BERLIN-ALEXANDERPLATZ THE STORY OF FRANZ BIBERKOPF
TEGEL PENAL INSTITUTION
Good luck, Biberkopf.
Your streetcar's over there.
Go on now.
What's wrong with you?
I don't know.
I can't get my bearings.
You need a stiff drink.
Come on.
Let's go get a drink.
BALLROOM
These things still go on!
Anyway...
Where'd that guy go with my suitcase? - You got conned.
So they stole that too.
Now I have nothing left.
Oh well.
At least you can't lose anything that way.
Well, well. Biberkopf!
You've been gone a long time.
A beer and two patties.
Coming up.
- Wait. - What?
Let me.
So you help out here?
No male admirers around?
- No, none. - In that case, another beer.
Cheers.
Who's that with Cilly?
A beer driver, maybe. Can't believe she'd go for that type.
His name's Biberkopf. I know him from before.
Just out of prison. Four years.
Oh?
Killed his girlfriend, lda, while on the booze.
Not bad for a beginner.
Eats her fill and then she's off.
- What did he come looking for? - Me!
Do I owe you? I'll pay you back.
So you were in the can?
- Yeah, but that's over. - You're quite a guy.
I'm a street vendor now: matches, newspapers, suspenders.
You can't make money that way.
The main thing is to go straight.
Am I right? - You're right.
What's your name?
Reinhold.
See ya, Reinhold.
You used to be my gal, Cilly.
Not anymore.
Maybe we can be friends again.
Get the fat guy for us.
We can use him.
He's done time in Tegel.
The two new guys are lightweights. We're gonna get that guy.
Looks real solid. - Yeah.
And not too bright.
Is he willing? - Let me worry about that.
Karl, go after him.
Okay.
Hey, watch where you're going!
What's the big deal? I'm looking for someone.
Pardon me, Your Excellency!
Have you seen a guy with a brown fur collar?
Has a guy with a brown fur collar been in here?
I haven't seen him.
You seen a guy with a brown fur collar?
A brown fur collar?
Lots of guys with brown fur collars come in here.
Who sent you here?
If you haven't seen the guy,
then why should you care?
Lots of guys with brown fur collars come in here.
See? He's seen 'em!
We need to know who sent you here.
I don't have to tell you my business.
If you ask him if a guy with a brown fur collar was in here,
then he can ask you who sent you here.
I still don't have to tell you who I am.
No, my friend. If you ask him a question,
then he can ask you one too.
Otherwise just don't ask him.
I still don't have to tell you my business!
Then he doesn't have to say if the guy was here.
It's just logical.
Aren't you the clever one!
Fine! Go on being clever!
Wise guy!
- Hey, wait! - You talkin' to me?
Hold on a minute. What's your big hurry?
- What do you want? - Nuthin'. Just got a question.
Now, then...
where are you going?
To work.
Work's hard to find these days.
I know some work for a guy with your muscles.
I don't use muscle anymore. I use...
my kisser!
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen. Come closer.
Why do rich men on the west side wear ties
but workers don't?
Step right up, folks.
You too, young lady with your husband,
and you minors too.
Why don't workers wear ties?
Because they can't tie 'em!
So he buys a tie holder
but it's poor quality, and he can't tie his tie!
That's cheating the customer! That's a swindle!
That makes people resentful and pushes Germany even deeper into misery
than it already is!
Come closer, folks.
You storm troopers are kindly invited to join the festivities too.
Step in closer so I can save my voice.
I didn't insure it. I couldn't make the first payment.
Buy my handy little ready-made gadget here.
You'll save time and money. Time is money!
You can't just wrap a gas hose around your neck every morning!
You need this fine little device.
And if war reparations have left you with anything,
it's that head on your shoulders that tells you
that you need this!
Come out of the street, young man.
If you get run over, who'll clean up the mess?
Buy my wares, ladies and gentlemen.
The price is right:
one for 20, three for 50.
