Vabank (1981)

Set in Lodz in 1930's. After six years in jail, framed for bankrobbery by an accomplice, the legendary Kwinto has only revenge on his mind. He is a safecracker in the old style, a thief ... See full summary »

Director:

Juliusz Machulski

Writer:

Juliusz Machulski

Stars:

Jan Machulski, Leonard Pietraszak, Witold Pyrkosz

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jan Machulski	...	Henryk Kwinto
Leonard Pietraszak	...	Gustaw Kramer
Witold Pyrkosz	...	J.J. Dunczyk
Ewa Szykulska	...	Marta Rychlinska
Krzysztof Kiersznowski	...	Struna
Zdzislaw Kuzniar	...	Krempitsch
Józef Para	...	Commisar Przygoda
Elzbieta Zajacówna	...	Natalia
Jacek Chmielnik	...	Moks
Zofia Graziewicz	...	Kwinto's Wife (as Zofia Charewicz)
Henryk Bista	...	Jan Rozek
Janusz Michalowski	...	Comissar Karelicki
Leon Niemczyk	...	Jeweler
Wlodzimierz Musial	...	Adam 'Szpula' Szpulski
Lena Wilczynska	...	Woman with Cat

Storyline

Set in Lodz in 1930's. After six years in jail, framed for bankrobbery by an accomplice, the legendary Kwinto has only revenge on his mind. He is a safecracker in the old style, a thief with a sebse of pride and loyalty. Upon leaving the jail he learns that his friend with whom he played in the jazz band has been murdered by the same guy - now a bank president - who sent him to prison. Kramer hopes to keep Kwinto's mouth shut by paying him off, but at the same time he hires a paid gun to kill him. Meanwhile, some young, petty crooks hearing that Kwinto is free want to join forces with him for a job. Kwinto, employing a retired professional and two young admirers, pulls his last job to get even with Kramer...

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Plot Keywords:

bank president | framed | jazz band | friend | thief | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime

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Details

Country:

Poland

Language:

Polish

Release Date:

1 March 1982 (Poland)

Also Known As:

Go for Broke

Filming Locations:

Lódz, Lódzkie, Poland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Zespól Filmowy "Kadr"

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

During the safe-cracking scene one of them is cutting a hole in safe's side. He is using a welding torch instead of a cutting torch. This is possible, because his daytime job is car mechanic, thus he has more to do with stitching things together rather than cutting them, hence he might be more used to operate welding torch.

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Quotes

Adam 'Szpula' Szpulski: And what should I say to Buttoned-Up?
Henryk Kwinto: Let him unbutton.

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Connections

Referenced in Absolute Beginner (2007)

User Reviews

An excellent detective story, a must-see, the classic.

This is one of the very excellent movies that you don't get to see often. A twisted plot, good humor, excellent play and the unique atmosphere of the 30's capture you. There is not really much to add to it, except that Va-Bank II might be even better ! If you are able to see this film - see it. I am running out of words to tell you how wonderful the movie is. I have already mentioned that the actors' play is terrific, but you really have to see it to appreciate it. Every little detail was prepared for you to bring you into the 30's. Everything is good, even the music that the main character plays on his trumpet is excellent (I still remember it :) ) I just wonder - Polish people don't comment on IMDb or what ? This film is highly appreciate all round the ex-USSR, so if you somehow missed it - don't lose your chance.