In 1924, Oskar Matzerath is born in the Free City of Danzig. At age three, he falls down a flight of stairs and stops growing. In 1939, World War II breaks out.In 1924, Oskar Matzerath is born in the Free City of Danzig. At age three, he falls down a flight of stairs and stops growing. In 1939, World War II breaks out.In 1924, Oskar Matzerath is born in the Free City of Danzig. At age three, he falls down a flight of stairs and stops growing. In 1939, World War II breaks out.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 18 wins & 6 nominations total
- Lina Greff
- (as Andréa Ferreol)
- Der Alte Heilandt
- (as Helmuth Brasch)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDavid Bennent has a condition which caused him to grow very slowly. When he appeared in this film at age 11, he was 1.14 meters (3 ft. 9' in.) tall. He continued to grow to 1.55 m (5 ft. 1 in), and was still growing well into his thirties.
- GoofsWhile the German soldiers attack the Polish post office, one fires an MG42 machine gun from his shoulder. The German army didn't use that weapon before 1942. It's also not supposed to be fired while standing.
- Quotes
Oskar Matzerath: There once was a drummer. His name was Oskar. He lost his poor mama, who had eat to much fish. There was once a credulous people... who believed in Santa Claus. But Santa Claus was really... the gas man! There was once a toy merchant. His name was Sigismund Markus... and he sold tin drums lacquered red and white. There was once a drummer. His name was Oskar. There was once a toy merchant... whose name was Markus... and he took all the toys in the world away with him.
- Alternate versionsAlthough reluctant to do so the BBFC were forced to remove 19 secs from UK cinema and video versions under the Protection of Children Act to remove a scene showing Oskar pressing his face against Maria's pubic region. The cuts were waived in 2003 when it was decided that the scene did not constitute an indecent image.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Pieces of Silver (1989)
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- El tambor de hojalata
- Filming locations
- Wedding, Berlin, Germany(synagogue fire)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $7,159
- Runtime2 hours 22 minutes
- Color