It won't snap, split or break.
Don't laugh, folks. I just wanted to show you
how sturdy and solid it is.
Just 20 for one, 50 for three.
Here's your chance at a real deal!
One for 20, three for 50.
Cilly!
So nice of you to come by!
I'll get my things and be right back.
I'll wait here.
You know, Franz, you'd make a good family man:
nightgown, felt slippers, the whole thing.
Something wrong with that?
You'll never get anywhere like that!
Wait and see. Lots of guys are worse off.
They end up on the dole or get locked up out at Tegel.
What's gotten into you?
You're cozy here. You can do anything you want.
Listen.
I have something for you.
What is it?
Nice.
Where'd you get these things? - How do I look?
First I gotta know where you got 'em.
I see. You'd rather look like a tramp than accept something from me.
Take 'em back where you got 'em. Got that?
Then maybe I should just leave too.
Maybe you should.
Where'd you get these things, Cilly?
A girl gave them to me. I won't -
I'm telling you: Watch your step.
Don't be angry, Franzie.
None of us are angels, are we?
Enough! Let's get down to the bar!
- You really mean it? - Why not?
Stop pestering it all the time!
And you get out of here with that cigar!
The air's bad enough.
You're nuts!
They've never been in a cage. They don't understand.
So what's the story?
He wouldn't take the clothes.
Well, I want Biberkopf, and that's that.
Well, I won't help.
I want him, and that's that.
Why do you want him? We have the two new guys.
Those cream puffs are useless!
Forget about 'em.
Enough of your "peep peep".
Mr. Biberkopf, my tie's come undone.
You got that patented tie holder?
Come to the Alexanderplatz. They don't allow business in here.
Franz, let's go somewhere else.
Take it easy.
Buy the real thing here!
Why do rich men on the west side wear ties but workers don't?
One for 20, three for 50!
Step right up!
Shall I loosen my tie and sing a little song, boys?
Peep, peep, peep
The dickey bird sings
Do you know where the dickey bird sings
In its cage
Where
On the wall Don't ask such stupid questions
Perhaps the honorable Mr. Biberkopf will sing something too.
You bet I will!
What should I sing? Wait a minute.
What can the band play?
Wait a minute.
Do you know "l Once Knew a Comrade"?
I once knew a comrade
You couldn't find a better man
But now it's all over and I've paid my dues
And now I'm starting all over again
There'll be sweat and hard work
The new Biberkopf holds his own
The old Biberkopf no longer exists
The old Biberkopf is dead, dead, dead
What do you take us for?
Find some other bar...
Mr. Biberkopf.
What's the problem?
The gentleman needs a new bar. We're not classy enough.
- Get off the table. - Says who?
Says me!
I'll pay for the glasses.
Fine, but stop driving my customers away.
Come on, Cilly.
I know the score here.
Rotten dump! - Let's go this way.
- No, this way. - Come on - this way!
Why? We'll go this way.
Let's go.
I'm going this way.
Get against the wall, Franz!
Who'll pay for our window? Go see what's happening.
Go yourself.
And he calls himself a man!
Fido, come here!
You guys are crazy!
What do you think you're doing?
- The swine! - Are you all right?
You picked the wrong guy!
Here's your hat. Did they hurt you?
They picked the wrong guy.
What's going on, Officer?
What's happening?
So you don't know either?
He's playing dumb.
What do you want? Franz is -
He's in there dancing with some fat cow.
Violets.
Here, Cilly.
I shouldn't really accept these.
How much longer will it be? You two gonna become trash pickers?
Break every bone in his body - he won't change.
But you're a clever girl.
Listen, I'll get you ten other guys.
I need him, and he'll do as I say!
Forget about Franz!
You love him, huh? Won't help me out?
- No. - Say that again!
Let me go! You don't like me anymore anyway.
Excuse me, sweetheart.
So here you two are!
You're my friend. You saved my life.
