The Perjured Farmer

Synopsis

"The Perjured Farmer" (Der Meineidbauer) is a 1956 Austrian drama directed by Georg C. Klaren, starring Heidemarie Hatheyer. Set in rural Austria, the film explores themes of morality, tradition, and the complexities of justice. It chronicles the life of a farmer caught in a moral dilemma when he is forced to confront the consequences of bearing false witness. As the narrative unfolds, the movie delves deeply into post-war Austrian societal values, highlighting the tension between individual conscience and community expectations. With its poignant storytelling and strong performances, the film offers viewers a reflective look at human frailty and integrity within a tightly knit rural setting.

Cast

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  Heidemarie Hatheyer

  Paula Roth

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  Carl Wery

  Mathias Ferner

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  Christiane Hörbiger

  Marei Roth

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  Hans von Borsody

  Franz Ferner

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  Joseph Offenbach

  Christoph Demuth

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  Attila Hörbiger

  Pichler

Reviews

"The Perjured Farmer" holds a modest position in cinematic history with an IMDb rating of 6.4/10, suggesting a mixed reception from viewers. Critics often praise Heidemarie Hatheyer's compelling performance, highlighting her nuanced portrayal that lends emotional depth to the film. The direction by Georg C. Klaren receives appreciation for authentically capturing the rural Austrian milieu and the moral tensions central to the plot. However, some reviews point out that the pacing can be slow and the storyline somewhat predictable by contemporary standards, which may affect the engagement of modern audiences. Notably, Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated critic score available for this classic, reflecting its limited presence in mainstream Western databases. Metacritic and other platforms also lack sufficient reviews to offer a comprehensive critical consensus. Despite these limitations, historical viewers and fans of post-war Austrian cinema value the film for its cultural and dramatic significance, often describing it as "a poignant exploration of honor and conscience in a traditional society." Overall, "The Perjured Farmer" is regarded as a thoughtful, if somewhat dated, drama with compelling performances and an authentic setting, appealing mainly to enthusiasts of classic European cinema and moral narratives.

See also

Box

Garden of the Dead