Movie spotlight
Der ewige Quell
The farmers on the Lohhof, the largest farm in the area, are well known all around and have the highest prestige amongst their peers, not the least, because they never suffer any shortage of water. When in times of drought the water everywhere else has dried into nothingness, the water on the Lohhof is abundant and fresh. But one very dry summer, the drought comes to the Lohhof, too, and this time, the source of the water has dried up. And so, with diving rod in hand, one of the farm's old peasants goes on his merry little way to find a new source of water. At one point, the diving rod bends so strongly, that it almost slips out of the old man's hands. Convinced that there must be a huge source of water nearby, all the farmers of the Lohhof bend their backs to find the new well. They dig long, but they dig in vain: no water is found, only a strange sand, which is yellowish, shiny and flickers golden in the sun.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film depicts the life of a German pioneer family establishing themselves on the land during difficult times. It focuses on themes of perseverance, family, and the connection to the soil, set against a backdrop of historical challenges. The narrative follows their struggles and triumphs as they build a life and contribute to the nation's perceived strength.
Critical Reception
As a product of Nazi Germany's UFA studios, 'Der ewige Quell' served as propaganda, glorifying German ideals of hard work, resilience, and national unity. Critical reception in its time was aligned with the regime's agenda, praising its perceived patriotic message. Modern critical analysis views it primarily as a historical artifact reflecting the propaganda efforts of the era, with its artistic merits secondary to its ideological purpose.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its portrayal of German fortitude and connection to the land.
Seen as a clear example of nationalistic filmmaking from the Third Reich.
Its historical context makes it more significant as propaganda than as cinematic art.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available due to its historical context and limited distribution in the modern era. Contemporary reception was heavily influenced by propaganda.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by UFA (Universum Film AG), a major German film studio that was heavily influenced and controlled by the Nazi regime during the 1930s and 1940s, often used to promote state ideology.
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