
Considering Germany's own treatment of Poland in 1939, it is ironic in the extreme that the 1938 German film Um Freiheit und Liebe (For Freedom and Love) is a celebration of Poland's declaration of independence from Russia. Werner Hinz plays Konrad, an idealistic Polish student who courts disaster for his loved ones through his constant harrangues against Russian impression. When his mother promises the authorities that Konrad will cease his protests, he is honor bound to obey her, no matter what the provocation. Drowning his disappointment in liquor, Konrad falls in love with nightclub singer Anna Sasotska (Viktoria von Ballasko). While he never achieves his political goals, Konrad at least finds happiness romantically. The climax of the film is particularly exciting, even though it is motivated by anti-Russian (and implicitly pro-Nazi) propaganda.
Directed by Fritz Peter Buch, Die Warschauer Zitadelle leans on a strong ensemble — Lucie Höflich, Werner Hinz, Viktoria von Ballasko — 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 drama titles of 1937.
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