The Harmonists (1997)

The film chronicles the rise and fall of Germany's most famous a capella group, the Comedian Harmonists, in 1930s Germany.

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:

what happened to epilogue | ends with real life photos | budapest hungary | germany | comedian harmonists | 

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Taglines:

A true story that proves the voice is mightier than the sword.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some nudity

Did You Know?

Trivia

As correctly shown in the movie every member of the Comedian Harmonists had to pay penalty when coming too late. One minute being too late costed indeed 3 Reichsmark, 5 minute too late was 5 Reichsmarks. And as shown in the movie, Erwin Bootz was the most unpunctual member.

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Goofs

The USS Saratoga is actually the USS Intrepid.

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Quotes

[the group has just been informed that, effective after that night's show, they are banned from performing in Germany. Roman undoes his collar, refusing to go on]
Roman Cycowski: No power on Earth can force me to sing in this country again.
Harry Frommermann: Roman, please.
[the audience begins clapping for the group to come out on stage]
Harry Frommermann: Don't you hear that? Those are our fans. At least for tonight. Do you guys understand? Our fans.

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Crazy Credits

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

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Connections

References Pandora's Box (1929)

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Soundtracks

Wochenend und Sonnenschein (Happy Days are Here Again)
Written by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen, German lyrics by Charles Amberg
Performed by Comedian Harmonists

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!

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 USA:

$25,141, 14 March 1999

Gross USA:

$244,861

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$244,861

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bavaria Film, Beta Film, Parathon

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1