Panic On a Train

(Ludzie z pociągu)


1961   >   Psychological drama

A film by outstanding film, TV and theater director, a promoter of Silesian culture, recipient
of Platinum Lions for lifetime achievements at the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia 2009.
He was Deputy Art Director of Kadr Film Studio between 1984 and 1987.

Described as a masterpiece of film rhythm, an adaptation of Marian Brandys’s novel.

Autumn 1943. The passengers of two damaged trains meet at a small station. Their sleepy anticipation is agitated by alarming news – a German policeman’s machine pistol is stolen. If no one will confess every fifth passenger is to be shot as retaliation. Confronted by this threat
a small boy confesses and is in danger of execution. In the end the problem is solved
by the station manager.

A study of character depicting everyday occupational life during WWII. Society’s portrayal who’s cross section is made up of random train passengers subject to a dramatic test of their humanity.
 


Crew:

director
Kazimierz Kutz
script
Marian Brandys, Ludwika Woźnicka
d.o.p.
Kurt Weber
designer
Jan Grandys
costumes
Marian Kołodziej
editor
Irena Choryńska
music
Tadeusz Baird
cast
Janina Traczykówna, Andrzej May,
Danuta Szaflarska, Małgorzata Dziedzic,
Gustaw Lutkiewicz

Awards:

IFF, Locarno
Silver Sail
Materials: HD
Length: 98’

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