People On Sunday (1930) ***1/2
People On Sunday (1930) is an historically significant film for several reasons. Chief among those reasons is that it was one the first films made by several young German/Austrian filmmakers (Robert Siodmak, Edgar G. Ulmer, Billy Wilder, Fred Zinnemann, Curt Siodmak, and Eugen Schüfftan) who would all go on to become important figures in Hollywood in varying capacities. Another reason is the naturalistic, almost documentary-like quality of the film (combined with its cast of "non actors"), which would influence and anticipate the Italian neorealist movement.
Additionally, POS provides an interesting—if maybe not entirely accurate—look at the interwar period in Berlin. Its examination of everyday people enjoying time off is fun to watch and it often features evocative imagery. Outside of everything mentioned above though I'm not sure it's a film that has a lot of rewatchability for this viewer, due to its lack of plot. In short: People On Sunday is a great curio—a neat, breezy little film—and I'd even say it's essential viewing for those that appreciate its significance and enjoy silent film, but I'm not sure when I'll visit it again.
Additionally, POS provides an interesting—if maybe not entirely accurate—look at the interwar period in Berlin. Its examination of everyday people enjoying time off is fun to watch and it often features evocative imagery. Outside of everything mentioned above though I'm not sure it's a film that has a lot of rewatchability for this viewer, due to its lack of plot. In short: People On Sunday is a great curio—a neat, breezy little film—and I'd even say it's essential viewing for those that appreciate its significance and enjoy silent film, but I'm not sure when I'll visit it again.
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