Emil and the Detectives (1935): cast, story & where to watch
1935 · Film · ★ 4.5
Released in 1935, Emil and the Detectives is a comedy and crime film directed by Milton Rosmer, running about 70 minutes.
What it’s 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’s in it. Emil and the Detectives stars John Williams as Emil Blake, George Hayes as The Man in The Boeler Hat, Mary Glynne as Mrs. Blake and Clare Greet as Grandma, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, Emil and the Detectives has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In GB you can rent or buy it from BFI Player. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Emil and the Detectives page.
If you liked it. Fans of Emil and the Detectives tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Emil and the Detectives (1935)?
- In GB, Emil and the Detectives is available to rent or buy from BFI Player. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Emil and the Detectives worth watching?
- Emil and the Detectives holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Emil and the Detectives?
- Emil and the Detectives stars John Williams, George Hayes, Mary Glynne, Clare Greet and George Merritt.
- When was Emil and the Detectives released?
- Emil and the Detectives was released in 1935, with a runtime of about 70 minutes.