09 20 Oct '24
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Les Blank

In Heaven There Is No Beer?

Edition 1984
51' - 1984 - Documentary - Dialogue: Polish, English
Director: Les Blank With: Dick Pillar, Walter Szczypula, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra

This film was screened in a double bill with SPROUT WINGS AND FLY.

The polka culture in the United States is presented. Largely associated as being Polish in nature, the strong polka culture today is primarily an American phenomenon, it having largely died off in Central Europe except in rural areas. Polka festivals have sprung up across the country, getting longer and longer each successive year based on demand. Beyond its Central European origins, the polka in the United States has morphed, adding other elements, such as other dances including the swing, and religion. Devotees explain the reason they love the culture so much, some likening it to a less dangerous form of a drug. And with a large proportion of those participating in polka and polka events being of the younger generations, the polka "fad" does not seem like it will soon die.

Image gallery

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Credits

Director

Les Blank

With

Dick Pillar, Walter Szczypula, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra

Director of Photography

Les Blank

Editor

Maureen Gosling

Producer

Les Blank

More information

Dialogue

Polish, English

Countries of production

United States of America

Year

1984

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