A STRONG MAN (1929) Gregori Chmara, Agnes Kuck & Julian Krzewinski | Crime | Classic Film

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A Strong Man (Polish: Mocny człowiek) is a 1929 Polish psychological thriller directed by Henryk Szaro and produced by Marek Libkow. It is the second adaptation of Stanisław Przybyszewski's 1912 novel of the same name. As one of the last Polish silent films, it presents a study of an artist (played by Grigorij Chmara) who ultimately loses a battle with his own conscience.

A Strong Man was inspired by the achievements of German expressionist cinema. Thanks to Giovanni Vitrotti's cinematography and the use of several innovative film techniques – such as double/triple exposure, point-of-view shots, and expressive montage – the film was highly regarded for its technical execution, especially within the context of Polish cinema during the interwar period. After World War II, when all known copies of the film in Poland were destroyed, it was long considered lost. It was only in 1997 that a copy was discovered in Belgium and subsequently returned to Poland. In 2006, a digitally restored version was released.

Synopsis:

The film is set in interwar Warsaw. Henryk Bielecki, a journalist, is desperate to write a literary work that will bring him fame and fortune. His close friend, Jerzy Górski, has just completed his own novel but is near death. Bielecki plans to steal Górski's manuscript, so he hastens his friend's demise by administering morphine. Bielecki's lover, Łucja, accidentally witnesses Górski's death. He justifies his crime by claiming it was done out of love for her, while taking the deceased's manuscript. The book becomes a success, earning Bielecki the fame and wealth he craved. However, he soon begins an affair with Nina, the wife of his friend Ligęza, neglecting Łucja. When the relationship with Łucja deteriorates, Bielecki decides to kill her. During the premiere of a play based on the stolen novel, Bielecki is exposed. In desperation, he grabs a pistol and commits suicide in front of the gathered audience.

Cast & Crew:

Gregori Chmara – Henryk Bielecki
Agnes Kuck [pl] – Łucja, Bielecki's lover
Julian Krzewiński [pl] – Ligęza, a landowner
Maria Majdrowiczówna [pl] – Nina, Ligęza's wife
Artur Socha [pl] – Jerzy Górski, writer
Stanisława Wysocka – Bielecki's grandmother
Bolesław Mierzejewski [pl] – Director of the Ateneum Theatre
Janina Romanówna [pl] – Nastka Żegota, actress and Ligęza's lover
Aleksander Zelwerowicz – publisher
Jan Kurnakowicz – publisher's secretary
Ludwik Fritsche – moneylender
Jerzy Dworski – Karewicz, set designer at Ateneum Theatre
Lech Owron – actor
Władysław Walter – theatre doorman
Tadeusz Fijewski – Hotel Europejski bellboy

Director: Henryk Szaro
Writers: Jerzy Braun, Henryk Szaro
Producer: Marek Libkow
Cinematography: Giovanni Vitrotti
Music: Feliks Maliniak
Production Company: Gloria
Release Date: October 2, 1929 (Poland)
Running Time: About 78 minutes
Country: Poland
Language: Polish