Cast
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Charles Brauer
as Gustav Iller
Hans Trinkaus
as Willi Schelp
Harry Hindemith
as Paul Iller
Hedda Sarnow
as Grete Iller
Walter Bluhm
as Karl "Kalle" Roper
Hans Leibelt
as Herr Eckmann, artist
Paul Bildt
as Birke
Magdalene von Nußbaum
as Frau Schelp
Siegfried Utecht
as Kapitän
Fritz Rasp
as Waldemar Hunke
Lotte Loebinger
as Frau Steidel
Gerhard Haselbach
as Steidel, the shell-shocked ex-soldier
Lilli Schoenborn
as
Gaston Briese
as
Karl Hannemann
as
Crew
Director
- Gerhard Lamprecht
Writer
- Gerhard Lamprecht
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Somewhere in Berlin examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Gerhard Lamprecht brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1946, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Somewhere in Berlin took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1781 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1946, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Somewhere in Berlin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Name Written in Water, which focuses more on action than character development, Somewhere in Berlin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like P.S. and Andrei Rublev explore similar territory, Somewhere in Berlin stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 18, 1946
- Runtime: 1h 20m
