The Harmonists (1997)
"Comedian Harmonists" (original title)

Comedian Harmonists tells the story of a famous, German male sextet, five vocals and piano, the "Comedian Harmonists", from the day they meet first in 1927 to the day in 1934, when they ... See full summary »

Director:

Joseph Vilsmaier

Writers:

Jürgen Büscher (story), Klaus Richter,

Stars:

Ben Becker, Heino Ferch, Ulrich Noethen

13 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ben Becker	...	Robert Biberti
Heino Ferch	...	Roman Cycowski
Ulrich Noethen	...	Harry Frommermann
Heinrich Schafmeister	...	Erich A. Collin
Max Tidof	...	Ari Leschnikoff
Kai Wiesinger	...	Erwin Bootz
Meret Becker	...	Erna Eggstein
Katja Riemann	...	Mary Cycowski
Noemi Fischer	...	Chantal, Collin's Girlfriend
Dana Vávrová	...	Ursula Bootz
Otto Sander	...	Bruno Levy
Michaela Rosen	...	Ramona, the Madame
Günter Lamprecht	...	Eric Charell
Gérard Semaan	...	Roman's Father
Rolf Hoppe	...	Gauleiter Streicher

Storyline

Comedian Harmonists tells the story of a famous, German male sextet, five vocals and piano, the "Comedian Harmonists", from the day they meet first in 1927 to the day in 1934, when they become banned by the upcoming Nazis, because three of them are Jewish.

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Plot Keywords:

comedian | comedian harmonists | singing | musician | nazi | 

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Taglines:

Eine Legende kehrt zurück.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official Release Site

Country:

Germany Austria

Language:

German English

Release Date:

25 December 1997 (Germany)

Also Known As:

The Harmonists

Filming Locations:

Bad Fischau, Lower Austria, Austria

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$25,141 (USA) (12 March 1999)

Gross:

$479,828 (USA) (7 May 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bavaria Film, Beta Film, Parathon

Technical Specs

Runtime:

126 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ben Becker and Meret Becker, who play lovers here, are in real life brother and sister.

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Goofs

The USS Saratoga is actually the USS Intrepid.

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Quotes

Harry Frommermann: [to Robert Biberti after a successful concert, where Harry made the audience laugh] Am I a donkey, cause I'm your friend or am I your friend because I'm a donkey?

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Crazy Credits

After the movie, before the end credits, a photo of the real Comedian Harmonists is showed.

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Connections

References The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

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Soundtracks

"Zachor to remember/Impro. Nr. 62"
Performed by Giora Feidman

User Reviews

politics and music don't mix

Excellent example of how politics should stay out of art (e.g. Shostakovich in Stalin's time and blacklisting of artists in US in McCarthy era). This movie draws the viewer in - what will happen to the members of the group? Will they survive Hitler's Germany? Realistic portrayals of both squabbling and camaraderie that exists inside creative groups. Well-photographed in proper time period fashions and decor, music pleasing to the ear. A real treat!