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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1959
Runtime1h 30m
LanguageGerman
CertificationNR
GenresComedy, War
Votes1
DirectorHelmut Käutner
WritersJean L'Hôte, Helmut Käutner
TypeFeature Film
Rating10.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsWithout Trumpet or Drum
About Without Trumpet or Drum
Summer 1870. Following the French defeat at Sedan. Léon, a soldier in a detachment isolated in the Ardennes forest, is sent in search of water. When he discovers the most peaceful of rivers, he decides to undress and bathe in it. At bend of the river he catches sight of another naked swimmer. It's a Prussian! Both men start bickering a bit: aren't they supposed to be arch enemies? But they soon fraternize. Unfortunately the patrol has not vanished in the haze and they hear it coming. Each man gets hold of his uniform and runs away in two opposite directions. The only trouble is that Fritz the Prussian has donned the French uniform and Leon the Prussian one!
Directed by Helmut Käutner, Without Trumpet or Drum leans on a strong ensemble — Hardy Krüger, Jean Richard, Dany Carrel — 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 1959.
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