mädchen
Ethel Reschke
Pleureusenmieze
Siegfried Lowitz
Kassierer Rosenkranz
Willi Rose
Polizist
Willy Maertens
Prokurist Knell
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 25, 1958
Wide Cinema Exhibition
November 1, 1990
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Helmut Käutner
- Screenplay & Story
- Carl Zuckmayer, Helmut Käutner
- Original Score
- Bernhard Eichhorn
- Original Title
- Der Hauptmann von Köpenick
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Studios
- Real-Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Helmut Käutner
Carl Zuckmayer, Helmut Käutner
Bernhard Eichhorn
Albert Benitz
Klaus Dudenhöfer
Gyula Trebitsch
Department Leadership Roster
Klaus Dudenhöfer
Editor
Helmut Käutner
Director
Carl Zuckmayer
Screenplay
Helmut Käutner
Screenplay
Gyula Trebitsch
Producer
Bernhard Eichhorn
Original Music Composer
Albert Benitz
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Captain from Kopenick.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Captain from Kopenick.
European Cinema
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Oscar Best Foreign/International Picture Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Foreign/International Picture Nominees
Oscars 1957
Nominees and selected films for the 29th Academy Awards (ceremony year 1957).
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Captain from Kopenick
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Captain from Kopenick about?
A young shoemaker is arrested for stealing a small amount of money, and is jailed for fifteen years. Upon his release, he wants to get a permit to get a job and start anew, but finds that without a job he can't get a permit, and without a permit he can't get a job. Ensnared in the absurd net of Prussian bureaucracy, he can't see any way out. That is, until he enters a thrift shop and spots a Prussian officer's uniform that fits him like a second skin...
Who directed The Captain from Kopenick?
The Captain from Kopenick was directed by Helmut Käutner.
Who stars in The Captain from Kopenick?
The principal cast of The Captain from Kopenick includes Heinz Rühmann, Martin Held, Hannelore Schroth, Willy A. Kleinau, Leonard Steckel.
When was The Captain from Kopenick released and how long is it?
The Captain from Kopenick was released in 1956 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.
Who composed the musical score for The Captain from Kopenick?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Captain from Kopenick was composed by Bernhard Eichhorn.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Captain from Kopenick?
The Captain from Kopenick holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.).