Swing Kids (1993)

A close-knit group of young kids in Nazi Germany listen to banned swing music from the US. Soon dancing and fun lead to more difficult choices as the Nazis begin tightening the grip on ... See full summary »

Director:

Thomas Carter

Writer:

Jonathan Marc Feldman

Stars:

Robert Sean Leonard, Christian Bale, Frank Whaley

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Sean Leonard	...	Peter Müller
Christian Bale	...	Thomas Berger
Frank Whaley	...	Arvid
Barbara Hershey	...	Frau Müller
Tushka Bergen	...	Evey
David Tom	...	Willi Müller
Julia Stemberger	...	Frau Linge
Jayce Bartok	...	Otto
Noah Wyle	...	Emil Lutz
Johan Leysen	...	Herr Schumler
Douglas Roberts	...	Herr Hinz
Martin Clunes	...	Bannführer
Jessica Hynes	...	Helga (as Jessica Stevenson)
Carl Brincat	...	H.J. Thug
Mary Fogarty	...	Mama Klara Müller (as Mary Fogerty)

Storyline

A close-knit group of young kids in Nazi Germany listen to banned swing music from the US. Soon dancing and fun lead to more difficult choices as the Nazis begin tightening the grip on Germany. Each member of the group is forced to face some tough choices about right, wrong, and survival.

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Plot Keywords:

pre world war two | germany | friendship between men | 1930s | swing dancing | 

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Taglines:

They fought for the freedom that bound them together.

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence and some language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 March 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Os Últimos Rebeldes

Filming Locations:

Prague, Czech Republic

Box Office

Gross USA:

$5,632,086

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures,Touchwood Pacific Partners 1

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ethan Hawke turned down the role of Peter Müller.

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Goofs

In an establishing shot just after the Nazis steal the radio, the rear half of a Vauxhall Wyvern can be seen parked on the street; this car was not introduced until 1948.

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Quotes

Peter Müller: You're turning into a fucking Nazi!
Thomas Berger: Oh so WHAT if I AM?

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Connections

Referenced in Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Swing But Were Afraid to Ask (1999)

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Soundtracks

SWINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES
Written by James Mundy and Benny Goodman
Performed by Benny Goodman
Courtesy of the RCA Records Label of BMG Music

User Reviews

Following: The Greatest Evil

In reading the reviews, there appears to be some disbelief that the Nazis saw the "Swing" movement as any real threat. In Peter Profield's excellent 1991 Himmler biography, he makes it quite clear that the official party line was that "Swing" was a subversive evil, as much as any White Rose activity. As for inconsistencies in Bale's character, understand that he is merely a "joiner". When the Swing Kids seem like the trend, he's into them. When the Jugeund seem like the better trend, that's what he wants to do.....typically adolescent.