Swing Kids Movie Review 1993

In 1939 in Germany, big band or "swing" music is the instrument used by a group of young people to rebel against the conformity demanded by Hitler. Highlights the politics of the era, but concentrates mainly on three teenagers and the strains that Nazi power put on their friendship. Although the premise is based in historic fact, there is still something disturbingly silly about the entire production. Dance sequences are lively and well-choreographed. Branagh (in an uncredited role) plays a smooth-talking Gestapo chief. Filmed on location in Prague, Czechoslovakia (as a substitute for Hamburg, Germany).

Distribution

Hollywood Pictures Home Video, Fairmont Bldg. 526, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91505-9842, Phone: (818)562-3560

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 114 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Nazis & Other Paramilitary Slugs, Period Piece: 1930s, Teen Angst, Dance Fever, Coming of Age, Germany

Screenplay

Jonathan Marc Feldman

Cast

Robert Sean Leonard, Christian Bale, Frank Whaley, Barbara Hershey, Tushka Bergen, David Tom, Kenneth Branagh, Noah Wyle

Cinematography

Jerzy Zielinski

Director

Thomas Carter

Music

James Horner

Producer

Mark Gordon Company, John Bard Manulis, Touchwood Pacific Partners I, Hollywood Pictures