What's interesting about this film is that it was the first Nazi propaganda films for kids,Hitler youth that is.It also stars Douglas Sirks son Klaus,who stayed in Germany ,possibly cause of his mother.Originally it was the first German feature to be Shot in A.G.F.A Color ,in a live action sequence.Unfortunately When the Russians invaded the archives the color footage was stolen.Carsta Locks Queen of the Nazi Propaganda films,also light entertainment ones too,shows up as the cook in a military elementary School in Prussian ,during the 7 year war,Russian versus Prussia, in DVD menu photo reveals , when Carl Ritter is discussing a scene with her and Mathias Wieman, reveals that she was either a red head or auburn,rather than a blond as she shows herself in most movies,the cossacks led by Col.Gorschew ,portrayed by Andrews Englemen, invade the school and takes the whole first grade ,no I mean Cadets , in Hostage.Sophie,the school cafeteria cook , follows behind them to make sure they don't starve,making sure that the cossacks don't see her.Once the cossacks get to Poland that's when he Turns them over to his Commander,then puts the responsibility of changing the Prussian second and third graders into Russian cadets,by Prussian Traitor ,Captain Von Tzulow,played by Mathias Wieman.The School kids , attempt to escaped ,leading in failure,now the Cossack commander is going to execute all of them.Mathias then decide to get cossacks all drunk ,at the Cossack party,to rescue the school boys from death.Then with the help of Sophie ,Mathias and the rest of the School boys battle the cossacks from the old fort ,in black and white,leading to a victory parade,bright black n white.In the federal republic of Germany,this film could of been remade as a light comedy with Romy Schneider as the school cafeteria cook.Well entertaining ,in spite of lost footage 04/06/15
