Pan Samochodzik – Is the Gierek Era Returning?

These must be among the few frames in which vehicles recognised as off-road, associated with ‘military technology’ and the fording of waterways do not herald anxiety and misfortune.

Fifty years ago, in 1971, a television series was made about the adventures of Pan Samochodzik, hero of Zbigniew Nienacki’s series of books for young readers.

The first episode, ‘Pan Samochodzik and the Knights Templar’, was shown by the television of Comrade Edward’s era in 1972, half a century ago. News broke that Netflix was returning to the story.  

One wonders how they intend to do it—in colour? Without Mikulski? 

Perhaps in the dark atmosphere of a Masurian-Scandinavian crime story, like cinematic fairy tales for thirty-year-olds? 

That era was one great work of propaganda smoke and mirrors. It is returning as a remake. And not only as a series. It returns in the guise of plucky scouts who came of age long ago but still salute czuj-czuwaj and do their duty. 

In the photographs: a scout camp in Krzywonoga, Masuria. Summer 1958 (J. Berent-Szczeciński/EAST NEWS), (photo: NATIONAL FILM ARCHIVE).