What is Emil and the Detectives?
Topic: Film "Emil and the Detectives" (1964). Goal: Factual, original 150-190 word overview.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1964
- Release date
- Dec 18, 1964
- Genres
- Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 6.2/10
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Topic: Film "Emil and the Detectives" (1964).
Goal: Factual, original 150-190 word overview.
Constraints:
Use ONLY verifiable facts from provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
No invented/guessed titles, names, dates, counts, awards, ratings, box-office, or plot points.
Omit details not in the material.
Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose.
Plain text only (no markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points).
First sentence must not contain spoilers.
Word count: 150-190 words.
Title: Emil and the Detectives.
Year: 1964.
US Release Date: 12/18/1964.
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, and Crime.
Runtime: 1h 39m.
Rating: PG.
Director: Peter Tewksbury.
Cast: Walter Slezak, Bryan Russell, Roger Mobley, Heinz Schubert, Peter Ehrlich.
Plot:
Emil travels by bus to Berlin to visit family.
Money is stolen by a crook who specializes in digging tunnels.
Emil thinks the thief is Grundeis, a shifty man sitting next to him.
Emil follows Grundeis to a Berlin cafe.
Emil summons a policeman, but Grundeis escapes to a rendezvous with The Baron
Should you watch it?
“A young boy recruits a group of friends to recover his stolen money in Berlin.”
- Features a unique collaboration between a young boy and his peers to solve a crime.
- Shot on location in Berlin and at the historic Tempelhof Studios.
- Directed by Peter Tewksbury and based on the classic novel by Erich Kästner.
- The film may feel dated to modern audiences accustomed to contemporary pacing.
Watch it if you enjoy classic crime comedies centered on resourceful young protagonists.
This film maintains a lighthearted tone throughout its ninety-nine minute runtime and is suitable for general audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream this film?
Streaming availability varies by region and platform; check your local digital service providers for current listings.
Is this film worth watching?
It is a well-regarded adaptation of a classic novel that offers a nostalgic look at 1960s cinema and youth-led detective stories.
What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and thirty-nine minutes.
Are there other versions of this story?
Yes, the source material by Erich Kästner has been adapted into other films, such as the 1980 Bangladeshi film Emiler Goenda Bahini.
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