Constable Studer (German: Wachtmeister Studer) is a 1939 Swiss crime film directed by Leopold Lindtberg and starring Heinrich Gretler, Adolf Manz and Anne-Marie Blanc. The film is based on a novel by Friedrich Glauser. Set in 1930s Switzerland, it follows Studer as he investigates a death in woodland. It was followed by Matto regiert (1947), which also starred Gretler as Studer.
Set in 1930s Switzerland, the film follows Constable Studer as he investigates the death of Wendelin Witschi, whose body is found in woodland. As Studer takes over the case, it is unclear whether Witschi died by manslaughter, murder or suicide.
Anne-Marie Blanc, who later became one of SwitzerlandâÂÂs best-known actresses, had her first film role in Wachtmeister Studer. The film also marked the first screen appearance of Lukas Ammann, who later achieved wide popularity in German television through his role as Graf Yoster.
The cast includes:
The film was produced by Praesens Film in Zürich. It was shot in July and August 1939, with interior scenes filmed at the Rosenhof studio in Zürich. The production cost about 106,000 Swiss francs. It was digitised in 2007 by Schweizer Fernsehen and the Cinémathèque suisse, with support from Memoriav.
The film has been described as a carefully staged crime film based on a novel by Friedrich Glauser, whose atmosphere is shaped by humanity and integrity. Later commentary has compared Studer to Georges SimenonâÂÂs Maigret and noted that Heinrich Gretler became strongly associated with the role.