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Maedchen in Uniform

Play trailer Poster for Maedchen in Uniform Released Sep 20, 1932 1h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 42 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
After the death of her mother, teenage Manuela (Hertha Thiele) is sent off to a boarding school run by the autocratic Fräulein von Nordeck (Emilia Unda). Initially withdrawn from the other girls due to her grief and anger at being sent away, Manuela is drawn out of her shell by the beautiful and sympathetic young teacher Elizabeth von Bernburg (Dorothea Wieck). But when Manuela's fondness for her teacher turns into a romantic attachment, it becomes a school-wide scandal.
Maedchen in Uniform

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Beautifully filmed and performed, Mäedchen in Uniform avoids easy melodrama with its sensitive handling of oft-sensationalized subject matter.

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Critics Reviews

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Becky Autostraddle You didn't think old school cinema was this adorbs, but it is. Jun 11, 2021 Full Review Robert Herring Guardian It is acted and directed with forceful simplicity, and is a strong example of Germany's return to assurance in the talkie field. Nov 18, 2020 Full Review Irene Thirer New York Daily News The conclusion is highly satisfying. And indeed the whole picture is extremely interestingly done as to continuity, performances and direction. Rated: 3/4 Nov 18, 2020 Full Review Mattie Lucas From the Front Row A film set on a precipice of disaster that is at once a requiem for what was, and a warning for what was to come. And it's as timely and as urgent as ever. Jun 28, 2022 Full Review Andor Kraszna-Krausz Close Up [The story] might be of less importance in itself than the way in which it has been moulded. A way which expresses naturally and with charm the delicate side of the subject and which characterizes distinctly but not abruptly. Jan 14, 2021 Full Review E.W. Harrold Ottawa Citizen I cannot begin to tell you of the amazing skill of the casting, of the authenticity of the scenes, nor of the wonderfully sympathetic performances of Miss Hertha Thiele as Manuela and Miss Dorothea Wieck a Fraulein von Bernburg. Nov 18, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jens B There's so much sexual tension in the air at this girls' boarding school that I've wondered several times how and if it got past the censors 94 years ago (probably not, but I haven't checked yet). In any case, "Mädchen in Uniform" isn't just a wonderfully acted film about love between women at a girls' boarding school. It also features commentaries on Prussian self-image, the rise of fascism, feminism, and much more. Furthermore, not a single man appears in the film (except for a few soldiers drilling at the beginning, which promptly intercuts with the marching girls). Of course, things have to get dramatic as the plot progresses; however, I do give the film credit for how the conflict is resolved and the fate of the characters. There are a few beautiful shots on top. Yes, the film's age is noticeable, but that hardly detracts from the enjoyment. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/30/25 Full Review Abro A Loved it! VERY CUTE! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/25 Full Review Albert D Queer classic! Highly recommended! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/16/24 Full Review Will P love when you're watching something in a foreign language with subtitles and there's a random phrase that's pronounced exactly the same as in english. you're telling me they also call it "sex appeal" over there? awesome Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/02/24 Full Review Audience Member Really great movie! handles it's topic matter in a sweet way; way better then most modern depictions of queerness! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/28/24 Full Review Amin G I cannot believe this movie was produced in 1930. Incredible story and performances, which are somehow explaining the rise of the Nazi party Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Maedchen in Uniform

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Cast & Crew

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Leontine Sagan

Director

Hertha Thiele

Manuela von Meinhardis

Dorothea Wieck

Fräulein von Bernburg

Emilia Unda

The Principal

Friedrich Dammann

Writer

Christoe Winsloe

Writer

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Maedchen in Uniform

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Movie Info

Synopsis After the death of her mother, teenage Manuela (Hertha Thiele) is sent off to a boarding school run by the autocratic Fräulein von Nordeck (Emilia Unda). Initially withdrawn from the other girls due to her grief and anger at being sent away, Manuela is drawn out of her shell by the beautiful and sympathetic young teacher Elizabeth von Bernburg (Dorothea Wieck). But when Manuela's fondness for her teacher turns into a romantic attachment, it becomes a school-wide scandal.
Director
Leontine Sagan
Producer
Carl Froelich
Screenwriter
Friedrich Dammann, Christoe Winsloe
Genre
Drama
Original Language
German
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 20, 1932, Original
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Mono