Emil and the Detectives (1935)

  • NR
  • 02/05/1935 (GB)
  • Comedy, Crime
  • 1h 10m

Overview

Erich Kästner’s beloved novel has been adapted for film or television six times since its publication in 1929; this 1935 British version was the first in English. Believed lost for decades, it was recently rediscovered by the BFI and has now been restored. The film moves the action from Berlin to London, where Emil goes to stay with his grandmother and cousin. Thereafter, the tale of Emil’s adventures with a gang of streetwise London children faithfully follows the original plot.

Erich Kästner

Novel

Milton Rosmer

Director

Billy Wilder

Screenplay

Cast

John Williams's headshot

John Williams

Emil Blake
George Hayes's headshot

George Hayes

The Man in The Boeler Hat
Mary Glynne's headshot

Mary Glynne

Mrs. Blake
Clare Greet's headshot

Clare Greet

Grandma
George Merritt's headshot

George Merritt

PC
Marion Foster's headshot

Marion Foster

Polly
Donald Pittman's headshot

Donald Pittman

Gussy
John Singer's headshot

John Singer

Thesday

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