You get to wear my crown.
You are my friend
I'll be forever loyal
And you are my destiny
Franzie...
dear Franzie.
What is it, snookums?
I can't make heads or tails of this stuff.
Franz, how about we get away from this place?
Why?
I've got money I can lend you.
Why? Things are fine here.
You sent all the guys off. Now we're short tonight.
We've got a first-class replacement.
Who?
I see. Mr. Peep Peep.
A most respectable man...
who'll soon be chirping a different tune.
Let's move out to the suburbs.
Come in.
Miss Cilly, there's a man here to see you.
I just look at tax forms and I'm lost.
Reinhold says to tell you we need -
You know. He wants Franz to stop by.
Well?
Reinhold sent word to go see him.
Sure, let's go. I can't figure this out anyway.
Reinhold's a fine young man.
We can all be wrong about people sometimes, you know?
Let's go. - You go. I'll be right there.
All right. See you later.
- Where are we going? - Pankow.
But first we're picking up two guys.
I can't be gone long. Cilly's waiting.
We'll go get her later.
Good Lord! She'll be furious!
Henschke?
Henschke.
Isn't Reinhold here?
They all drove off together.
- What about Biberkopf? - Him too.
What's wrong?
Why so upset, Miss Cilly?
They just want to have a little fun.
Nothing wrong with that.
- What's wrong? - What if Franz messes things up?
We've just gotta help him.
God, I'm thirsty!
The boys are waiting.
So let 'em wait.
Get rid of the cigar.
- Why? - Because I said so.
That was a new cigar.
You stay here.
If anything happens, whistle.
- Whistle? - Don't you understand?
- What's wrong? - Let me outta here!
Hey!
Shut up!
Let me out!
I gotta get outta here!
I want out!
I gotta get out!
Out of the way!
Come on, let's go!
That's not one of ours!
- It's a different car! - Someone squealed on us!
Looks like the police!
Police?
Push him out!
- He won't squeal on us again! - He'll slow down the cops.
I told you he'd be trouble.
What was that, Karl?
It's an awful road. You can't see a thing.
- Who's there? - Open up!
You guys were gone a long time.
Where's Franz?
What's she doing here?
She wanted to call the police for her Franz.
You almost sunk us all, you and your Biberkopf.
- Where's Franz? - The cops got him.
That's a lie!
Shut her up!
It's not true!
Henschke, we'll be gone a few days. I'll tell you the address.
Quiet! You're coming with us.
Good luck, Biberkopf.
Buy my little gadget!
Peep, peep, peep The dickey bird sings
Let me outta here!
- Push him out! - He squealed on us!
Well now, Mr. Biberkopf!
Welcome back.
You were gone a long time - three weeks.
You boiling some punch there?
Have a look.
I'm not buying that.
It's gauze for bandages.
I don't know you. What's your name?
Me? Paula.
I don't know no Paula.
What's this?
What's this thing here?
You're ill, Mr. Biberkopf.
Your head and arm were injured.
I want outta here.
I have my work!
I have things to do!
Soon.
What's going on here?
What's wrong with me?
I have to get your particulars. You don't mind, do you?
Let's see. You were run over on May 12
on the Eberswalderstrasse.
Name: Franz Biberkopf.
Auto accident.
Did you step in front of the car,
or what?
No, no.
Watch closely. I'll demonstrate once more.
Here's the perfect rubber band for a gentleman.
It won't snap, split or break.
Made from the very best materials.
The whole family could hang from this rubber band.
Pull that end, young man.
Harder! It won't bounce back like a bad check!
So you're not married.
No children either? Sorry - dumb question.
Don't say that.
So... you're a street vendor.
What sort of things do you sell?
Very kind of you to sit and talk with me, Doctor.
I wanted to ask -
The others are asking when the cast is coming off my arm.
It'll get stiff being bandaged too long, won't it?
That's a powerful hand. Squeeze.
