director Eugeniusz Cękalski, Karol Szołowski
screenplay (based on the novel of the same name by Maria Ukniewska) Eugeniusz Cękalski, Karol Szołowski, Stanisław Wohl
director of photography Stanisław Wohl, Adolf Forbert
music Andrzej Panufnik
with Hanna Karwowska, Eugeniusz Bodo, Jadwiga Andrzejewska, Józef Węgrzyn, Jan Kreczmar, Jacek Woszczerowicz, Józef Kondrat, Helena Buczyńska
MARIA UKNIEWSKA, THE GHOSTS [STRACHY], 1938
At the post office, she bought some pink writing paper and an envelope with a violet padding speckled with yellow stars and started to write straight away: ‘Dear Sir, Somehow I did not tell you the most important thing. I had loved you very much for a long time. (…) And one more thing that is always on my mind. I lied that I did not have a coat and I shall buy it with the money I got from you. But three hundred is too much so I am sending back a hundred and fifty right away. (…) I do not want you to think that I am materialistic or stupid. I do not want you to look at me with anger, if we meet again. Good bye. Teresa Sikorzanka
STEFANIA ZAHORSKA, THE GHOSTS [STRACHY], ‘WIADOMOŚCI LITERACKIE’, 1938, NO. 47
This film is a great event in Polish cinema. The young avantgarde team of Cękalski, Szołowski and Wohl managed to overcome all obstacles. (…) From the sad but true story of cabaret dancers they have created a picture convincing in its simplicity and moderation. The composition is almost flawless. (…) Bright and dynamic scenes alternate with sombre ones showing the silent tragedy in a well-measured rhythm. (…) The actors, led by a director aware of his goals, have come out surprisingly well. Bodo as Madecki is great, Węgrzyn in the role of Dubienko just excellent, and Woszczerowicz has presented a perfect combination of grotesque and realism.
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