Of Special Merit
Besonders wertvoll
Synopsis
An attack on a piece of reactionary German legislation discriminating against young film directors. The film features a head-on, close-up shot of a penis ‘mouthing’ the parliamentary defense of the law by its author. A landmark in political pamphleteering, the film was selected for the 1968 Oberhausen International Short Film Festival by a committee of leading German critics and promptly banned by the city government, causing the withdrawal of almost all German directors from the festival and a national scandal. The title satirically refers to the official certificate of ‘Particularly Valuable’ given each year to the best film shorts by an Establishment selection.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Hellmuth Costard
- Screenplay & Story
- Hellmuth Costard
- Original Title
- Besonders wertvoll
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 11m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Hellmuth Costard
Hellmuth Costard
Department Leadership Roster
Hellmuth Costard
Director
Hellmuth Costard
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Of Special Merit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Of Special Merit
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Of Special Merit about?
An attack on a piece of reactionary German legislation discriminating against young film directors. The film features a head-on, close-up shot of a penis ‘mouthing’ the parliamentary defense of the law by its author. A landmark in political pamphleteering, the film was selected for the 1968 Oberhausen International Short Film Festival by a committee of leading German critics and promptly banned by the city government, causing the withdrawal of almost all German directors from the festival and a national scandal. The title satirically refers to the official certificate of ‘Particularly Valuable’ given each year to the best film shorts by an Establishment selection.
Who directed Of Special Merit?
Of Special Merit was directed by Hellmuth Costard.
Who stars in Of Special Merit?
The principal cast of Of Special Merit includes Hellmuth Costard, Hans Toussaint.
When was Of Special Merit released and how long is it?
Of Special Merit was released in 1968 with a total runtime of 11m.