Jan Kiepura's return to Warsaw, Poland in 1958

Jan Kiepura made a historic and triumphant return to Warsaw, Poland in 1958. As plane touches down he bursts into song with his famous hit "Ninon" sung in Polish. Thousands greet him with joy, love and tears. He drives along the famous avenue the "Krakowskie Przedmiescie", passing by such famous landmarks as the Bristol Hotel and Presidential Palace.

The scene is accompanied by Jan Kiepura singing his famous hit "Ninon" which includes the line "smile just once more for me, because you are my most beautiful dream" certainly it was a dream to the multitudes who witnessed Jan Kiepura's return.

More Background and History of the Song, composers and lyricists: "Ninon" a song composed by Bronislau Kaper and Walter Jurmann, lyrics by Frizt Rotter and Ernst Marischka was written for the 1933 Film "Ein Lied für Dich".
Marcelle Halliss was the translator for the Polish lyrics

The composers and lyricists

• Walter Jurmann - born Austria 1903-1971 exiled to USA where he worked for MGM
• Bronislau Kaper - born Poland 1902-1983 exiled to USA where he worked for MGM.
• Ernst Marischka - born Austria 1893-1968 died in Switzerland
• Fritz Rotter - born Austria 1900-1984, famous for early cabaret songs, exiled to USA where he continued to write, died in Switzerland
• Marcelle Halliss - born Poland 1895- 1992 -emigrated to USA died Rye NY

Researched and compiled by Jane Knox-Kiepura 2026