Comedian Harmonists (The Harmonists) (1998)

81% of critics liked it
(36 reviews)
83% of users liked it
(930 ratings)

Joseph Vilsmaier (Stalingrad and Brother of Sleep) directed this fact-based German musical drama about a popular barbershop sextet in Nazi Germany of the '30s. In 1927, musician Harry Frommermann (Ulrich Noethen), attracted to music-shop assistant Erna (Meret Becker), joins ambitious vocalist Robert… More Joseph Vilsmaier (Stalingrad and Brother of Sleep) directed this fact-based German musical drama about a popular barbershop sextet in Nazi Germany of the '30s. In 1927, musician Harry Frommermann (Ulrich Noethen), attracted to music-shop assistant Erna (Meret Becker), joins ambitious vocalist Robert Biberti (Ben Becker) in forming a vocal group with arranger Erwin (Kai Wiesinger) and Bulgarian cafe-singer Ari (Max Tidof). As their fame increases, the authorities, who object to the Jews in the group, pressure them to perform National Socialist material. Traveling to New York, they eventually must decide whether to remain in the U.S. or return to Germany. The musical numbers use digitally remastered recordings by the real-life group, and computer graphics were employed to re-create a 1934 concert aboard an aircraft carrier in New York harbor. Barry Manilow's stage musical Harmony is based on this same music group. Shown at the 1998 Berlin Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 4 min.
Directed By: Joseph Vilsmaier
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Feb 13, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Jul 2, 2002
Studio: Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
The movie is history as kitsch, not quite on the Life is Beautiful level of manipulation, but clumsy.
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times
The film is filled with stylish renditions of lively, funny and sentimental songs.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
A true story from the Nazi era, it deftly fuses politics and show business.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
The Harmonists has a finale that will be appreciated by anyone who loved The Sound of Music. As they say, there won't be a dry eye in the house.
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
The story of the Comedian Harmonists, who brought to the waning days of Weimar a bubbly frivolity, is a rich one. Rich enough to keep you watching and wanting to know more.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Only when we delve deeper into the material does it become apparent that the director has a more ambitious agenda, and that agenda makes The Harmonists a satisfying experience.
Sean Axmaker, Seattle Weekly
... a grandly realized and skillfully executed melodrama that seems all too familiar.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Entertaining, poignant, and filled with catchy music.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
A very entertaining true story.
Michelle Santilli, Boxoffice Magazine
A wonderful film which should not be missed.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
This German film, based on the true story of this legendary vocal ensemble, shows how politics colors everything: no creative soul can ever be apolitical.
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
Mildly engrossing but, ultimately, the sort of film that demands more attention than it should, The Harmonists resonates with barely a dull thud.