Marriage of Convenience

Inspired by The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Stanisław Bareja’s early film is a delightful fusion of romance, musical, and comedy. Set against the backdrop of post-war Warsaw, the film captures the city’s atmosphere, from its reconstructed Old Town to the everyday struggles of the era. At its heart is a timeless love story: a poor young man falls for a wealthy girl, and, against the odds, their feelings are mutual. What brings this familiar tale to life is not just the sharp and humorous script but the dazzling performances and unforgettable musical numbers. A constellation of Polish cinema’s biggest stars graces the screen: Daniel Olbrychski and Elżbieta Czyżewska as the enamored couple, Hanka Bielicka as the girl’s mother, and Bohdan Łazuka as the boy’s loyal friend—alongside the comedic brilliance of Wojciech Pokora, Bogumił Kobiela, and Bolesław Płotnicki. Marriage of Convenience was created as an antidote to the solemnity of the Polish Film School and the bleakness of Poland’s Gomułka-era 1960s. Its creators wanted to provide viewers with joy and respite from serious topics. A perfect choice for romantics and lovers of old-school charm.

Katarzyna Kebernik

Stanisław Bareja (1929–1987) was one of Poland’s most iconic directors, a master of social comedy and sharp satire, who captured the absurdities of everyday life under communism like no one else. Films such as Teddy Bear (1981), What Will You Do When You Catch Me? (1978), and the cult series Alternatywy 4 (1983) became defining portraits of the era, showing the humor, resilience, and ingenuity of ordinary people. Bareja developed a unique style of cinematic grotesque that remains both hilarious and sharply observant. His legacy goes beyond comedy – it’s a vital record of the times and a lasting inspiration for future filmmakers.

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