Oh yes, very strong!
You're a real man, Biberkopf. - That's right.
Rotten luck, getting hit by that car.
Your skull was fractured.
We weren't able to save your arm.
You mean my arm is gone?
Well...
thanks so much for telling me.
Well, anyway...
You have a tough job too,
telling people these things.
All in a day's work.
Now let's see you get back on your feet quickly.
- Tomorrow. - No, a few more days.
I can get up tomorrow.
I can only lie in bed for so long.
I have to get back to work.
Love comes, love goes
No government can forbid it
A blonde today A brunette tomorrow
Who wants to commit his heart
Take your luck as it comes
It's no shame to enjoy life
Love comes, love goes
NO BEGGING OR MUSIC PLAYING ALLOWED
It wafts in on the breeze and then it's gone
No one makes a big fuss over love these days
You get along or you slug it out
A day is like a year...
Miss, take some change out of my pocket.
I can't reach my piggy bank.
Love comes, love goes
No government can forbid it
Put the rest back now.
A brunette tomorrow
Who wants to commit his heart
See, I didn't steal any.
Then reach in again.
Your fianc� isn't as old as he looks either.
What's going on here?
Good thing that sign says you're blind or no one would know.
Mind your own business. I'm just doing my job.
Better guide your music director back to his chair.
Meet me at 5:00 at the fountain in Friedrichshain Park.
Love comes, love goes
No government can do anything about it
So here we are.
Yes, here we are.
So you think we should be organ grinders?
Were you in the war?
And how!
- What's your name? - Me?
Biberkopf, Franz.
- My name's Sonia. - Are you from Poland?
No. Bernau.
Then your name can't be Sonia.
No, they just call me that because of how I look.
I see.
- Are things all right? - Yeah, for now.
- You don't get a pension? - Sure, but nothing regular.
Well?
Are you going to take me home?
No, I better not.
What's wrong?
Yeah, I'll take you home. Come with me.
I'm not gonna call you Sonia.
I'm gonna call you...
Mieze.
How do you do, Mieze?
What's all the ruckus? What's wrong?
Biberkopf's here asking for you.
Who?
Biberkopf! Aren't you gonna scram?
No. Why should l?
What's he want?
Hello, Karl.
My left hand. Straight from the heart.
So... how are things?
Oh, you know.
Just got out of the hospital.
Almost died.
Just came by to see if things are okay.
Yeah, everything's fine.
Glad to hear it.
No one else around?
No.
Well, see ya.
Just a minute.
Cilly's been asking about you.
She's a classy lady now, with a gentleman on the west side.
Good for her. Good-bye.
Can you figure him out?
Who's speaking, please?
No, I can't hear you.
Oh! Henschke!
What?
No! Franz?
He came in here!
How's he look?
Sturdy as an ox. He wants to come back.
All right.
Thanks.
He's looking for Reinhold.
Let's go after him. No, you stay here.
Put your hands up!
Put 'em up!
I only got one arm.
What do you want?
Put that down.
What do you want from me?
I want to let bygones be bygones.
I'm not falling for that.
I lost an arm,
but otherwise I'm fine.
And?
And nothing.
Tell me what you want!
I want to let bygones be bygones.
Maybe you don't believe me.
My arm's gone. It ain't gonna grow back.
But here I am.
So it's money you want?
Money?
Yeah, I want to make money with you guys,
work with you guys.
I thought I could take the respectable route,
but I was a real dope.
So here I am. What else can I do?
Be an organ grinder? No, I'd rather steal.
I did everything I could.
But that's over and done with,
even if it costs me my neck.
- So this is your latest idea? - No, no, no!
I did everything I could!
Now here I am, and here I'm gonna stay!
So think it over.
What are you doing here?
Franz, come home!
Why that look?
What's wrong? - It's not a woman's business.
Things will get better.
You think so?
I've starved and frozen many a time, but things always turned out fine.
