Carol Van Herwijnen Movies
- 1985
Set in 1941 in Amsterdam, this is a story of humanity -- specifically, Otto (Gerard Thoolen) the Jewish owner of an ice-cream shop, his best friend Gustav (Bruno Ganz), and his friend Trudi (Renee Soutendijk) -- facing the dangers of an escalating war and the specter of fascism. The outgoing, fun-loving Otto came to Amsterdam from Berlin, and while his shop is a focus for anti-Nazi activists, Otto also cares about making good ice cream and supplying his customers with the best pastries he can manage. When his friend Gustav is on leave from the army for awhile, he spends some time with Otto and falls in love with Otto's friend Trudi. As conditions and the environment around them fluctuate and change, the three friends react differently. But it is certain that Otto's gatherings of anti-Nazi activists are not going to be unnoticed for long -- and whether he is fully aware of it or not, the prognosis is not good.
~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gerard Thoolen, Bruno Ganz, (more)
- 1983
This Dutch melodrama is grounded in the activities of the post-WW II black market. Specifically, the protagonists are involved in a risky butter-smuggling operation along the Belgian border. Hugo Metsers plays a young man who is conscience-stricken by the fact that his former Resistance buddies are now mixed up in criminal activities. Ultimately, Metsers has an irreparable falling out with his best friend, a personal tragedy that leads to wider-ranging ramifications. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hugo Metsers, Rijk de Gooyer, (more)
In this fourth Cheech and Chong adventure, the duo's view of humor, drugs, and sex are let loose in Amsterdam. Still Smokin' finds the two comedians arriving in the Netherlandish capital to go the city's first film festival, where they are mistaken for Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds -- a sure sign that the festival and this film are doomed. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, (more)
- 1983
Loosely based on some political events in the 1960s, this film about the rise and fall of a Dutch public relations man is well-acted, but may be abstruse to outsiders not familiar with the allusions to real people and places (real names are not used). The story centers on Ben Mertens (Gerard Thoolen) who goes to a doctor for help with his alcohol problem. The physician prescribes very controlled doses of morphine to get him through the rough patches - which is fine until an unscrupulous doctor bribes Mertens with unlimited doses of morphine so Mertens can get him a top position in a government organization. Mertens complies, but while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, he talks too much to the press about who and what he knows. That mistake turns out to be unaccountably fatal, and Mertens' unexplained demise in a hospital remains a mystery. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gerard Thoolen, Carol Van Herwijnen, (more)
- 1975
Gambling is not a legal activity in the Netherlands, but gambling houses exist and are tolerated by the police. Rufus makes a good living by gambling, and he has come to the attention of a gambling-house boss who seeks to have him killed. In the meantime, Rufus has set up a sting of the boss with the help of an old girlfriend. Together, they hope to make a big score. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
