Czterej pancerni i pies

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.

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.

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.

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.