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Neighbors (Sąsiedzi)
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Neighbors (Sąsiedzi) is a 1969 Polish war drama set during the first days of World War II, depicting the fighting in Bydgoszcz between Nazi soldiers and German civilians against the Polish Army and civilians. Right in the middle of the battle, a young Pole named Piotr Horodecki (Jerzy Matałowski) and German girl Anna Maria Boehme (Evelyn Opoczyński) fall in love with each other.
The film is based on real events in Bydgoszcz (or Bromberg in German) during September of 1939. The Wehrmacht forces advanced into Poland, while the Polish Army was retreating trough Bydgoszcz. This Polish city was under German rule until the aftermath of World War I and it was an important target for Nazi forces. The population was mainly Polish by 1939 but there was also many Germans in the city for decades. When the time came, Nazi fanatics from the city started to attack their neighbors and Polish Army from their houses. Polish citizens and the Army reacted and start fighting with them, successfully eliminating enemy combatants. When Wehrmacht came to Bydgoszcz, they use it in propaganda, saying that Poles attacked their own neighbors for "nothing" and it was driven by "pure hate". Goebbels called this event "Bloody Sunday". After that, SS and Wehrmacht soldiers executed a few thousand Poles in mass murder revenge operation. To this day, there is misinformation in books and history programs, thanks to the Nazi propaganda machine.
The following weapons were used in the film Neighbors (Sąsiedzi):
Handguns
Luger P.08
During the opening scene, one of the Germans uses a Luger P08 to kill a policeman, who saw them smuggling guns on a motorboat.
Wz. 30 Nagant
Before taking an MG15, Rubach uses a Wz. 30 Nagant. It is also could be a standard Soviet Nagant standing for Wz.30.
Submachine Guns
Steyr MP 34
German combatants carry MP 34s during the fight inside the church and during the shooting from the post office against the Polish Army. Later, Polish soldiers get one too.
MP 40
German combatants also use MP40s. Later, Poles get a few. It is slightly anachronistic since it was introduced in 1940, although it might be standing for the earlier MP 38.
Rifles
Wz. 29 Mauser
Polish Army soldiers are equipped with Wz. 29 Mausers.
Karabinek wz. 1898
German and Polish soldiers also carry KbK wz. 1898 carbines, Polish version of German Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbines. While defending the railway station from sabotage, Marczewski (Józef Nowak) takes one while shooting from the bridge.
Karabiner 98k
The Kar98k is seen in the hands of both Germans and Poles.
Lebel Mle. 1886
A scout instructor shows his students a Lebel 1886 as well as its ammo.
Machine Guns
MG 34
The MG34 is used by the Germans to start what would become the tragic massacre in Bydgoszcz. First, they mount it on the tower of St.Peter and St. Paul church and fire to Polish soldiers marching on Gdańska Street. Then they use it during Partisan attacks and chases through the city streets.
MG 15
The MG 15 is the machine gun issued to Polish forces alongside the Wz.28. First it is used by Rubach who lead the Civil Guard, then it's given to the scout Truchaczek (Marian Opania) who goes on a rampage, chasing German aggressors through the streets and buildings in Bydgoszcz.
ZB-26
Germans use ZB-26s during the fighting.
Wz. 28 Browning
Poles use Wz. 28 Brownings during fighting on Gdańska street. After taking position inside a department store, the fire from the machine gun eliminates most of the enemy soldiers and allows the Polish forces to retake the church.
