Synopsis
Foreword: “The Stranger” (1964), directed by Mihai Iacob and adapted from Titus Popovici’s novel, is a notable Romanian drama set during the final phase of World War II. The film explores friendship, class differences, love, and political change.
Directed by: Mihai Iacob
Script by: Titus Popovici
Cast: Ștefan Iordache, Irina Petrescu, Șerban Cantacuzino, George Calboreanu, Ștefan Ciubotărașu, Fory Etterle, Gheorghe Dinică
Producer: George Filipescu / Bucharest Film Studio
Cinematography by: Octavian Basti, Viorel Todan
Edited by: Adina Codrescu
Sound: Anusavan Salamanian
Music:Mircea Istrate
Costume Design: Lidia Luludis
Production Design: Marcel Bogos, Guță Știrbu,
Year: 1964
Category: Feature film
Genre: Drama
Duration: 158 minutes
PLOT SUMMARY
Set in 1944, the story follows two teenagers from different social backgrounds whose friendship and feelings for the same young woman are tested by war and by the political transformations affecting Romania.
AWARDS:
- 1964 – Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – Special Jury Mention.
- 1964 – Mamaia – Special Jury Prize and Best Actress Award – Irina Petrescu
FESTIVALS:
- 1964 – Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – Official Selection
CRITICAL REVIEWS:
“The urban counterpart of Setea.” – Cristian Tudor Popescu.
“A psychological drama and a socio-political fresco of the summer and fall of 1944. In a Transylvanian town, three teenagers—friends and classmates in their senior year of high school—decide their path in life under the pressure of rapidly unfolding events. Resistance and repression, the communists’ emergence from illegality and the double-dealing of the national bourgeoisie, the defense of the town in danger of being occupied by the Germans, the administration’s confrontation with the new political forces demanding power. – Bujor T. Râpeanu (“Filmed in Romania,” 2004, Pro Foundation Publishing House)
TRIVIA:
- Screen debut of Ștefan Iordache and Gheorghe Dinică.
- Considered one of the earliest Romanian films to feature an on-screen kiss.
- Contains unusual religious and cultural references for Romanian cinema of the period. Poems translated by Lucian Blaga, a poet who had previously been banned, are recited.
- Inspired by the atmosphere of Arad, where Titus Popovici spent part of his youth.
QUOTES:
• We know from history that you can’t stretch a string too far—it’ll snap.
• How do you do?
What would you like me to do?
To throw your arms around my neck and kiss me!
• Revolution, revolution, but what’s the point of holding a girl in your arms?
• Nobody cares what you think, dear, but what you do!
This premiere is part of a national archive project supported by the Romanian National Film Centre.
Special thanks goes to the Romanian Filmmakers Union and to the Romanian Film Archive.
