Emil and the Detectives

Emil and the Detectives

1935 · 70 min · ★ 5.5 · Comedy, Crime

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.

Directed by Milton Rosmer · Written by Billy Wilder

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Cast

John Williams Emil
George Hayes The Man in The Boeler Hat
Mary Glynne Mrs. Blake
Clare Greet Grandma
George Merritt PC
Marion Foster Polly
Donald Pittman Gussy
John Singer Thesday
Derek Blomfield Jerry
Robert Rietti Professor

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