Back to Life Again 1964

Synopsis

Poland in the Stalin period. The dramatic story of three people: an honest and idealistic communist, a Polish RAF pilot, and a ZMW (the Rural Youth Association) activist. Secretary of the Workers\' Party, Jakuszyn, intervenes on behalf of Peter, a former officer of the British air force, unfairly accused of collaboration with bandits. Peter is sentenced for ten years in prison, and Jakuszyn, for the alleged \'lack of vigilance\', loses his post and cannot even get to college. Anna, a young ZWM activist, also tries to save Peter. All in vain. Bitter and lonely, she marries a journalist Rydz, an opportunist and careerist. Stalin\'s death and the \'thaw\' change the situation radically. Jakuszyn gets promoted to a Secretary of the Provincial Committee while Peter – released and vindicated – not only manages to resurrect his military career, but also gets Anna back.

One of the most interesting films of the Gomulka\'s period, settling accounts with the past. After its theatrical release the film was put aside on a shelf and remained there for over twenty years.