This amusing and trenchant social comedy on ‘becoming Swiss’ stands as one of Switzerland’s most successful films. Two policemen working in the naturalisation section of the government have to assess the suitability of three immigrants applying for Swiss citizenship—an Italian baker, a German doctor and a Yugoslavian ballet dancer. Complications arise when the younger policeman falls in love with the dancer, whose suitablity as a Swiss citizen is under question. Realised with a lighter touch than many other satirical films by Swiss directors that parody Swiss society, the film tends towards slapstick and features restrained performances by character actor Luond and cabaret performer Steinberger, as the two policemen. The opening lecture is influenced by the Swiss-born Jean-Luc Godard.
Credits: Producer, Marcel Hoehn ; director, Rolf Lyssy ; writers, Rolf Lyssy, Christa Maerker ; photography, Fritz E. Maeder ; editing, Georg Janett ; music, Jonas C. Haefeli.
Cast: Walo Luond, Emil Steinberger, Beatrice Kessler, Hilde Ziegler.
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How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
A000007
Languages
English
Swiss German
Subject categories
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Switzerland
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Switzerland - Social life and customs
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
35mm film; Limited Access Print (Section 2)