The second film from DEFA captures the struggles of farmers and the people fleeing the destruction of the cities who are trying to start collectives in East…… Read more “Free Land”
Author: Jim Morton
I am a writer and film historian. I have written extensively on unique film genres. My work has appeared in several books and magazines. I currently reside in San Francisco.
Radio GDR Podcast on Films
For anyone interested in life in East Germany, there is a podcast called Radio GDR that covers nearly every every aspect of life there, from fashions to…… Read more “Radio GDR Podcast on Films”
Damn It, I’m Grown Up
Growing up is always painful, no matter where you’re from. There’s a point in life when you have to face the music, recognize you’re no longer a…… Read more “Damn It, I’m Grown Up”
Mine-Haha English Translation Now Available!
I’m pleased to announce that my translation of Frank Wedekind’s classic novella, Mine-Haha, or the Corporal Education of Young Girls is now available on Amazon as either…… Read more “Mine-Haha English Translation Now Available!”
Just Married
Director Herrmann Zschoche takes an unromanticized look at young love in this follow up to his highly romantic Seven Freckles. Not all romances have storybook endings…. In…… Read more “Just Married”
Those “Porcupine” Films (Das Stachetier)
Several of DEFA’s most well-known actors and directors got their starts making short films for the Das Stacheltier group. Here’s a look at the group, the films,…… Read more “Those “Porcupine” Films (Das Stachetier)”
Rivals Behind the Wheel
One of the odder entries in the East German film catalog is this film about international motor racing: A fictionalized account of one of Germany’s best and…… Read more “Rivals Behind the Wheel”
Heroin
An East German customs official goes undercover to investigate an international drug trafficking ring operating between Berlin and Budapest. The late sixties saw the trend in international…… Read more “Heroin”
Joachim Hellwig and defa futurum
Even if you are a fan of East German films and have seen nearly everything in the DEFA catalog, you may not be familiar with the name…… Read more “Joachim Hellwig and defa futurum“
Murder on Monday
East Germany dips into the Krimi film genre with a movie about the seedy underbelly of Frankfurt. Germany has given the world plenty of great films and…… Read more “Murder on Monday”
