Roll the Drum! (2019)
A Swiss village comedy where a brass band's collapse ignites musical rivalry, political tensions, and unexpected romance in 1970 Valais.
Roll the Drum! - Movie Information
- Original Title: Tambour battant
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: François-Christophe Marzal
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: German, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 5, 2019 (Switzerland - 12/8)
- Production Countries: Switzerland
Roll the Drum! - Plot
In the spring of 1970 a small village in Valais experienced unusual turbulence. Is it because of the federal vote on women's suffrage? Or in the upcoming foreign infiltration initiative? No, it's worse: the brass band is falling apart! Half of the village blames Aloys, the other half blames Pierre. What begins as a musical conflict soon leads to a political conflict and even extends to love.
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Roll the Drum! - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- François-Christophe Marzal
Main Cast
- Pierre Mifsud
- Pascal Demolon
- Sabine Timoteo
- Jean-Luc Bideau
- Pierre-Isaie Duc
- François Florey
- Roland Vouilloz
- Giuseppe Oricchio
- Werner Biermeier
- Jordano Ceresa
Writers
- Nicolas Frey
- François-Christophe Marzal
Producers
- Jean-Marc Fröhle
Roll the Drum! - FAQs
What is Roll the Drum! about?
Roll the Drum! is set in a small Swiss village in Valais in spring 1970. When the local brass band begins to fall apart, a feud between two men — Aloys and Pierre — quickly spirals beyond music into political rivalry and romantic entanglement, all against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in Swiss history.
Who are the main actors in Roll the Drum!?
The cast is led by Pierre Mifsud as Aloys and Pascal Demolon as Pierre, the two men at the heart of the village feud. They're joined by Sabine Timoteo as Marie-Thérèse, Jean-Luc Bideau as Robert, and a strong ensemble including Pierre-Isaie Duc, François Florey, and Roland Vouilloz.
What historical backdrop does Roll the Drum! use?
The film is set in 1970 Switzerland, a year charged with political tension. The story unfolds against two real historical events: the federal vote on women's suffrage and the Schwarzenbach initiative on foreign residents, giving the village comedy a surprisingly rich and resonant political dimension.
Who directed Roll the Drum!?
Roll the Drum! was directed by François-Christophe Marzal, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Nicolas Frey. It's a Swiss production that showcases Marzal's ability to weave local cultural identity, humor, and social commentary into an accessible and entertaining story.
When and where was Roll the Drum! released?
Roll the Drum! had its Swiss release on June 5, 2019. It was rated 12/8 in Switzerland, meaning it's suitable for audiences aged 12 and over, with parental guidance recommended for younger viewers. The film is a Swiss production, shot in the French-speaking region of the country.
Is Roll the Drum! based on a true story?
Roll the Drum! is not based on a specific true story, but it's firmly rooted in real Swiss history. The 1970 setting draws on actual political events — the women's suffrage vote and the Schwarzenbach initiative — lending the fictional village comedy a genuine sense of historical authenticity and social texture.
What language is Roll the Drum! in?
The film is primarily in French, reflecting its Swiss Romand setting in the Valais region. German is also spoken, which adds a layer of linguistic authenticity to the story's Swiss cultural identity. If you're watching outside Switzerland, you'll likely need subtitles.
What movies are similar to Roll the Drum!?
If you enjoyed Roll the Drum!, you might also like Riviera Revenge (2024), My Dog Stupid (2019), Uranus (1990), Take It Easy (1974), and The Mischief Makers (1957). These films share a similar blend of community-driven comedy, sharp social observation, and warmly drawn ensemble characters.
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