Cast
View AllEdelweiß Malchin
as Bettina
Siegfried Dornbusch
as Jochen Denecke
Walter Bechmann
as Vorsitzender im Gericht
Käte Alving
as Frl. Müller
Lutz Moik
as Michael
Erik von Loewis
as Vorsitzender im Gericht
Axel Monjé
as Osterheld
Uwe-Jens Pape
as
Alexander Engel
as
Franz Weber
as
Albert Venohr
as
Hans Emons
as
Otto Matthies
as
Thomas Dunskus
as
Crew
Director
- Wolfgang Schleif
Writer
- Wolfgang Schleif
- Wolfgang Weyrauch
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, … und wenn’s nur einer wär’ … 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 Wolfgang Schleif 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 1949, 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 … und wenn’s nur einer wär’ … took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1949, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While … und wenn’s nur einer wär’ … shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hotel Rwanda, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, … und wenn’s nur einer wär’ … offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Gladiator and Natural Born Killers explore similar territory, … und wenn’s nur einer wär’ … stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 18, 1949
- Runtime: 1h 24m
