Jacob the Liar
Jakob der Lügner
Synopsis
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.
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Official 2025 4K Restoration Trailer [Subtitled]Official
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-11-20
Top Cast
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Vlastimil Brodský
Jakob Heym
Erwin Geschonneck
Kowalski
Henry Hübchen
Mischa
Blanche Kommerell
Rose Frankfurter
Manuela Simon
Lina
Zsuzsa Gordon
Mrs. Frankfurter
Armin Mueller-Stahl
Roman Schlamm
Friedrich Richter
Dr. Kirschbaum
Margit Bara
Josefa
Reimar Johannes Baur
Herschel Schlamm
Dezső Garas
Frankfurter
Hermann Beyer
Wachhabender
Klaus Brasch
Jürgen Hilbrecht
Paul Lewitt
Edwin Marian
Hans-Peter Reinecke
Fritz Links
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 31, 1975
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Frank Beyer
- Screenplay & Story
- Frank Beyer, Jurek Becker
- Original Score
- Joachim Werzlau
- Original Title
- Jakob der Lügner
- Country of Origin
- Czechoslovakia, East Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Studios
- DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme, Künstlerische Arbeitsgruppe "Johannisthal", Filmové studio Barrandov, Fernsehen der DDR
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Frank Beyer
Frank Beyer, Jurek Becker
Joachim Werzlau
Günter Marczinkowsky
Rita Hiller
Herbert Ehler
Department Leadership Roster
Frank Beyer
Director
Rita Hiller
Editor
Herbert Ehler
Producer
Günter Marczinkowsky
Director of Photography
Joachim Werzlau
Original Music Composer
Frank Beyer
Screenplay
Joachim Dittrich
Costume Design
Jurek Becker
Screenplay
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Jacob the Liar.
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Oscar Best Foreign/International Picture Nominees
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Oscars 1977
Nominees and selected films for the 49th Academy Awards (ceremony year 1977).
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jacob the Liar
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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?
The principal cast of Jacob the Liar includes Vlastimil Brodský, Erwin Geschonneck, Henry Hübchen, Blanche Kommerell, Manuela Simon.
When was Jacob the Liar released and how long is it?
Jacob the Liar was released in 1974 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for Jacob the Liar?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Jacob the Liar was composed by Joachim Werzlau.
Is Jacob the Liar based on a book or true story?
Jacob the Liar is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Jurek Becker".