Gruppenbild mit Dame

Was 1977 all that good a year and they could afford to brush under the carpet this terrific German movie with a major star, the ever imposing Romy Schneider, from a terrific director. See Petrovic's MASTER AND MARGUERITA to make that point.

The WW2 subject provides a vivid setting complete with a pre-digital bombing raid that looks very dangerous and very convincing and very expensive, demolishing a real city block. The performances and staging are superior and what a surprise to find a gaunt Brad Dourif fitting right in - is that his voice?

Classical music, Romy at her most dignified, rich European Eastmancolor - the whole calamity. Already I'm awash with nostalgia.