On September 25, 1966, the premiere of the series by Konrad Nałęcki based on the novel by Janusz Przymanowski took place. Although more than half a century has passed since then, the story of the crew of the “Rudy 102” tank and their four-legged companion, , continues to fascinate subsequent generations. Viewers not only eagerly return to iconic episodes, but also visit places where the production took place years ago.
Bydgoszcz played a German town. This is where the iconic scenes from “Four Tank Men” were filmed.
Filming for the series took place in many different places in Poland, including: in Bydgoszcz. It was there that, from the end of August 1968 and throughout September, four episodes were created: “Zamiana”, “Czerwona Seria”, “Wysoka Fala” and “Daleki Patrol”. The highlight was Rybi Rynek, which featured the German town of Ritzen captured by Polish-Soviet infantry. Near this place, Gustlik (Franciszek Pieczka) blew up a lock, flooding the entire area. This scene used the Okole lock on the Bydgoszcz Canal. Nałęckiego was also delighted by Jagiellońska Street and the Post Office located next to it, ul. Malczewskiego at the intersection with Grodzka Street, as well as Święta Trójcy and Młynówka Streets, through which young Czereśniak (Wiesław Gołas) swam.
Not only Bydgoszcz. A resident of a Pomeranian town remembers the filming of the series
The 16th episode also featured a small town located in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Sztutowo. The main role was played by the drawbridge built there in the 1930s, which is located over the Vistula Królewiecka. The structure survived World War II, but due to neglect, it was necessary to renovate it before it could be put back into use by residents.
Conservation work was carried out, and the filmmakers decided that it was an ideal place to create a scene in which Janek (Janusz Gajos) unnoticedly captures a foothold captured by German troops. – The filmmakers’ visit was a great joy for all residents. I remember that the T-34 tank, the series “Rudy”, was standing in a field, not far from where the apartment blocks are now – recalled Mr. Henryk on the website, which was about 5 years old at that time.
Drawbridge in Sztutowo rysnal/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
In 2020, the structure was officially named the “bridge of four armored men”, becoming an incredible attraction for tourists. – You can enter and see, for example, how Gustlik from the series turns the devices and lifts the bridge. Years ago, residents hung commemorative photos there. If you’re lucky, when the bridge is raised and the operator goes down the ladder, you can go down with him and see these photos – said Marcin Owsiński, historian and chairman of the Sztutowo Commune Council, in an interview with the portal. In the same episode, the area around the nearby Stutthof Museum also appeared, where the scene of the liberation of the German concentration camp that actually operated there throughout World War II was created.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
