After you’ve opened your holiday gifts and discovered another beautiful tie or a vacuum cleaner from loved ones, why not relax and enjoy some polka music? You could play a few Vitak-Elsnic tunes on your accordion, listen to your CDs or internet radio, sure. Ditto with reruns of Mollie, Jimmy Sturr and Big Joe on cable TV. To us, however, this absolutely seems like the best time to go to the movies – polka movies, that is. And if not for you, why not buy that perfect gift for the polka lover you know that thinks (s)he already has everything. Bet they won’t have any of these!
The movies below are available from a variety of sources, so you’ll probably need some assistance from Mr. Google. Be sure to shop early to get the ones you want to you in time for the holidays.
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Schmenges: The Last Polka (1984) This mockumentary made-for-TV movie features John Candy and Eugene Levy as the Schmenge Brothers, the world’s greatest polka duo ever on their last tour. Lots of polka music!
Backyardigans: Polka Palace Party (2004) This animated program is a great way to introduce your young children and grandchildren to polka music. Be sure to check out the Tuba Polka!
Schultze Gets the Blues (German, with English subtitles, 2005) A retired German salt mine worker discovers zydeco and brings his accordion to America! This one is actually our favorite of the bunch.
It’s Happiness: A Polka Documentary (2006) “Polka people” refuse to surrender to the inevitable constraints of aging. And some younger people discover the beauty of the music. See how the “polka people” use the music to live rather than just be alive.
The Man Who Would Be Polka King (2010) An irreverent look at the rise and fall of Grammy-nominated polka music superstar Jan Lewan, whose defection from Poland to Pennsylvania led to fame, fortune and an international Polka Empire. But when Lewan’s empire collapsed under a cloud of disgrace, the polka world was stunned to learn of the greatest polka-related financial crime in history.
This movie was the predecessor to the 2017 movie The Polka King, also about Jan Lewan. The film stars Jack Black, with MPA/V-E’s friend and accordion virtuoso Alex Meixner playing all the accordion music on the soundtrack. Currently only available on Netflix, starting in January 2018.
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