The First Polka
Die erste Polka
Synopsis
The intertwined lives of people of both Polish and German extraction who live on the pre-World War II border between the two countries are explored in this drama. Valeska is the Polish/German matriarch of a family living on the German side of the border. Her son is involved with the Hitler youth, but nonetheless keeps secret the presence on family land of a Jew who is hiding from the authorities. When the son inadvertently kills a soldier to prevent his sister from being raped, he runs away after borrowing money from the Jewish man. When soldiers come to the family's door looking for the missing soldier who had been billeted there, the Jewish man commits suicide. In another episode, one of the family's daughters marries a German soldier in a ceremony presided over by a Polish priest.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Klaus Emmerich
- Screenplay & Story
- Horst Bienek, Helmut Krapp
- Original Score
- Edward Aniol
- Original Title
- Die erste Polka
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
- Production Studios
- Bavaria Film, Neue Deutsche Filmgesellschaft, WDR
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Klaus Emmerich
Horst Bienek, Helmut Krapp
Edward Aniol
Michael Ballhaus
Hannes Nikel
Helmut Krapp, Lutz Hengst
Department Leadership Roster
Klaus Emmerich
Director
Helmut Krapp
Writer
Barbara Baum
Costume Design
Michael Ballhaus
Director of Photography
Herbert Strabel
Production Design
Helmut Krapp
Producer
Edward Aniol
Original Music Composer
Rolf Zehetbauer
Production Design
Hannes Nikel
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The First Polka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The First Polka
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The First Polka about?
The intertwined lives of people of both Polish and German extraction who live on the pre-World War II border between the two countries are explored in this drama. Valeska is the Polish/German matriarch of a family living on the German side of the border. Her son is involved with the Hitler youth, but nonetheless keeps secret the presence on family land of a Jew who is hiding from the authorities. When the son inadvertently kills a soldier to prevent his sister from being raped, he runs away after borrowing money from the Jewish man. When soldiers come to the family's door looking for the missing soldier who had been billeted there, the Jewish man commits suicide. In another episode, one of the family's daughters marries a German soldier in a ceremony presided over by a Polish priest.
Who directed The First Polka?
The First Polka was directed by Klaus Emmerich.
Who stars in The First Polka?
The principal cast of The First Polka includes Maria Schell, Ernst Stankovski, Claus Theo Gärtner, Eva Maria Bauer, Erland Josephson.
When was The First Polka released and how long is it?
The First Polka was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
Who composed the musical score for The First Polka?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The First Polka was composed by Edward Aniol.
Is The First Polka based on a book or true story?
The First Polka is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Horst Bienek".