Czterej pancerni i pies

This film was made in the late 1960's, when the Soviet land troops (a so called "Warsaw Pact") was threatening a big part of the world. The main tune was to emphasize a Polish-Russian friendship during the 2nd world war. It was not true as Russians invaded Poland in 1939 together with Hitler and committed even worse war crimes than Germans.

The purpose of the film was to attract young boys from Polish villages to join the army, especially armored units. It was very funny, but in each episode the food and common meals play a significant role (mainly canned food made in USA and supplied for the Red Army). As under communist yoke the food supply in Poland was very poor, scenes of eating full cans of meat might have attracted young boys to join the army.

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.

Many years ago, when I was very young, this Polish serial was a huge success in the Soviet Union. Now, the Union is no more, and the serial? Well, if you try and watch all 21 series again, you will not believe your own eyes - how can I watch this stuff? Well, let's be fair to the filmmakers - the serial was and is very funny. Even then, in times of terrible censorship and pro-Communist propaganda, this film managed to hold a healthy portion of a good hearty humor. Which is a big plus. There are so many naive traits here - the Nazis are often shown too caricature like, the brave Polish soldiers alone win the war (which is not true, as this was the huge combined effort of all the nations involved), the dialogs are too schematic and naive. And the general tone is often too lightweight. The last episode is a bit hasty and the final scene is a bit of a riddle - what, er, is that all? However, this film is like good hearty French or British comedies about the WWII - light, sweet and funny. This serial was certainly intended to be a serious work, but now it is much better watch it with a grain of salt and a heart laugh.

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!