Mother Died, Stop (1974)
A Slovenian TV comedy where a misdirected telegram and a daughter's guilt collide in quietly devastating fashion.
Mother Died, Stop - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mama umrla stop
- Release Year: 1974
- Directed by: Andrej Stojan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, TV Movie
- Runtime: 52m
- Original Language: Slovenian
- Spoken Languages: Slovenian
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1974 (SI)
- Production Companies: RTV Ljubljana
- Production Countries: Yugoslavia
Mother Died, Stop - Plot
An elderly woman pays visit to her mother who resides in nursing home. Few days later she receives a telegram that the mother died, but it turns out that the address it was sent to was wrong. However the guilt of neglect starts to torment the mourning daughter nonetheless.
Where to Watch Mother Died, Stop
Looking for where to watch Mother Died, Stop?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Mother Died, Stop - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Andrej Stojan
Main Cast
- Angela Janko
- Vida Juvan
- Polde Bibič
- Tone Kuntner
- Peter Ternovšek
- Jože Zupan
- Zlatko Šugman
- Arnold Tovornik
- Volodja Peer
- Milena Muhič
Writers
- Tone Partljič
Mother Died, Stop - FAQs
What is Mother Died, Stop about?
Mother Died, Stop follows an elderly woman who visits her mother in a nursing home. Days later, a misdirected telegram arrives announcing the mother's death — but the address was wrong. Despite the mix-up, the daughter is consumed by guilt over years of neglect, turning a dark misunderstanding into a quietly comic moral reckoning.
Is Mother Died, Stop based on a true story?
The film is not based on a specific true story. It was written by Tone Partljič, a prominent Slovenian playwright known for sharp social comedies. The story draws on universal themes of family guilt and neglect rather than any documented real-life event, though its emotional core feels deeply grounded in everyday human experience.
Who are the main actors in Mother Died, Stop?
The cast features Angela Janko and Vida Juvan in leading roles, supported by Polde Bibič, Tone Kuntner, Peter Ternovšek, Jože Zupan, Zlatko Šugman, Arnold Tovornik, Volodja Peer, and Milena Muhič — a strong ensemble of Slovenian stage and screen talent from the era.
What makes Mother Died, Stop a dark comedy?
The film mines its comedy from a deeply uncomfortable situation: a daughter mourning a mother who isn't actually dead. The real sting comes from the guilt she feels regardless — suggesting she had already been grieving a neglected relationship long before any telegram arrived. It's funny, uncomfortable, and quietly devastating all at once.
Who wrote the screenplay for Mother Died, Stop?
The screenplay was written by Tone Partljič, one of Slovenia's most celebrated dramatists. Partljič built his reputation on comedies that expose the hypocrisies and anxieties of everyday Slovenian life, and this script is a fine example — using a simple misunderstanding to probe deeper questions about family duty and conscience.
Who directed Mother Died, Stop?
Andrej Stojan directed the film. Produced by RTV Ljubljana and released in 1974, it was made for Slovenian television during the Yugoslav era — a period when RTV Ljubljana produced a number of notable TV dramas and comedies that have since become part of Slovenian cultural heritage.
What are some films similar to Mother Died, Stop?
If you enjoy its blend of family tension and dark humor, you might like Death at a Funeral (2007), About Schmidt (2002), Good Bye, Lenin! (2003), or Little Miss Sunshine (2006). All share that bittersweet tone where family dysfunction and mortality collide in ways that are equal parts funny and genuinely moving.
How long is Mother Died, Stop?
Mother Died, Stop runs 52 minutes — a tight, focused runtime that suits its single-premise story perfectly. As a TV movie produced for RTV Ljubljana, it was designed for a television broadcast slot, and the lean length keeps the dark comedy sharp without overstaying its welcome.
More About Mother Died, Stop
Explore further details about this film on these authoritative resources.