THE DYBBUK [1937]
year:
- 1937
release date:
- 29 IX 1937
runtime:
- 100 min
directed by:
- Michał Waszyński
written by:
- Andrzej Marek
director of photography:
- Albert Wywerka
cast:
- Abram Morewski [tzadik of Miropol], Ajzyk Samberg [Meszulach, the wanderer], Mojżesz Lipman [Sender], Lili Liana [Lea], Leon Liebgold [Chonen], Maks Bożyk [Nute], Gerszon Lemberger [Nissen], Dina Halpern [Lea’s stepmother], Samuel Landau [Załmen], Zischa Kac [Mełamed Mendel], Abraham Kurc [Michoel], Dawid Lederman [Szames Mejer], M. Messinger [Menasze], S. Bronecki [Nachman]
music by:
- Henryk Kon
production design:
- Jacek Rotmil, Stefan Norris
produced by:
- Warszawskie Biuro Kinematograficzne „Feniks”
executive producer:
- Zygmunt Mayflauer
About the film
The Dybbuk – a four-act play by Shloyme Zanvl Rappoport (S. An-ski) published in Vilnius in 1922, achieved international fame. Numerous adaptations for stage, film, television, music, and even opera in La Scala confirm the uniqueness of the drama, which depicts the customs and religious rites of the Hasidim. It transforms a folk legend into myth.
Two friends, Nisson and Sender, vow that their future children will be joined in matrimony. Nisson dies prematurely, leaving behind his son Chonen; the rich Sender has a daughter, Lea, but he does not want to keep the vow, even though the young couple are in love. He wants to find a wealthy husband for his daughter. Desperate, Chonen attempts to make gold by magic and summons Satan. He is struck by lightning and killed. Dybbuk, the soul of the departed, possesses Lea’s soul on her wedding day. The tzaddik manages to exorcise him, but Lea dies, joining her beloved.
Donata Zielińska, Leksykon polskich filmów fabularnych, Warszawa 1996