So you're Mieze.
I was Franz's girlfriend before.
I'm Cilly.
I don't know a thing about Franz.
Oh, don't you look smart!
- What do you want to know? - Everything!
A guy with one arm - out of the question!
Buy him a barrel organ or give him a couple marks.
We've got to watch out for him. You know why.
What good's a guy with no arm?
- Or a guy with no brain! - Huh?
You can't see he's come to his senses.
He just wants to spy on us!
Rubbish! I know what he wants.
I'll try him out, and I'll be responsible.
Mieze, you've got to watch out for him. They make him do anything they want.
I'll get a job, if I have to be an organ grinder.
I know that crowd.
Watch out or they'll get him into trouble. You understand?
Tomorrow evening, you say?
Is Biberkopf really coming with us?
Of course.
Why not?
One bale of cheviot, 75.29.
One half bale of worsted, 75.64.
One bale of cheviot, 75.66.
- How many bales are missing in total? - Just a moment.
My wife said just yesterday, "No one can get through that door!"
So they came through the roof! - The very best English cloth!
These men clearly have no sense of patriotism!
The very best English cloth!
The very best English cloth.
I certainly hope so, or I'm conning myself.
That tickles! No nonsense!
I'll send for my old things later.
Mieze, come and be amazed.
What do you think? - Very smart!
Clothes make the man. Now it's your turn.
No!
Don't be so silly!
Business is good. We can afford decent clothes now.
Right? - Right. Good-bye now.
I'll be right there.
Four more lagers!
Two bottles of champagne.
Well, well!
A big spender!
Hey, where is this guy?
Just as I thought!
Ah, who cares? Mr. Show-off!
All this wonderful champagne!
We only live once!
Cheers!
I told you: I'm not going in. I'm not dressed for it.
Well, in that case -
Unlike you, Mr. Fancy-Pants.
Franz isn't gonna outdo me.
Careful that his big spending doesn't land us in jail.
He's a rookie!
He's showing off for me.
Have a good time.
Hey, kitten!
Leave the whole box.
How much is it? - Fifteen marks.
Wait a minute.
Here's 20 marks. Keep the change.
Let's drink. I'm so thirsty.
Life is so wonderful!
Ah, Reinhold!
I'd like to introduce my friend, Count Casanova.
Let the count sit down.
Count, these are three prize-winning beauties of Pankow.
Let me talk to my friend a minute.
My dear Reinhold, I'm always so happy to see you.
You need another man?
You'd need a radiator to thaw that one out!
- Shall I tickle you, darling? - Give us a smile!
- Pay no attention to them. - You're quite the ladies' man.
Scram for a while, girls.
These dames mean nothing to me.
But at home I have a real pearl, a treasure, a jewel.
Why don't you bring her along?
No, better to leave her home. No need to drag women everywhere.
Of course! What do you think?
Those crooks steal and cheat. - Crooks?
And Franz frightens me too.
Franz?
He's done time too.
Tegel. Four years.
Prison.
That's right - Franz.
I tell you, she's wonderful. Good as gold.
Menu, sir?
- A lemonade. - You and your lemonade!
Rubbish! Have some champagne!
Then you'll see what life's really like!
Play my favorite song again, boys!
A round for the orchestra!
When a man's 30 years old
He has life
At his feet
Later his hair grows gray
And he lies flat on his face
What's the point of being 30
And letting money go unspent
Slave away and all the rest
And end up with nothing
No!
We only go around once in life
We get one chance at girls, schnapps and beer
Yes, let life's big moving van come
Adieu, Berlin
We're driving on
To the orchestra!
We'll now announce the prizes
for the three most beautiful bathing suits.
First prize, a set of fine china, goes to Miss Clarissa Gordona.
Second prize, a crystal bowl, goes to Miss Anni Behnke.
Third prize, a travel bag, goes to Miss Schulz.
Mieze, I have something else to tell you.
Watch out for Reinhold!
