Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall 1960
In the East German comedy-drama *Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall* (1960), directed by Kurt Jung-Alsen, the pressures of politics and economics collide in a tale of ambition, desperation, and absurdity.
Director: Kurt Jung-Alsen
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall (1960) about?
This Cold War-era comedy-drama follows two men navigating economic hardship and political pressure. Anton Wiesel directs a provocative radio play to escape unemployment, while Harry Kyritz inherits a near-worthless barge and courts a merchant's daughter to secure his future—only to face his own comeuppance.
Who directed Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall?
Kurt Jung-Alsen directed *Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall*, a filmmaker known for his work in East German cinema during the 1950s and 1960s.
Who stars in Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall?
The film features Horst Drinda, Rolf Ludwig, Johannes Arpe, Peter Herden, and Horst Schulze in pivotal roles.
Is Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall (1960) worth watching?
While not widely rated, the film offers a unique glimpse into East German society through its sharp satire and character-driven storytelling. Fans of mid-century European comedies with social commentary may find it a rewarding watch.
How long is Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall?
The runtime of *Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall* is 82 minutes.
About Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall (1960) — A Cold War Comedy of Ambition and Absurdity
In the East German comedy-drama *Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall* (1960), directed by Kurt Jung-Alsen, the pressures of politics and economics collide in a tale of ambition, desperation, and absurdity. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, the film follows Anton Wiesel, a struggling unemployed man lured into directing a controversial radio play about a Russian invasion—paid handsomely but embroiled in a web of deception. Meanwhile, Harry Kyritz, a down-on-his-luck driver, inherits a ramshackle barge and sees it as his ticket to success, only to find himself tangled in financial schemes and romantic entanglements with Madeleine Müller, the daughter of a struggling coal wholesaler. The story weaves together these intertwined fates, capturing the era's constraints with sharp humor and biting social commentary.
The film's tone balances satire with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of pride, survival, and the fragile line between opportunity and folly. Jung-Alsen's direction infuses the narrative with a distinctly East German perspective, blending realism with ironic twists. The black-and-white cinematography enhances the tension between personal dreams and systemic pressures, making *Hochmut kommt vor dem Knall* (1960) a standout in Cold War-era cinema.