Gerhard Klein
Director · 1920 – 1970 · Berlin, Germany
Gerhard Klein was a German film director and screenwriter, notable for his contributions to East German cinema. A native Berliner, Klein's work often reflected his deep connection to the city. During World War II, he was arrested for participating in the resistance against the National Socialists. After the war, he began his career as a cartoonist and documentary filmmaker. In 1952, he joined the DEFA Studio for Feature Films, where he was instrumental in establishing the production of children's films. Klein's notable works include A Berlin Romance (1956), Berlin – Ecke Schönhauser (1957), and The Gleiwitz Case (1961). His films often explored social issues and the lives of young people in post-war Berlin, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of East German cinema.
Movies1
Movie7.4DramaHigh-school senior Peter considers the adults around him to be hypocritical, self-congratulatory, and immersed in the past. He gets suspended for writing an essay that his teachers consider to be a challenge to the state. Just Don't Think I'll Cry became one of twelve films and film projects-almost an entire year's production-that were banned in 1965-1966 due to their alleged anti-socialist aspects. Although scenes and dialogs were altered and the end was reshot twice, officials condemned this title as "particularly harmful." In 1989, cinematographer Ost restored the original version, and this and most of the other banned films were finally screened in January 1990. Belatedly, they were acclaimed as masterpieces of critical realism.