Die erste Polka (1979): cast, story & where to watch
1979 · Film
Released in 1979, Die erste Polka is a drama film directed by Klaus Emmerich, running about 96 minutes.
What it’s 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’s in it. Die erste Polka stars Maria Schell as Valeska Piontek, Ernst Stankovski as Anwalt Wondrak, Claus Theo Gärtner as Feldwebel Metzmacher and Eva Maria Bauer as Tante Lucie.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Die erste Polka page.
If you liked it. Fans of Die erste Polka tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Die erste Polka (1979)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Die erste Polka change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Die erste Polka?
- Die erste Polka stars Maria Schell, Ernst Stankovski, Claus Theo Gärtner and Eva Maria Bauer.
- When was Die erste Polka released?
- Die erste Polka was released in 1979, with a runtime of about 96 minutes.