Movie spotlight
Nachtkolonne
The film begins in a Berlin club with Trude Berliner singing as gangsters plan a burglary at a Hamburg hotel. At the hotel, Orbeliani leads the band while his wife Olga sings their son Jascha to sleep. During the heist, Jascha wakes, screams, and is knocked down. The gangsters flee to Berlin with stolen jewels and the unconscious Jascha. Homolka, one of the gangsters, refuses to abandon the boy, nurses him back to health, and pretends to be his uncle, claiming his parents are on an American tour. Homolka develops motherly feelings, facing ridicule from his friends and Trude Berliner.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of soldiers on leave from the front during World War I find themselves in Vienna. The film explores their interactions and the stark contrast between their experiences at war and the escapism they seek in the city. It delves into themes of camaraderie, disillusionment, and the ephemeral nature of joy amidst impending danger.
Critical Reception
As a film from the early 1930s, 'Nachtkolonne' received modest attention upon its release, noted for its attempt to depict the psychological toll of war on soldiers. While not a major critical success, it is recognized as an example of German cinema grappling with the aftermath of conflict during a tumultuous period.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its realistic portrayal of soldiers off-duty.
Noted for its somber atmosphere and reflection on the war's impact.
Some found the pacing to be slow for its era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Nachtkolonne (1932)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was made during a period of significant political and economic instability in Germany, reflecting a common theme of wartime and its aftermath in German cinema of the era.
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