Vier Panzersoldaten und ein Hund

Very valuable as a historical portrayal of Polish and Soviet allies during WWII. Very limited scope of all the issues of that period. I love the battle action, romance and warmth displayed by the characters. Of course, all the characters become so lovable after one or two episodes, especially Janek and Marusia.

Be prepared for a one-sided portrayal of the Polish/Russian heroes and heroines and German underdogs, but that was the politics of the 1960's when the series was shown on Polish TV. The story line is written to hold your interest and there is seldom a dull moment. The characters seem to be as real-to-life as is possible in film. The dialogue is beauty in itself, although the subtitles on my DVD only cover about 15 to 20% of the total. That's OK because you get the gist of what's being said. With some basic Polish or Russian you will be enjoying the actors speaking in their native tongue.

Another quality Polish film. Try to find it with English subtitles if possible, but great for practicing your Russian/Polish listening skills. I was watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza on American TV at the time, which was pablum compared to Four Tankmen and A Dog.

This TV series was also very popular in the former Czechoslovakia. I think that most of children then saw it many times. Every boy was in love with Lidka and Marusja and desired to be like Janek. We can label it cult TV series. Now some scenes could seem to be a bit slow-going, but still episodes affect us deeply with their strength and veracity. In fact there was less communist propaganda it that series than in most of other TV programs. Morover, we all were able to read between the lines (and still we are)... I would recommend to current movie makers to acquire skills from that series how to make great war movie without torrents of blood. There was everything - action scenes, heroism, friendship, love, humor, tragedy and sadness - but all very decent, all experiences of ordinary people. Little unskilfulness of actors made scenes more believable.

Face it, you may have a sentiment towards this series, but ... A Polish tank team being friends with Russians, four years after Russians invaded Poland, that's weird... Something isn't right, and it's only one example. Another one: Janek trying to overcome the age limit to join the army, that's supposed to be a good example for young viewers? The crew seems to be little dependent on their commander, they seem to go wherever they want, how realistic is that?

On top of that, the series is filled with shameful pro-soviet propaganda, which always made me feel like I was watching just another "wonderful" Mosfilm production.

As for me, the sentiment won't help - this film is simply BAD.

Damn...so many opinions....this serious was made according to the "general line of communist party", "german soldiers shown as a stupid and weak bastards there" etc...OK - I can agree but damn - THE MOVIE ITSELF IS AMAZING! Because of this movie I started learning Polish when I was 10 yeas old guy! Damn...and they say this movie humiliates Polish nation - shut up! Total respect and low bow to all who participated in creation of this masterpiece!

Miron / Tvangeste www.tvangeste.com ========================================================= Love and Respect Your Friends - and Let Our Enemies Die!

I think I watched the whole Series (about 15 episodes) maybe 20-30 times! I would watch whenever it was on. It contains old propaganda for the Communists during the time of the filming, but it has a great cast, great humor, love and war, and a dog!

This is a great show, and I recommend it to all, young and old.