This film is part of Rentals
Emil and the Detectives
The British adaptation of Eric Kastner’s much-loved children’s book is an evocative adventure on the streets of pre-war London.
Director: Milton Rosmer
Overview
The British adaptation of Eric Kastner’s much-loved children’s book (previously filmed by Gerhard Lamprecht) is an evocative adventure on the streets of pre-war London. The story follows young Emil as he boards a train to London with £6 in his pocket, only to have it stolen by the mysterious man in a bowler hat. Enlisting the help of a gang of children, he endeavours to track him down.
Although it was common practice in the early days of sound film for foreign-language variants to be shot back-to-back, this remake was unusually filmed four years later. Although the original Berlin locations are substituted for British ones, the cast and crew otherwise seem to be working from exactly the same shooting script, resulting in a near shot-for-shot remake. The only differences remain in the final act of the film, where the British version is missing a few minutes of footage due to print damage (this presentation has been sourced from the only surviving film elements).
Despite the missing footage, this English version is still highly watchable and makes for a fascinating comparison to its more famous forerunner. George Hayes makes for a genuinely creepy villain (every bit as good as Fritz Rasp in his way) and director Milton Rosmer makes great use of London locations including the nooks and crannies of 1930s Soho.
Related
Rynox Rynox
Crime 1932 46 mins Director: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s earliest existing film is a twisty thriller crafted with a bold visual style that is unmistakeably influenced by Fritz Lang.
Hotel Splendide Hotel Splendide
Comedy 1932 53 mins Director: Michael Powell
Music hall veteran Jerry Verno stars as a lowly clerk who gets more than he bargained for when he inherits a hotel, in Michael Powell's charming comedy.
The Night of the Party The Night of the Party
Crime 1934 61 mins Director: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s fun stage adaptation about a murder at a society party, with characterful performances from its fine ensemble cast.
Anatomy of a Fall Anatomy of a Fall
Crime 2023 152 mins Director: Justine Triet
Justine Triet's gripping, Palme d'Or-winning psycho-thriller is deeply intelligent with a spellbinding performance from Sandra Hüller.
Mean Streets Mean Streets
Crime 1973 112 mins Director: Martin Scorsese
Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel excel in Scorsese’s seminal tale of the conflict between Catholicism and crime in New York’s Little Italy.
Crown v. Stevens Crown v. Stevens
Crime 1936 67 mins Director: Michael Powell
Patric Knowles stars as a naïve young man who becomes embroiled in the murderous, money-hungry scheming of his boss’s wife, in Michael Powell’s stylish proto-film noir.
The Boy Who Turned Yellow The Boy Who Turned Yellow
Children's 1972 54 mins Director: Michael Powell
A London schoolboy’s surprise transformation marks the final collaboration of great British director Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
The Glitterball The Glitterball
Children's 1977 56 mins Director: Harley Cokliss
Somewhere in 1970s England, a UFO crashes in a potting shed. Inside is a strange round visitor from space: the Glitterball. How will it get home?
Haunters of the Deep Haunters of the Deep
Children's 1984 61 mins Director: Andrew Bogle
A ghostly boy returns from the grave to warn against reopening 'The Devil's Mine' in this spooky drama.
Hide and Seek Hide and Seek
Children's 1972 61 mins Director: David Eady
Gary Kemp (The Krays) becomes entangled with a borstal escapee known as the Deptford Dodger in this cracking drama from the Children’s Film Foundation.
A Hitch in Time A Hitch in Time
Children's 1978 57 mins Director: Jan Darnley-Smith
Two curious kids are sent back in time by an eccentric professor, played by former Doctor Who Patrick Troughton.
Johnny on the Run Johnny on the Run
Children's 1953 68 mins Director: Lewis Gilbert
A Polish refugee runs into trouble with two scheming thieves in this superb early work from illustrious British director Lewis Gilbert (Alfie, You Only Live Twice).
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus
Documentary 2023 103 mins Director: Neo Sora
This moving tribute to the late composer and musician speaks volumes about his enormous talent, pioneering work and dedication to his craft.
Our Mothers Our Mothers
Drama 2019 77 mins Director: César Díaz
As Guatemala confronts its violent past, a forensic anthropologist is tasked with identifying the dead, in this affecting Cannes prize-winning drama.
Red Herring Red Herring
Documentary 2023 94 mins Director: Kitson Vincent
Following his terminal diagnosis, young filmmaker Kit Vincent sets out to document an intimate and darkly humorous journey in this BIFA nominated documentary.
Robot Dreams Robot Dreams
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 103 mins Director: Pablo Berger
Spanish director Pablo Berger delivers a rich and emotionally engaging dialogue-free animation about friendship, set in a bustling 1980s New York City.
Stephen Stephen
Drama-documentary 2023 78 mins Director: Melanie Manchot
Artist Melanie Manchot’s debut feature is a visually striking film-within-a-film, exploring mental health and addiction.
Red Island Red Island
Drama 2023 117 mins Director: Robin Campillo
French writer-director Robin Campillo offers a searching exploration of memory and politics, in this boldly conceived story of boyhood in 1970s Madagascar.