Crook and the Cross
Der Gauner und der liebe Gott
Synopsis
With the help of God, the loveable safecracker Paul Wittkowski – aka “Cracker-Paulie” – manages to escape the clutches of the cops. He dresses up as a priest and ends up in a village, whose pastor is in dispute with an influential businessman. To help the pastor and a young widow, Paulie has to use his own special abilities. This work leads him back to the path of righteousness. He contacts the police and, after serving his time, starts a new life with the widow.
Top Cast
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Gert Fröbe
Paul Wittkowski
Karlheinz Böhm
Father Steiner
Rudolf Vogel
Anton Baumberger
Ellen Schwiers
Maria Holzmann
Lucie Englisch
Frau Nestle
Manfred Kunst
Peter Holzmann
Barbara Gallauner
Fräulein Mauer
Hans Jürgen Diedrich
Wachtmeister Franke
Toni Treutler
Thérèse Baumberger
Rosemarie Kirstein
Helga Baumberger
Hans Clarin
Karl Schmiedel
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Axel von Ambesser
- Screenplay & Story
- Curth Flatow
- Original Score
- Norbert Schultze
- Original Title
- Der Gauner und der liebe Gott
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Production Studios
- Divina-Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Axel von Ambesser
Curth Flatow, Stefan Gommermann
Norbert Schultze
Oskar Schnirch
Herbert Taschner
Ernst Steinlechner
Department Leadership Roster
Ernst Steinlechner
Producer
Axel von Ambesser
Director
Curth Flatow
Screenplay
Oskar Schnirch
Director of Photography
Herbert Taschner
Editor
Norbert Schultze
Original Music Composer
Ilse Dubois
Costume Design
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 Crook and the Cross.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crook and the Cross
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Crook and the Cross about?
With the help of God, the loveable safecracker Paul Wittkowski – aka “Cracker-Paulie” – manages to escape the clutches of the cops. He dresses up as a priest and ends up in a village, whose pastor is in dispute with an influential businessman. To help the pastor and a young widow, Paulie has to use his own special abilities. This work leads him back to the path of righteousness. He contacts the police and, after serving his time, starts a new life with the widow.
Who directed Crook and the Cross?
Crook and the Cross was directed by Axel von Ambesser.
Who stars in Crook and the Cross?
The principal cast of Crook and the Cross includes Gert Fröbe, Karlheinz Böhm, Rudolf Vogel, Ellen Schwiers, Lucie Englisch.
When was Crook and the Cross released and how long is it?
Crook and the Cross was released in 1960 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for Crook and the Cross?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Crook and the Cross was composed by Norbert Schultze.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Crook and the Cross?
Crook and the Cross holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.).