Richard J. Brzostek - 08/30/2010 
Czterej Pancerni i Pies (Four Tank Men and a Dog) is a classic Polish TV series spanning three seasons, 21 episodes, and over 1100 minutes. It is a serial drama that has plenty of action set toward the end of World War II. It follows the adventures of four tank men and a dog in the Red Army as they repulse the Germans from Poland and follows them all the way to Berlin and the close of the war. They are in a Polish division that was formed of those who wanted to help expel the fascists. Made when the Soviet Union controlled Poland, it shows us solidarity and friendship between Poland and Russia. One of the tank men is Georgian, so all the more showing unity among the Soviet block countries against the Germans.
Each episode has some type of action. There are tank battles and skirmishes of all types. My favorite episode was when they go into an underground German base. The action is balanced with drama and romance. Janek Kos (Janusz Gajos), one of the tank men, has all the luck with the ladies. A pretty Pole in uniform named Lidka (Malgorzata Niemirska) and a gorgeous Russian named Marusia (Pola Raksa), both fall for Janek. Between the action and the romance, there is something for everyone.
Furthermore, Janek is also the owner of Szarik, the German Shepard that accompaies the tank men on their adventures. Franciszek Pieczka, one of my favorite Polish actors, plays Gustaw. Gustaw is one of the tank men and is known for his physical strength. All of the Polish and Russian charters are very likeable, while their enemy is quite the opposite. Most of the Germans are portrayed as an angry and evil enemy.
Despite the pro-Russian side to Czterej Pancerni i Pies, it has always remained popular. Their tank, which has 102 painted on its side and nicknamed Rudy, is part of pop culture. Even the music that is played during the credits at the beginning of each episode is great and unforgettable. If one is into Polish cinema, it is vital to watch Czterej Pancerni i Pies as it is an icon of Polish television and great entertainment. |
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