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Maedchen in Uniform

Play trailer Poster for Maedchen in Uniform 1932 1h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 42 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
After the death of her mother, teenage Manuela (Hertha Thiele) is sent off to a boarding school run by the autocratic Fräulein von Nordeck (Emilia Unda). Initially withdrawn from the other girls due to her grief and anger at being sent away, Manuela is drawn out of her shell by the beautiful and sympathetic young teacher Elizabeth von Bernburg (Dorothea Wieck). But when Manuela's fondness for her teacher turns into a romantic attachment, it becomes a school-wide scandal.

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Maedchen in Uniform

Maedchen in Uniform

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Critics Consensus

Beautifully filmed and performed, Mäedchen in Uniform avoids easy melodrama with its sensitive handling of oft-sensationalized subject matter.

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Critics Reviews

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Becky Autostraddle Jun 11, 2021
You didn't think old school cinema was this adorbs, but it is. Go to Full Review Robert Herring Guardian Nov 18, 2020
It is acted and directed with forceful simplicity, and is a strong example of Germany's return to assurance in the talkie field. Go to Full Review Irene Thirer New York Daily News Nov 18, 2020
3/4
The conclusion is highly satisfying. And indeed the whole picture is extremely interestingly done as to continuity, performances and direction. Go to Full Review Ellie Lucas From the Front Row Jun 28, 2022
A film set on a precipice of disaster that is at once a requiem for what was, and a warning for what was to come. And it's as timely and as urgent as ever. Go to Full Review Andor Kraszna-Krausz Close Up Jan 14, 2021
[The story] might be of less importance in itself than the way in which it has been moulded. A way which expresses naturally and with charm the delicate side of the subject and which characterizes distinctly but not abruptly. Go to Full Review E.W. Harrold Ottawa Citizen Nov 18, 2020
I cannot begin to tell you of the amazing skill of the casting, of the authenticity of the scenes, nor of the wonderfully sympathetic performances of Miss Hertha Thiele as Manuela and Miss Dorothea Wieck a Fraulein von Bernburg. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jens B @Jens97 Aug 30, 2025 There's so much sexual tension in the air at this girls' boarding school that I've wondered several times how and if it got past the censors 94 years ago (probably not, but I haven't checked yet). In any case, "Mädchen in Uniform" isn't just a wonderfully acted film about love between women at a girls' boarding school. It also features commentaries on Prussian self-image, the rise of fascism, feminism, and much more. Furthermore, not a single man appears in the film (except for a few soldiers drilling at the beginning, which promptly intercuts with the marching girls). Of course, things have to get dramatic as the plot progresses; however, I do give the film credit for how the conflict is resolved and the fate of the characters. There are a few beautiful shots on top. Yes, the film's age is noticeable, but that hardly detracts from the enjoyment. See more Abro A @Ozuuu Jan 29, 2025 Loved it! VERY CUTE! See more Albert D @RT03385101 Aug 16, 2024 Queer classic! Highly recommended! See more Bigbossbalrog T @Jigokju May 28, 2024 Really great movie! handles it's topic matter in a sweet way; way better then most modern depictions of queerness! See more Amin G @amingraphy Mar 16, 2023 I cannot believe this movie was produced in 1930. Incredible story and performances, which are somehow explaining the rise of the Nazi party See more Jan 6, 2022 A beautiful and moving film. See more Read all reviews
Maedchen in Uniform

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Cast & Crew

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Leontine Sagan

Director

Hertha Thiele

Manuela von Meinhardis

Dorothea Wieck

Fräulein von Bernburg

Emilia Unda

The Principal

Friedrich Dammann

Writer

Christoe Winsloe

Writer

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Maedchen in Uniform

Maedchen in Uniform (1931) Maedchen in Uniform (1931) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After the death of her mother, teenage Manuela (Hertha Thiele) is sent off to a boarding school run by the autocratic Fräulein von Nordeck (Emilia Unda). Initially withdrawn from the other girls due to her grief and anger at being sent away, Manuela is drawn out of her shell by the beautiful and sympathetic young teacher Elizabeth von Bernburg (Dorothea Wieck). But when Manuela's fondness for her teacher turns into a romantic attachment, it becomes a school-wide scandal.
Director
Leontine Sagan
Producer
Carl Froelich
Screenwriter
Friedrich Dammann, Christoe Winsloe
Genre
Drama
Original Language
German
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 20, 1932, Original
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Mono
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