Das Pferdemädchen (1979)
A tender East German family drama about a girl forced to choose between her beloved old mare and an irresistible newborn foal.
Das Pferdemädchen - Movie Information
- Original Title: Das Pferdemädchen
- Release Year: 1979
- Directed by: Egon Schlegel
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Family, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 5, 1979 (Germany)
- Production Companies: DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme, Künstlerische Arbeitsgruppe "Johannisthal"
- Production Countries: East Germany
Das Pferdemädchen - Plot
Irka and Raya are best friends, one always knows immediately what the other wants. Irka is young, lively and a girl, Raya is old, blind and a proud mare who had great times as a show horse. The two are inseparable. But when Raya has a foal, Irka turns her attention to the small, helpless and cute animal. Her father had actually promised that she could keep both horses. One day, however, he tells her that she has to part with one of the horses. Irka has to decide for herself: The cute foal or the old mare?
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Das Pferdemädchen - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Egon Schlegel
Main Cast
- Märtke Wellm
- Wolfgang Winkler
- Ilse Voigt
- Andreas Albert
- Hans Klering
- Karl Heinz Lotz
- Harry Merkel
- Annette Roth
Writers
- Egon Schlegel
- Alfred Wellm
- Margot Beichler
Das Pferdemädchen - FAQs
What is Das Pferdemädchen about?
Das Pferdemädchen follows Irka, a young girl with an unbreakable bond with Raya, her aging blind mare. When Raya gives birth to a foal, Irka's father breaks a promise and forces her to choose between keeping the old horse or the newborn. It's a heartfelt story about loyalty, love, and growing up.
Does Irka choose the foal or the old mare?
That's the heart of the film — and the answer is left for viewers to discover. Irka's dilemma between the helpless newborn foal and her lifelong companion Raya drives the emotional core of the story. The choice she faces is as much about loyalty and growing up as it is about the horses themselves.
Is Das Pferdemädchen based on a true story?
Das Pferdemädchen is not based on a true story. It was adapted from a literary source by writer Alfred Wellm, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside director Egon Schlegel and Margot Beichler. The story is a fictional coming-of-age tale set in East Germany, though it carries an authentic emotional resonance.
Who are the main actors in Das Pferdemädchen?
The cast is led by Märtke Wellm as young Irka, with Wolfgang Winkler playing her father. Ilse Voigt, Andreas Albert, Hans Klering, Karl Heinz Lotz, Harry Merkel, and Annette Roth round out the ensemble in this East German DEFA production.
What makes Das Pferdemädchen a notable DEFA film?
Produced by DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme, Das Pferdemädchen stands out as a warm, child-centered drama from East German cinema. DEFA was known for thoughtful family films, and this one is a fine example — prioritizing emotional honesty and a child's perspective over sentimentality, making it enduring for audiences of all ages.
Who directed Das Pferdemädchen?
Egon Schlegel directed Das Pferdemädchen. He also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Alfred Wellm and Margot Beichler. Schlegel brings a gentle, observant touch to the story, letting the relationship between Irka and her horses unfold naturally without heavy-handed drama.
What are similar movies to Das Pferdemädchen?
If you enjoyed Das Pferdemädchen, you might love Flicka (2006), Black Beauty (1994), Seabiscuit (2003), or Windstorm 4 (2019). For more classic family adventures, Pippi Longstocking (1997) and Pippi in the South Seas (1970) share a similar spirit of childhood wonder and warmth.
When and where was Das Pferdemädchen released?
Das Pferdemädchen premiered on July 5, 1979, in Germany. It was produced in East Germany under the DEFA banner, the state-owned film studio that was home to many beloved East German family and children's films throughout the Cold War era.
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