The Criminal and the Lady

(Zbrodniarz i panna)


1963   >   criminal

A criminal story with psychological and comedy accents.

Screenplay by Maciej Słomczyński, outstanding translator and Polish master of crime books, known by the fans of this genre under the pen name Joe Alex.

The film ambience is emphasized by Krzysztof Komeda’s music, the natural scenery of Międzyzdroje and weaving authentic elements into the plot, such as the concert of Helena Majdaniec and the band Czerwono-Czarni as well as the performance of the long-forgotten singer Katarzyna Bovery.

The lead role is played by Zbigniew Cybulski, a legendary actor who died a tragic death and whose outstanding roles have gone down in the history of international cinematography, an artist awarded with Super Golden Duck for the best actor in the history of the Polish cinema. Another leading role is played by Ewa Krzyżewska with whom Cybulski once created an unforgettable duet in the film “Popiół i diament” by Andrzej Wajda.

An inconspicuous bank cashier Małgorzata Makowska is the sole survivor of a robbery, during which an unknown attacker kills two guards. The woman is sure she can recognize the criminal and starts collaborating with the police. Having undergone a physical metamorphosis and under a fake identity, she goes – together with captain Ziętek to a seaside resort where the bandit may turn up. The characters select a few suspects, however, they are not aware that the murderer is also looking for Małgorzata, as he wants to get rid of a problematic witness. A thrilling cat and mouse game begins, which is additionally complicated as girl and the policeman start falling for each other.

 


Crew:

director
Janusz Nasfeter
script
Maciej Słomczyński (pseudonym Joe Alex)
d.o.p.
Jerzy Lipman
designer
Jerzy Skrzepiński
editor
Maria Orłowska
music
Krzysztof Komeda
cast
Gustaw Lutkiewicz, Ewa Wiśniewska,
Ewa Krzyżewska, Zbigniew Cybulski,
Mieczysław Milecki, Piotr Pawłowski
Materials: SD
Length: 80’

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