Jacob the Liar

Jakob, der Lügner, feature film, 1974

DIRECTED BY: Frank Beyer

Jacob the Liar

CAST:
Vlastimil Brodský (Jakob Heym),
Erwin Geschonneck (Kowalski),
Henry Hübchen (Mischa),
Blanche Kommerell (Rosa Frankfurter),
Manuela Simon (Lina)

SCRIPT:
Frank Beyer,
Jurek Becker (prema vlastitom romanu)

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Günter Marczinkowsky

Synopsis:
This is the only film from DEFA Film Studio to have been nominated for an Oscar. This war drama tells the story of Jakob Heym from the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw during the war. One evening, he is taken to the police station where he overhears news about the advances of the Soviet army towards central Europe. Upon his return to the ghetto he tells the news to his friend Mischa claiming that he himself has a radio. Since lying is not allowed in the ghetto, Jakob has to continue coming up with fresh news.

35mm, color, 100 min