
The Captain from Kopenick
Seen it?1956 | 93 min | Comedy, Drama
Why it’s a Weeknight Watch
With almost no lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved His Girl Friday, start here.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 33 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1956: an older pace and style.
A young shoemaker is arrested for stealing a small amount of money, and is jailed for fifteen years. Upon his release, he wants to get a permit to get a job and start anew, but finds that without a job he can't get a permit, and without a permit he can't get a job. Ensnared in the absurd net of Prussian bureaucracy, he can't see any way out. That is, until he enters a thrift shop and spots a Prussian officer's uniform that fits him like a second skin...
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 5K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Brute ForceSunday Safe BetAnother prison drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Don't Think TwiceSunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Asphalt JungleFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Find Me GuiltyWeeknight WatchAnother dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
His Girl FridaySaturday SpecialAnother prison comedy.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Helmut Käutner
- Heinz RühmannWilhelm Voigt
- Martin HeldDr. Obermüller
- Hannelore SchrothMathilde Obermüller
- Willy A. KleinauFriedrich Hoprecht
- Leonard SteckelAdolph Wormser
- Friedrich DominZuchthausdirektor
- Erich SchellowCapt. von Schlettow
- Walter GillerWilly Wormser
- Wolfgang NeussZuchthäusler Kallenberg
- Bum KrügerSchutzmann Kilian