Soldier of Orange (1977)
"Soldaat van Oranje" (original title)

This film depicts World War II through the eyes of several Dutch students. It follows them through the beginning of the war, the Nazi occupation and the liberation.

Director:

Paul Verhoeven

Writers:

Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema (book), Kees Holierhoek,

Stars:

Rutger Hauer, Jeroen Krabbé, Susan Penhaligon

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rutger Hauer	...	Erik Lanshof
Jeroen Krabbé	...	Guus LeJeune
Susan Penhaligon	...	Susan
Edward Fox	...	Colonel Rafelli
Lex van Delden	...	Nico
Derek de Lint	...	Alex
Huib Rooymans	...	Jan Weinberg
Dolf de Vries	...	Jack Ten Brinck
Eddy Habbema	...	Robby Froost
Belinda Meuldijk	...	Esther
Peter Faber	...	Will Dostgaarde
Rijk de Gooyer	...	Gestapo-man Breitner
Paul Brandenburg	...	SS Lt. Thelen
Ward de Ravet	...	Resistance Leader
Bert Struys	...	Resistance Leader

Storyline

This film depicts World War II through the eyes of several Dutch students. It follows them through the beginning of the war, the Nazi occupation and the liberation.

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Plot Keywords:

student | occupation | fraternity | nazi occupation | nazi | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Netherlands Belgium

Language:

Dutch English German

Release Date:

16 August 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Soldier of Orange

Filming Locations:

's-Gravenhage, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Box Office

Budget:

NLG 5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Excelsior Films, Film Holland, Rank Organisation, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

215 min 215 min (4 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White (archive footage) Color (Eastmancolor) Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was shot entirely on real locations with the exception of the short sequence in the RAF bomber.

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Goofs

When the Mosquito taxies out to bomb Germany it goes past a 1950s Avro Shackleton MR3 long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

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Quotes

Colonel Rafelli: [gives Gus a cyanide pill]
Colonel Rafelli: Should anything go wrong, cyanide.
Gus: [joking] What flavor? Orange or lemon?
Colonel Rafelli: [humored] Most amusing.

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Connections

Featured in Het uur van de wolf: Rutger Hauer: Blond, blue eyes (2006)

User Reviews

An exciting, true story

This is the self-penned true story of the Dutch war hero Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, and his college friends from Leiden who endured the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands and, who eventually, lived to see the Liberation. Some of his friends were not so lucky. The best version of this picture to see is the original version, in Dutch, German and English, with literally-translated subtitles. The dubbed-English version, particularly the one released in the U.S., is HORRIBLE! The most-commonly available subtitled version is one that has only the script of the dubbed version as subtitles, some of which don't make any sense. Beware this version! This is a great film, with stellar performances, most notably those of Rutger Hauer and Jeroen Krabbe'. Derek de Lint (Alex) is also magnificent as the Dutch youth of German descent who joins the SS-volunteers. The scene where Erik and Alex meet by chance at the Scheveningen dance-hall after Alex's return from the Russian front (the tango scene) is wonderfully done! The most touching part is set in May, 1945 at the moment of the Liberation. The part where Queen Wilhelmina steps onto Dutch soil after a five-year absence is an extremely emotional one. Don't miss this film, for it is the best one told about the Dutch view of the war, and will make you shout "Oranje Boven!" even if you aren't Dutch! Highly recommended!!