Cast
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Paul Bildt
as Karl Webers
Harry Hindemith
as Ernst Webers
Paul Edwin Roth
as Harry Webers
Viktoria von Ballasko
as Martha, Harry Webers zweite Frau
Inge Landgut
as Inge Webers
Erna Sellmer
as Bäckersfrau
Walter Gross
as 1. Skeptiker
Herbert Weißbach
as 2. Skeptiker
Alfred Balthoff
as Fachingenieur Bergstetter
Siegmar Schneider
as Peter Struwe
Ina Halley
as Niki
Angelika Hurwicz
as Ilse
Doris Holve
as Mary
Irene Korb
as Käthe
Eduard Wandrey
as Fürbringer
Crew
Director
- Slatan Dudow
Writer
- Ludwig Turek
- Slatan Dudow
- Hans Joachim Beyer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Our Daily Bread 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 Slatan Dudow 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 Our Daily Bread took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1949, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Our Daily Bread shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Harmonists, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Our Daily Bread subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Flightplan and Assignment Redhead explore similar territory, Our Daily Bread stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: November 4, 1949
- Runtime: 1h 45m
