
Emil and the Detectives
Synopsis
Erich Kästner’s beloved novel has been adapted for film or television six times since its publication in 1929; this 1935 British version was the first in English. Believed lost for decades, it was recently rediscovered by the BFI and has now been restored. The film moves the action from Berlin to London, where Emil goes to stay with his grandmother and cousin. Thereafter, the tale of Emil’s adventures with a gang of streetwise London children faithfully follows the original plot.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Milton Rosmer
- Screenplay & Story
- Billy Wilder
- Original Score
- Allan Gray
- Original Title
- Emil and the Detectives
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 10m
- Production Studios
- Richard Wainwright Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Milton Rosmer
Billy Wilder, Margaret Carter, Erich Kästner, Frank Launder, Cyrus Brooks
Allan Gray
Mutz Greenbaum, George Stretton
Cyril Heck
Richard Wainwright
Department Leadership Roster
Cyril Heck
Editor
Mutz Greenbaum
Director of Photography
Milton Rosmer
Director
Billy Wilder
Screenplay
Richard Wainwright
Producer
George Stretton
Director of Photography
Allan Gray
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Emil and the Detectives.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emil and the Detectives
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Emil and the Detectives about?
Erich Kästner’s beloved novel has been adapted for film or television six times since its publication in 1929; this 1935 British version was the first in English. Believed lost for decades, it was recently rediscovered by the BFI and has now been restored. The film moves the action from Berlin to London, where Emil goes to stay with his grandmother and cousin. Thereafter, the tale of Emil’s adventures with a gang of streetwise London children faithfully follows the original plot.
Who directed Emil and the Detectives?
Emil and the Detectives was directed by Milton Rosmer.
Who stars in Emil and the Detectives?
The principal cast of Emil and the Detectives includes John Williams, George Hayes, Mary Glynne, Clare Greet, George Merritt.
When was Emil and the Detectives released and how long is it?
Emil and the Detectives was released in 1935 with a total runtime of 1h 10m.
Who composed the musical score for Emil and the Detectives?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Emil and the Detectives was composed by Allan Gray.
Is Emil and the Detectives based on a book or true story?
Emil and the Detectives is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Erich Kästner".




















