Kanal
7.9
“The Claustrophobic Nightmare of War”
In the last few days of the Warsaw Uprising during World War II, a modest group of Resistance members remains. The band must take refuge in the sewers under the orders of leader Zadra, but it's only a matter of time before they will have to emerge. However, when they try, they are met only with intense hostility from the Nazis. Despite their attempts stay resolute through immense mental strain, it becomes increasingly apparent that they may be doomed.
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Cast
29 people
Teresa Iżewska
"Daisy"
Also in
The Depot of the Dead
Nafta
Tadeusz Janczar
Ensign "Korab"
Known for
A Generation
Wieńczysław Gliński
Lieutenant "Zadra"
Also in
Królowa Bona
Eagle
Tadeusz Gwiazdowski
Sergeant "Kula"
Known for
Night Train
Stanisław Mikulski
"Smukły"
Known for
Teddy Bear
Emil Karewicz
Lieutenant "Mądry"
Known for
Knights of the Teutonic Order
How I Unleashed World War II, Part I: The Escape
Vladek Sheybal
Michał
Known for
Shōgun
Smiley's People
Teresa Berezowska
Halinka
No other roles listed
Zofia Lindorf
Woman searching for a Daughter
Also in
Leper
Three Hearts
Janina Jabłonowska
Woman shouting at Resistance Members
Also in
The Real End of the Great War
Poradnik matrymonialny
Maria Kretz
Amputee
No other roles listed
Jan Englert
"Zefir"
Known for
Katyn
Gods
Andrzej Wajda Director · Jerzy Stefan Stawiński Screenplay Jan Krenz Composer
United States release May 9, 1961 · Produced in Poland · Languages German, Polish
Production
Zespół Filmowy Kadr
Production
Zespól Filmowy "Kadr"
Production
Poland
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Kanał
Original language
Polish
Spoken on screen
German · Polish
Release dates
Poland · April 20, 1957
Theatrical
United States · May 9, 1961
Theatrical · (New York City, New York)
Argentina
November 7, 2008 · Premiere · Mar del Plata Film Festival
China
June 12, 2026 · Premiere · Shanghai International Film Festival
Denmark
March 1, 1958 · Theatrical
March 21, 1960 · Theatrical · (re-release)
Finland
March 14, 1958 · Theatrical
August 18, 1978 · Theatrical · (re-release)
France
May 7, 1957 · Premiere · Cannes Film Festival
March 12, 1958 · Theatrical
Germany
July 25, 1958 · Theatrical · West Germany
Greece
October 24, 2010 · Premiere · (Panorama of European Cinema)
Italy
April 16, 1958 · Theatrical
November 15, 2022 · TV · Byoblu
Japan
December 5, 2012 · Theatrical · (Poland Film Festival)
November 14, 2015 · Theatrical · (Poland Film Festival)
Netherlands
March 20, 1959 · Theatrical
Poland
July 20, 2007 · Premiere · (ERA New Horizons Film Festival)
Portugal
June 27, 1974 · Theatrical
Russia
January 8, 1959 · Theatrical
Spain
September 9, 1968 · Theatrical · (Barcelona)
October 15, 1968 · Theatrical · (Madrid)
Sweden
March 24, 1958 · Theatrical
Taiwan
December 7, 2012 · Theatrical · (Andrzej Wajda Retrospective)
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Some details come from TheTVDB.