The Last Day (1951)
Yugoslavia's pioneering spy thriller pits former Gestapo operatives against the relentless postwar secret police in a tense Cold War-era drama.
The Last Day - Movie Information
- Original Title: Poslednji dan
- Release Year: 1951
- Directed by: Vladimir Pogačić
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: SH
- Spoken Languages: Serbo-Croatian
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 4, 1951 (RS)
- Production Companies: Avala Film
- Production Countries: Yugoslavia
The Last Day - Plot
A group of former members of the Gestapo participates in espionage activities, helped by a group of locals, dissatisfied with the new authorities. However, members of the Yugoslav secret police, the infamous UDBA, are on their track. This is the first Yugoslavian spy film.
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The Last Day - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Vladimir Pogačić
Main Cast
- Marija Crnobori
- Zoran Ristanović
- Sonja Hlebš
- Karlo Bulić
- Mirko Milisavljević
- Ljubiša Jovanović
- Jovan Milićević
- Tito Strozzi
- Severin Bijelić
- Đorđe Jelisić
Writers
- Oskar Davičo
The Last Day - FAQs
Is The Last Day the first Yugoslav spy film?
Yes, The Last Day (1951) holds the distinction of being the first spy film ever produced in Yugoslavia. Directed by Vladimir Pogačić and produced by Avala Film, it set the template for the espionage thriller genre in Yugoslav cinema, blending Cold War anxieties with postwar political tension.
What is The Last Day about?
The Last Day follows former Gestapo operatives who team up with local dissidents unhappy with Yugoslavia's new communist authorities to carry out espionage activities. Hot on their trail is the UDBA, Yugoslavia's feared secret police. It's a tense postwar thriller rooted in the political realities of early 1950s Yugoslavia.
Who directed The Last Day (1951)?
The Last Day was directed by Vladimir Pogačić, one of the pioneering figures of Yugoslav cinema. Pogačić was instrumental in shaping the early identity of Yugoslav film, and this espionage drama stands as one of his most historically significant works from the postwar era.
Who are the main actors in The Last Day?
The film features a strong ensemble cast including Marija Crnobori, Zoran Ristanović, Sonja Hlebš, Karlo Bulić, Mirko Milisavljević, Ljubiša Jovanović, Jovan Milićević, Tito Strozzi, Severin Bijelić, and Đorđe Jelisić — all prominent names in Yugoslav theater and film of the era.
What is the UDBA's role in The Last Day?
The UDBA — Yugoslavia's notorious secret police — serves as the primary force hunting down the Gestapo-linked spy network in the film. Their pursuit drives the story's tension. The UDBA was a real and feared institution in postwar Yugoslavia, lending the film a chilling authenticity that resonated deeply with contemporary audiences.
When was The Last Day released?
The Last Day premiered on September 4, 1951, in Yugoslavia. It was produced by Avala Film, the state-run studio that became the cornerstone of Yugoslav cinema throughout the postwar decades, and it arrived at a time when the country was navigating a complex political landscape following its break with the Soviet Union.
What are films similar to The Last Day?
If The Last Day appeals to you, you might enjoy Operation Mincemeat (2022), The Courier (2020), Operation Cicero (2019), The Spy (2019), and The Secrets We Keep (2020). For classic wartime drama, Forbidden Games (1952) and Nowhere in Africa (2001) offer similarly rich historical atmosphere and moral complexity.
Where can you watch The Last Day online?
You can check current streaming availability and viewing options for The Last Day on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is accessible across different platforms and regions. Availability may vary depending on your location, so JustWatch is the best place to find up-to-date options.
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