by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The title of this German service comedy translates to The Major and the Steers. Adapted from a novel by Hans Venatier, the film stars Fritz Tillman as Major Sunlet, an officer of the U.S. occupation forces in postwar Bavaria. Once he comes to realize that the locals are "regular folks" and not unregenerate Nazis, Major Sunlet becomes a genuine friend to one and all. Before this happens, however, the Major is inveigled into helping peasant Koltener (Attila Hoerbiger) transport 12 steers to market while avoiding bureaucratic red tape. The film's depiction of all Americans as likeable buffoons should prove interesting (if not always amusing) to U.S. audiences.
