The Sailor's Song 1958

Overview

The Sailor's Song, released in 1958, is an East German black-and-white film directed by Kurt Maetzig and Günter Reisch. The production is categorized as a history and drama film with a runtime of two hours and five minutes. The narrative focuses on the historical uprising of seamen in Kiel during the Russian October Revolution of 1917. During this period, German and Russian soldiers begin to solidarize with one another. The plot follows machinist Henne Lonke and stoker Jens Kasten, who act to prevent an attack on a Russian freighter by disarming their officers. Tensions rise further when the German admiralty issues orders for operation Nibelungen. This operation is intended to lead the German fleet into a suicidal attack against England while attempting to quell the revolutionary spirit among the ranks. In response, seamen and soldiers from various political backgrounds unite in protest against the command. The film features actor Günther Simon in its cast. The movie was released in Germany on November 9, 1958, and is also known by its German title, Das Lied der Matrosen.