This film is notable as one of the few available examples of work by filmmakers that would later become famous in the United States. The Siodmak brothers, Robert and Curt would later become respected as a director and writer respectively. Robert Siodmak, in a period from 1944-1950, directed some of the best movies in the film noir genre. Curt ended up writing lower budgeted movies, specializing in horror mostly. Edgar G. Ulmer became famous as a cult film director here for several early low budget noir films in the 1940's. Billy Wilder, of course, had a long distinguished career as a writer, director, and producer of films that either satirized American values or had a realistic cynical outlook on life. Fred Zinnemann also had a 40 year plus career as a director of drama and westerns that often contained elements of strong emotional tension and suspense. These five men collaborated on this movie, which is really nothing more than a filmed record of ordinary people spending their free time on Sunday afternoons in Berlin. As the film unfolds in cinema-verite style, we realize these people have aspirations and thoughts similar to just about anyone else. In retrospect, there's the added significance of viewing this being made just prior to Hitler's rise to power. Were these people supportive of Hitler or did they flee the country as the makers of this film did? Were they simply caught in between and then had to make the best of it? This is an interesting curio for film buffs, but others won't find it to be much. **1/2 of 4 stars.
Review of People on Sunday