He's the most dangerous of all.
All right. He's the one I'll go after.
Wait a minute.
It's cold outside.
You'll freeze.
Here. I'll lend you my fur.
Hasn't she prettied up the place?
Wait till you see how gentle she is,
and good as gold.
You have everything you need at the bar.
Enough about the bar!
Here she comes!
Hide and don't make a sound!
Stop right there, Mieze.
You have to swear first.
Swear you won't look
behind the curtains.
"I swear..." Come on!
I swear.
"I swear I won't look behind the curtains."
- Fine. - Good girl.
You got me another present, didn't you?
Don't buy me any more presents!
Why not, sweetie?
We have everything we need.
I have my dress. You have your things.
Why do we need more things?
Because they're nice to have.
What is it?
Franzie...
I have something to say. - Then say it!
I want to wear my old dress!
Oh, dear.
We'll look for work, even something on the street!
Why?
Where'd you get that fur?
Where'd you get this?
I ran into an old friend. - And he told you about me?
No.
- And you let him give you furs? - Yes!
But I can't give you presents?
Franz, let's dress like before and look for work.
You're not gonna tell me who it was?
I made that up!
Where'd you meet? On the street?
While I'm risking my neck and showering you with money?
Get away from me, you tramp!
You tramp!
Damn you!
Get out of my sight!
I'm out risking my neck
and slaving away like crazy!
Franz!
Let me go!
Let go! This is my home!
Leave me alone!
This is my home!
Open this door!
Just wait until I -
Get out!
I helped you!
Out!
Shame on you!
You rat! You swine!
Get out!
"She's so gentle, so faithful..."
I almost killed you...
Iike I killed lda.
I want to go straight,
but it's too hard.
Guys like me never get a break.
I'm going for a drive in the country with Karl.
I'm tired of doing nothing.
We've got some accounts to settle in Weissensee.
Ede and Biberkopf have to go along.
- You're taking Franz? - Yeah.
When will you be back?
Tonight at the earliest.
All right.
Hello, young lady.
My friend Biberkopf sent me with a message.
He'll be home late tonight.
He asked you to come by?
Not exactly.
I just thought I'd come over
and patch things up from last night.
- What do you really want? - I told you!
And there's nothing wrong with calling on a pretty girl, is there?
I thought, "It's a beautiful day. Let's drive out into the country."
Franz is coming too.
Yes, he'll join us this evening.
You know him and me are friends.
All right. Then I can talk to you about Franz.
Sure.
Where is he?
Freienwalde. Karl will drive us.
There must be lots you can tell me about Franz.
Yeah, lots.
He's a good fellow, if a bit of a softie.
He cried on the stairs last night.
He wants out. He's not a criminal!
- He's starting that again? - Not him - me!
You, kitten? I see.
Let's have a kiss.
Kiss me!
You're quite a girl!
You give me ideas!
To think he works with men like you! Shame on you!
Yeah, shame on me!
Let me go or I'll scream!
Go ahead! Scream your head off!
Here.
Think you can run home and rat on me to Franz?
"Reinhold tried to kiss me, and I let him have it!"
Let me go!
You swine! I'll give it to you right in the face!
Bastard!
You know how Franz lost his arm? He wouldn't obey either!
So I grabbed him just like this
and pushed him out of the car!
Murderer!
Help!
We wander through the whole wide world
We wander because we enjoy it so
We wander over hill and dale
We wander through the whole wide world
Let's go!
What's the matter?
Where's Mieze? I heard her yelling.
She's not yelling anymore. Let's go!
NO SHORT SWIMTRUNKS ALLOWED
Mieze's run away.
What can I do?
She left her clothes and everything behind.
- Did you hit her? - Yeah.
What's she doing with a louse like me?
It was just the one time.
One time or ten - it's the same thing.
I know who she ran off with.
- Who? - A guy she knew before.
He even gave her a fur.
A fur collar?
