De Witte van Sichem

106 minutes

12/17/1980

Overview

The second movie version, now in color, of Flemish (heimat-)author Ernest Claes' classical novel, titled after the nickname (Dutch 'the White', referring to a blond male) of the main character. The smart but naughty farmhands son's eternal mischief, pranks and disobedience drive his elders (especially teachers, family and father's grumpy employer, a rich farmer, but also neighbors and even the kind curate whose liturgical server he is) and classmates to despair in a time when a boy's punishment was still inevitable, swift and often severe; thus when his mother catches him skinny dipping she takes all his clothes home, forcing him to a long walk of shame, dreading dad's wrath all the way. This version also stresses the story's social and Flamingant aspects.

Cast List

Clerckx Eric
as Louis Verheyden/De Witte
Willy Vandermeulen
as Vader van de Witte
Blanka Heirman
as Moeder van de Witte
Paul S'Jongers
as Boer Coene
Jos Verbist
as Heinke Verheyden
Magda De Winter
as Liza Coene
Paul-Emile Van Royen
as Leraar/Fabriekschef
Martha Dewachter
as Rozalien
Jaak Van Assche
as Man in café
Chris Lomme
as Rosette
Gaston Berghmans
as Nand
Michaël Pas
as Schooljongen
Leo Martin
as Muzikant
Raymond van het Groenewoud
as Kaartjesverkoper
Anton Cogen
as Wooden shoe maker
Luk De Konink
as De Ruige
Fred Van Kuyk
as Trommelaar
Marleen Merckx
as Vriendin van Liza
Mieke Verheyden
as Struikelende non
Ralf Troch
as Nils Verheyden
Luc Philips
as Pastoor Munte
Bert Struys
as Wannes Raps
Bob Van der Veken
as Mon
Yves Vetters
as Dries
Joris Sustronck
as Priester
Chris Cauwenberghs
as Koster
Yvonne Verbeeck
as Werkster
Sam Bogaerts
as Molenaarshulp
Werther Vander Sarren
as Jan Petrol
Reinhilde Decleir
as Zigeuner
Wannes van de Velde
as Zanger