[email protected] Although they appear to have been remembered (vaguely) in Europe where they achieved genuine stardom, the Comedian Harmonists were essentially unknown in the United States before this excellent film. Their closest contemporary analogue may be the Kings Singers, a group which has actually recorded many of the Comedian Harmonists songs and, like the German group, sings in close harmony, blending their voices so that none stands out until it's required. The effectiveness of the film is immeasurably enhanced by the use of actual recordings, with the on-screen ensemble lip-syncing the words. The Comedian Harmonists came to the fore during the late twenties and were extinguished when the Nazis came to power because they sang many songs by Jewish composers and three of the six members were Jewish. Although certain liberties have been taken with the biographies of the individual singers, their story comes alive on the screen with faithful attention to period detail. The focus is more on two of the six musicians (and their girlfriend-in-common) than on the other four. Nevertheless, each of the six is realized as an individual. It's a splendid film, available on Netflix, and I found it sufficiently entertaining that I will search out their recordings. But, beyond being entertaining, it tells a moving story about the impact that the rise of Hitler had on the lives of individuals who were essentially apolitical beings with no agenda other than to entertain and to succeed.

mdm-11 The true story of one of the greatest singing groups ever to hit the scene during the World Depression Era is effective in showing Berlin during imminent Nazi take-over, but seems to focus mainly on the issue of religion. Other than debating who's Jewish and who isn't, there is a preoccupation with the services of prostitutes, and marrying the same once successful.The group member with the initial idea to "do something" is shown eating bird seed, implying he can not even afford groceries. Once gathered, the ensemble rehearses for months without pay, for the sheer chance at eventual success. Of course they do make it big; too big for the liking of certain political party sympathisers.For fans of the original music (including the FDR Presidential Campaign song "Happy Days Are Here Again") this film delivers. Many of the legendary tunes are worked into the plot. The "naughty" suggestions in "Veronika, der Lenz ist da" are accepted by even respectable upper class theater guests, paving the way for recording contracts and world stardom of the newly discovered "Comedian Harmonists".This German/Austrian co-production filmed in German has high production values. The setting reminds of "Cabaret", however the story (although based on true events) is rather thin. The overuse of some of the above mentioned situations becomes unnecessary and boring. As a viewer with a background extremely partial to this story I looked for detail and could see several obvious embellishments for the sake of drama. There must have been more than wine, women and song to tell about. The final minutes somewhat redeem the earlier shortcomings, delivering a tear-jerking love story along with sad good-byes amidst still-cheering audiences

Dan-281 It has had a long run in San Francisco, despite lack of much publicity by the distributor, and can still be seen there at the Four Star Theater on Clement Street (415-666-3488). I will see it again for many reasons - humor, historical relevance, fine musical score, and excellent acting/cinematography. The plot shows accurately how many Germans stood up to the Nazi terror as well as they could, and the ending was somber but heart-warming. I'm not surprised that the word-of-mouth recommendations from viewers carried this film to such a long run.

Bill-106 What a wonderful surprise to learn about German vocalists from the past! And their music and vocal talent were absolutely superb. Very well acted, especially from Ulrich Noethen, the guy who played Harry Frommermann...he had such wide range of emotions he deserves to win acting awards. Don't miss this! You don't see American films like this!