The Conscript
De Loteling
Synopsis
In 1833, when the fledgling Belgian kingdom still fears a Dutch invasion, recruits were selected annually from an age cohort by a draw of lots in each locality. In this grim, then contemporary drama by the 'father of Flemish literature', Hendrik Conscience, Jan Braems, a poor and naive farmers-boy, accepts the not uncommon offer by a rich family to sell his lucky ticket (out) to their son for a hefty sum compared to the miserable labor wages at the time. Army life is even harsher then a farmhand's, especially for a Dutch-speaking an-alphabet who simply can't understand his francophone superiors, and Jan's nature is not complacent enough for military discipline even by todays standards, so he soon gets into all kinds of trouble, including gambling his capital away and a venereal disease. When his girlfriend back home goes looking for him, her life is doomed as well.
Top Cast
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Jan Decleir
Jan Braems
Ansje Beentjes
Katrien
Gaston Vandermeulen
Grootvader
Gella Allaert
Katriens moeder
Bernard Verheyden
Karel
Marieke van Leeuwen
Hoertje
Idwig Stephane
Korporaal
Eddy Asselbergs
Boef
Leo Madder
Boef
Denise Zimmerman
Vrouw van kommandant
Rudi Van Vlaenderen
Dokter
Johan Vanderbracht
Kommandant
Werner Kopers
Maris
Charles Gilbert
Roger Bolders
Ray Verhaeghe
Notaris
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Roland Verhavert
- Screenplay & Story
- Nic Bal, Roland Verhavert
- Original Title
- De Loteling
- Country of Origin
- Belgium
- Spoken Languages
- French, Dutch
- Runtime
- 1h 22m
- Production Studios
- Elan Film N.V., Ministerie van Nationale Opvoeding en Nederlandse Cultuur (België), Kunst en Kino
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Roland Verhavert
Nic Bal, Roland Verhavert, Hendrik Conscience
Ralf Boumans
Monique Lebrun, Peter Simons
Jan van Raemdonck, J.E. Lauwers
Department Leadership Roster
Roland Verhavert
Director
Nic Bal
Screenplay
Roland Verhavert
Screenplay
Jan van Raemdonck
Producer
J.E. Lauwers
Producer
Monique Lebrun
Editor
Peter Simons
Editor
Ralf Boumans
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Interdit aux moins de 16 ans — 16+ only.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Conscript.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Conscript
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Conscript about?
In 1833, when the fledgling Belgian kingdom still fears a Dutch invasion, recruits were selected annually from an age cohort by a draw of lots in each locality. In this grim, then contemporary drama by the 'father of Flemish literature', Hendrik Conscience, Jan Braems, a poor and naive farmers-boy, accepts the not uncommon offer by a rich family to sell his lucky ticket (out) to their son for a hefty sum compared to the miserable labor wages at the time. Army life is even harsher then a farmhand's, especially for a Dutch-speaking an-alphabet who simply can't understand his francophone superiors, and Jan's nature is not complacent enough for military discipline even by todays standards, so he soon gets into all kinds of trouble, including gambling his capital away and a venereal disease. When his girlfriend back home goes looking for him, her life is doomed as well.
Who directed The Conscript?
The Conscript was directed by Roland Verhavert.
Who stars in The Conscript?
The principal cast of The Conscript includes Jan Decleir, Ansje Beentjes, Gaston Vandermeulen, Gella Allaert, Bernard Verheyden.
When was The Conscript released and how long is it?
The Conscript was released in 1974 with a total runtime of 1h 22m.
Is The Conscript based on a book or true story?
The Conscript is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Hendrik Conscience".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Conscript?
The Conscript holds official age classifications: FR: 16 (Interdit aux moins de 16 ans — 16+ only.).