Das fliegende Klassenzimmer

This is yet another film-version of an Erich Kaestner Classic. Kaestner is one of the most popular German children's book authors of the 20th century. Among many other works, he penned "Emil and the Detektives" and "The Parent Trap". The author always includes the theme of honor, friendship and loyalty in his stories.

The setting here is an "Internat", a boarding school with strict rules and deep tradition. The upper class men are known to play pranks on the new students, and none of the teachers dare to interfere in student affairs. A side plot tells of an incident decades ago, involving a teacher who ended up living as a hermit, disillusioned with the world.

The way teachers deeply cared about their students, and the respect given to them in return reminds of the "good old days", when the profession had fewer material rewards, yet was much more fulfilling.

Look for a cameo appearance by the author in the closing scene, as he autographs his book for a young fan, played by Peter Kraus, who later emerged as a Teen Idol Rock & Roll Singer, becoming the German "Elvis". This is a very enjoyable movie. Those who are familiar with the times and the author will be very pleased.