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6.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Der Stolz der 3. Kompanie remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school German comedies with lots of mustache-twirling and frantic running around, you’ll probably have a decent time. If you prefer your cinema with a bit of grit or real emotional stakes, stay far away. This isn't exactly Oliver Twist, if you catch my drift.
Honestly, the whole thing feels like a stage play that someone decided to film on a whim. The blocking is weirdly static, like everyone is waiting for an audience to clap before they move to the next mark.
Heinz Rühmann is doing all the heavy lifting here. You can practically see him trying to inject some life into these scenes while the rest of the cast stands around like cardboard cutouts.
There is this one scene involving Prinz Willibald that goes on forever. The poor actor playing the Prince looks like he’s terrified of his own uniform. It’s almost painful to watch.
I found myself staring at the background extras in the canteen scenes. Half of them aren't even pretending to eat; they just hold a fork and stare blankly at the camera. It’s a trip.
It’s not a masterpiece. It’s not even trying to be one. But there’s something kind of charming about how goofy the whole production is. Sometimes it’s nice to watch a movie that doesn't care if you remember it the second the credits roll.
I’m not saying it’s good, but it’s very 1932. 🍺