I gave her that!
The little minx!
Then where is she?
We have to look for her.
Ah, she'll come back.
No, you have to look for her.
Me? I'm not running after no woman.
She'll be back.
- I need a hundred. - How much?
A hundred.
Watch your step!
You watch yours!
Miss Cilly!
Where's Reinhold?
Pretty as a painted rocking horse!
I'll see you boys later.
What is it, doll?
Where's Mieze?
Who?
You know where she is.
I spoke with Franz's landlady.
You were upstairs with Mieze... alone.
Look at me!
I brought Franz to work for you.
Do I have something else on my conscience now?
Tell me! Do I?
Dumb broad!
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Blond hair - that's all I can tell. It was in the young woman's left fist.
But she herself had brown hair?
So add that to the poster:
"Suspect has fine blond hair."
Take this to the chief. Room 62.
What's wrong? What is it?
It's not my fault.
What's wrong?
You mustn't get upset, Franz.
Don't start yelling right away.
What is it?
It's not my fault!
"Murder in Freienwalde."
It's not my fault!
It's...
It's Mieze, isn't it?
Our little Mieze.
It's all over now.
Now they've done it.
Who was it?
I don't know. All I read was "blond hair",
and blond hair has to mean Reinhold.
I don't know. I don't want to accuse anyone.
It was Reinhold.
I have to get him.
- No!
Let me go!
I have to get him!
I'll drag him down to hell with me!
I'll drag him down to hell
with drums and trumpets!
The world can go to the dogs,
every single man and woman!
We're all going to hell
with drums and trumpets!
You can't go out there!
We're all going to hell!
You're coming to the station.
You're Biberkopf!
We're all going to hell!
Don't ever come back here again!
REWARD! MURDER IN FREIENWALDE
Listen, wanna make some money?
A pile of dough. - How?
See what it says? "Blond hair."
Still don't get it?
Sure. But won't that get you in trouble?
Nah.
You just say you saw them together in the car.
Near my place around 9:00.
No, make it 11:00.
COURT OF JUSTICE
Fifteen years' prison for Reinhold.
Pretty stiff.
And they let Franz go!
But you gotta hand it to 'em - they both stood their ground.
The lawyer argued for two hours that Reinhold was marginally retarded.
Reinhold will have to pay him for that!
A pretty penny!
- Did they swear you in? - Sure.
- On the Bible? - No, not that.
Good.
What do they want?
Either they want our picture or they're new recruits.
Here he comes.
We've gotta help Franz out with some money.
He won't take anything from us anymore.
It's all behind you. You're rid of those guys now.
And you're rid of me too.
Everyone has to find his own way, right?
I'll find work.
And you have to tell yourself you just got out of Tegel.
Life is just beginning for you.
Mieze is gone, and my arm is gone.
Come on, don't give up now!
You've always said you don't work with your arms
but with -
Your kisser, ladies and gentlemen!
Shut those honorable kissers, because here comes the main attraction!
Berlin pricks up its ears and holds its breath.
Even that policeman's arm
hangs suspended in the air.
We've all been knocked on our rear end at some point.
But it's stomach in, chest out, and back on your feet,
or you end up in a pauper's grave!
Many among us have stared down grenades and shrapnel,
stared right in their eyes.
We got knocked down, but we got right back up.
You can see that my right arm's gone, yet here I stand tall
on my own two feet!
The Berolina Statue, the old symbol of Berlin,
high above the Alexanderplatz - they tore it down.
It's no longer standing. Why?
It was metal on the outside,
but hollow inside.
But...
this little gizmo here -
this gave me the idea.
They can knock it down and turn it on its head -
it always gets back on its feet.
That's right. It has metal where it counts.
Think about it, folks.
Metal where it counts.
You get knocked over, but you'll always get back on your feet -
as long as a man's got two legs to stand on.
But it's not a man's legs that matter,
or his arms,
but what he's got in here!