Autumn 1918. Four long years of horror and bloodshed left Germany perilously close to losing the First World War. Frontline troops have had enough. To Berlin, a capital teeming with deserters, pacifists, and red agitators, comes a trainload of recently convalesced troops, on their way back to the Western front. With only six hours until their departure and no time for leave, the battle-weary recruits beg their young commanding officer, Lieutenant Prätorius, (Rolf Moebius), for leave.
Prätorius grants their request, knowing that if even one soldier fails to return, he will face a court-martial. Some troops seek out their girlfriends, wives, and families, while others drink away the hours in bars, cafés, and a bordello. Several are tempted to desert, increasing tension as departure time nears. Seven minutes left. Two minutes. Will they honor their sense of duty and reach the station in time?
Germany, 1938, B&W, 87 Minutes Directed by Karl Ritter. Starring Ingeborg Theek, Berta Drews, Fritz Kampers, Rolf Moebius. German dialogue, English subtitles.
Digitally remastered from 35mm print for superb picture quality.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Historical Background Video Essays:
- "Karl Ritter's WW1 Classic, Furlough on Word of Honor", by William Gillespie
- "Urlaub auf Ehrenwort & the NY State Board of Censors", by R Dixon Smith
Original Promotional Materials Slideshows:
- Illustrierter Film Kurier & Das Programm von Heute with English Translations
- Posters, Photos, 1938 Venice Film Fest Booklet
