Emil and the Detectives

The film-version of author Erich Kaestner's break-through children's book. "Emil" is in many ways a first. It lifted the young author out of obscurity and poverty to fame and fortune. It also gave screen-writer/director Billy Wilder his first of many critical and commercial successes. Kaester would go on to pen several other great children's books, including "Das doppelte Lottchen", which later inspired the Disney Classic "The Parent Trap", and Billy Wilder's very respectable resume needs no further comments.

The story was written for children during a time when poverty, violence and war has robbed many people of hope for a better future. A ruthless thief (Herr Grundeis) steals a small sum of money from a boy (Emil) on a train and is pursued by a group of "organized" children, who are determined to reunite the rightful owner and his money. The young "detectives" not only provide evidence of Emil's claim (causing the crook to instantly take flight) but also out-do the police in locating and bringing the thief to justice.

It's all for one and one for all, a feel good movie with a happy ending. David vs. Goliath or good against evil. In the Germany "between the two great wars" with political winds already forming the next set of very dark clouds, "Emil and the Detectives" was a welcomed holiday from all of the world's ills. For 70 minutes, the viewer could escape and root for the little kid who has been victimized, and to witness triumph of the human spirit. A treasure of the Old German Cinema. Highly recommended!