The Village on the River

Dorp aan de Rivier
Dorp aan de Rivier
Directed by	Fons Rademakers
Written by	Hugo Claus (writer & dialogue), Antoon Coolen (novel)
Release date	19 August 1958;
Running time	92 minutes
Country	Netherlands
Language	Dutch

Village by the River (Dutch: Dorp aan de rivier) is a 1958 Dutch film directed by Fons Rademakers. The film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 32nd Academy Awards.^[1]

Plot

In the early 20th century, in the Dutch province of Brabant, Dr. Tjerk van Taeke, the village doctor, has his own unique approach to medicine. Despite opposition, his methods bring significant success. However, his unconventional behavior, including befriending a local poacher, leads to conflict with village authorities, especially the mayor who wants him gone.

When one of his patients, the miller's assistant, commits suicide after seeing him, the villagers, urged by their leaders, turn against him. Despite a drunken "vigil" by some, the situation turns into a farce. Then, when Dr. van Taeke's wife unexpectedly dies, he sees no reason to stay in the village.