Dreizehn Mann und eine Kanone
Dreizehn Mann und eine Kanone

Movie spotlight

Dreizehn Mann und eine Kanone

1938
Movie
98 min
German

World War I, Eastern Front. A special battery consisting of thirteen soldiers and one cannon successfully holds back the enemy. But then the position of the gun is betrayed to the Russians and the cannon is destroyed. Each of the thirteen men is now suspected of being the traitor.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Johannes MeyerGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

During World War I, thirteen German soldiers are trapped behind enemy lines after their reconnaissance mission goes awry. Facing dwindling supplies and constant threat, they must rely on their courage and resourcefulness to survive and find a way back to their own lines. The film explores the harsh realities of war and the bonds forged between men under extreme pressure.

Critical Reception

The film was produced during the Nazi era and served as propaganda, aiming to glorify German soldiers and their resilience. While it received some attention at the time, its artistic merit is largely overshadowed by its political context. Contemporary reviews often focused on its patriotic themes and portrayal of heroism, but modern critical analysis tends to view it as a product of its time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praises the depiction of camaraderie and bravery among soldiers.

  • Criticized for its propagandistic undertones and simplistic portrayal of war.

  • Notes the film's historical significance as a product of Nazi cinema.

Google audience: Audience reception is scarce due to the film's age and limited international distribution. Where available, reviews often acknowledge its historical context and its value as a period piece, though its artistic merits are debated.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was produced by Terra Filmkunst, a major German film studio operating during the Third Reich, and its themes aligned with the prevailing propaganda efforts of the time.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review