The Polka King

About The Polka King

The Polka King is a dark comedy film released in 2018, based on the documentary film The Man Who Would be Polka King. It tells the almost unbelievable true story of Jan Lewan, a polka band leader from Pennsylvania who became entangled in a Ponzi scheme that landed him in prison.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Quotes
• Music
• Awards

About

The film follows Jan Lewan, played by Jack Black, as he builds a polka empire in Pennsylvania by attracting senior citizens to invest in his polka-themed financial schemes. As the scheme grows, Jan finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of deception, legal troubles, and ultimately, prison time. The Polka King offers a darkly humorous take on a true story that is as absurd as it is tragic.

Making / Production

The Polka King was directed by Maya Forbes and written by Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky. The film was produced by Netflix and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017 before being released on the streaming platform in 2018.

Actors

• Jack Black as Jan Lewan - Black portrays the charismatic and ambitious polka band leader who gets caught up in a Ponzi scheme.
• Jenny Slate as Marla - Marla is Jan's devoted wife who stands by him as his schemes unravel.
• Jason Schwartzman as Mickey Pizzazz - Schwartzman plays Jan's friend and bandmate who gets swept up in Jan's questionable ventures.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The real Jan Lewan served five years in federal prison for his role in the Ponzi scheme.
• The Polka King is based on the 2009 documentary film The Man Who Would be Polka King directed by Joshua Brown and John Mikulak.

Awards

The Polka King did not receive any major awards but was well-received by critics for its dark humor and Jack Black's performance.

Quotes

• "Polka will never die!"
• "I've got two things nobody else has: my music and Marla."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film features a lively and energetic polka soundtrack that complements the comedic yet dark tone of the story.
• Jan Lewan's original polka music is a central part of the film's soundtrack, adding authenticity to the story.