Village by the River (Dutch: Dorp aan de rivier) is a 1958 Dutch film directed by Fons Rademakers. The film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 32nd Academy Awards.
Contents
Plot
In the early 20th century, in the Dutch province of Brabant, Dr. Tjerk van Taeke, the village doctor, has his own unique approach to medicine. Despite opposition, his methods bring significant success. However, his unconventional behavior, including befriending a local poacher, leads to conflict with village authorities, especially the mayor who wants him gone.
When one of his patients, the miller's assistant, commits suicide after seeing him, the villagers, urged by their leaders, turn against him. Despite a drunken "vigil" by some, the situation turns into a farce. Then, when Dr. van Taeke's wife unexpectedly dies, he sees no reason to stay in the village.
Cast
Max Croiset as Dr. Van Taeke
Mary Dresselhuys as Mrs. Van Taeke
Bernhard Droog as Cis den Dove
Jan Retèl as Thijs van Erpen
Jan Teulings as Burgemeester
Jan Lemaire Sr. as Willem
Hans Kaart as Sjef
Herman Bouber as Nardje
Tamara Garcia as Zigeunerin
Huib Orizand as Pie
Louis van Gasteren Sr. as Oom Jan
Lou Geels as Veldwachter
Frans 't Hoen as Dirk Jan
Awards
Nominated
Academy Award: Best Foreign Language Film
Berlin Film Festival: Golden Bear