Jacob the Liar Poster

Jacob the Liar 1974

★ 6.928 votes100 min📅 1974-12-22

Set against the grim backdrop of a Jewish ghetto in Nazi-occupied Europe, 1944, *Jacob the Liar (1974)* weaves a poignant tale of hope and resilience.

Director: Frank Beyer

Cast

Vlastimil Brodský
Vlastimil Brodský
Jakob Heym
Erwin Geschonneck
Erwin Geschonneck
Kowalski
Henry Hübchen
Henry Hübchen
Mischa
Blanche Kommerell
Blanche Kommerell
Rose Frankfurter
Manuela Simon
Lina
Zsuzsa Gordon
Zsuzsa Gordon
Mrs. Frankfurter
Armin Mueller-Stahl
Armin Mueller-Stahl
Roman Schlamm
Friedrich Richter
Friedrich Richter
Dr. Kirschbaum
Margit Bara
Margit Bara
Josefa
Reimar Johannes Baur
Reimar Johannes Baur
Herschel Schlamm

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jacob the Liar (1974) about?

*Jacob the Liar* follows Jakob Heym, a Jewish man in a WWII ghetto who accidentally overhears a radio broadcast about the Soviet advance. To prevent his friend from undertaking a perilous quest for food, he spreads a white lie—that he owns a radio—which quickly fuels desperate hope among the ghetto's starving residents.

Who directed Jacob the Liar?

Jacob the Liar was directed by Frank Beyer, a filmmaker known for his sharp, emotionally charged storytelling that often tackled historical and war-related themes.

Who stars in Jacob the Liar?

The film features Vlastimil Brodský as Jakob Heym, alongside Erwin Geschonneck, Henry Hübchen, Blanche Kommerell, and Manuela Simon in pivotal roles.

Is Jacob the Liar (1974) worth watching?

With its gripping blend of drama and dark comedy, *Jacob the Liar* is a compelling watch for fans of historical films that explore resilience and moral dilemmas. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its weighty themes and strong performances make it a thought-provoking experience.

How long is Jacob the Liar?

Jacob the Liar runs for 100 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Jacob the Liar (1974) — A Lie That Gave Hope in the Darkest Times

Set against the grim backdrop of a Jewish ghetto in Nazi-occupied Europe, 1944, *Jacob the Liar (1974)* weaves a poignant tale of hope and resilience. Directed by Frank Beyer, this powerful drama-comedy follows Jakob Heym, a simple man who stumbles upon a forbidden radio broadcast revealing the Red Army's slow but steady advance. To spare his friend Mischa from a dangerous mission for food, Jakob fabricates a lie—claiming he owns the radio—only for the rumor to spread like wildfire, igniting fragile hope in the hearts of desperate souls. With each whispered truth and shared secret, the film explores the fragile balance between survival and deception, where a single word can mean the difference between despair and defiance.

Starring the legendary Vlastimil Brodský in the titular role, alongside Erwin Geschonneck and Henry Hübchen, *Jacob the Liar* blends stark historical realism with dark humor, capturing the absurdity of life under oppression. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and the human spirit's unyielding fight for meaning shine through every frame, making this a film that lingers long after the credits roll.