The Bat Squadron
(Geschwader Fledermaus)
GDR, 1958, 98 min, b&w
In German; no subtitles

Geschwader Fledermaus © DEFA-Stiftung
Credits:
Engel, Erich |
Honold, Rolf |
Székely, Hans |
Langosch, Ilse |
Tegener, Hildegard |
Anders, Erwin |
Plintzner, Karl |
Schneider, Karl |
Schulze-Mittendorf, Walter |
Eisler, Hanns |
Arnold, Irmgard |
Kunstmann, Ernst |
Christian, Norbert |
Clasen, Hans Walter |
Frei, Gerhard |
Heinz, Wolfgang |
Laszar, Christine |
Lierck, Werner |
Nguyen Thi Hoa |
Pieritz, Kurd |
Schön, Horst |
Simon, Günther |
Stark, Otto |
Themes & Genres:
Synopsis
An American transport squadron lead by former General Lee (Wolfgang Heinz) is being well-paid to provide air support to the French colonial army in Vietnam. At first, they are only supposed to aid the wounded. But as the Vietnamese army continues to press the French troops, the squadron begins to also fly munitions, earning them more money but forcing them to violate human rights. Only head pilot Bryk defies his unscrupulous general and refuses to fly, a decision that ends up saving his life...
Based on a play by Rolf Honold.
Awards
1959 |
Third Prize, ČSSRX Workers' Film Festival |