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Cast
Rolf Ludwig
as Albert Hauptmann
Erwin Geschonneck
as Hans Karjanke
Else Wolz
as Adele Karjanke
Christel Bodenstein
as Hannelore Ullrich
Kurt Steingraf
as Pferdapfel, Baron v. Kohlen und Stahlbach
Manfred Borges
as Max Steinmetz
Ruth Baldor
as Frau von Kohlen
Marie-Luise Etzel
as Daisy
Johannes Arpe
as Dr. Seekatz, Bürgermeister
Hans W. Hamacher
as Dr. Brandstätter
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1956
Runtime1h 58m
LanguageGerman
CertificationNR
GenresComedy, Drama
Votes4
DirectorSlatan Dudow
WritersMichael Tschesno-Hell, Henryk Keisch, Slatan Dudow
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.1 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsThe Captain from Cologne
About The Captain from Cologne
Albert Hauptmann is an out of work waiter in Cologne who is often confused with a former Captain of the Nazi Army. Albert uses this to his advantage and becomes the Director of the Montan Corporation, and a member of the West German Parliament. Herr Karjanke, the real Captain, learns of Albert’s ruse, and wants to claim his "rightful" position in Parliament. But Karjanke cannot come forward until his politicking "Doppelganger" succeeds in passing an amnesty law for war criminals. When Albert is finally brought before a judge on charges of fraud, he learns that this own amnesty law does not apply to him.
Directed by Slatan Dudow, The Captain from Cologne leans on a strong ensemble — Rolf Ludwig, Erwin Geschonneck, Else Wolz — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1956.
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