THE THIRD GENERATION
A comedy in six parts full of excitement, suspense, logic, cruelty and madness...
...like the fairytales we tell children to help them through life until death
Mr Lurz's office
Susanne Gast here. Who? Houston, Texas?
Oh, it's you, Mr Curtiz. It's Susanne Gast
Mr Lurz isn't here yet. All flights to Berlin have been delayed
- Where should we go? - Wherever you like. Here or there
Right, Mr Curtiz. I'll let him know
I imagined at a time like this our thoughts would be more sublime
Do you want to know what I'm thinking about?
Dedicated to someone who truly loves. So to no one - probably
"I can only thank the German lawyers retrospectively...
..."for not adhering to constitutional law in pursuing their investigations"
(Referring to the Mogadishu hijacking and possibly to events surrounding it)
Helmut Schmidt, Chancellor of the Federal Republic
to Der Spiegel news magazine in 1979
- Hello - Hello. Thank God for that
I was beginning to get worried
It's outrageous. We were one hour late taking off
They're getting worse and worse
- Did it all go well, at least? - More or less
Mr Curtiz from Houston, Texas called. He insisted you call back
OK, can you get him on the line for me, please
Mr Lurz's office. Can you connect me to Houston, Texas, please
To Mr Curtiz. You have the number. Thank you
Have you noted down everything I marked up?
Of course, I'm reliable as ever
That was a rhetorical question
I know how good you are
Really? Thank you for that
You don't have thank me the whole time, Susanne
Don't sacrifice yourself to me!
Do you feel any guilt about what you've done?
As long as films are sad, life isn't
Really?
- Curtiz? - No, it's for me. I won't be long
Be quick. We're waiting for a call from America
So?
The world as will and idea. I understand
The world as will and idea
Did you know that, Sascha? The world as will and idea
Hello, Curtiz! So... how are you?
No, the reaction in Bonn is rather negative at the moment
No, we seem to be going through an anti-data processing phase
A sort of media campaign, you know
Anyway Bonn isn't putting in any orders for computers at the moment
There's been absolutely no new terrorist activity in Germany recently
It doesn't help our sales pitch
The situation simply isn't as favourable for us as it was
We can't put forward such a convincing argument
Yes, you're right, of course
I can only tell you one thing for certain
It's impossible to sell a single computer here at the moment. Believe me
But it will change. Believe me, it will change
You can count on me 100 per cent
Of course. Thank you
- I'm ready - I'll just make a call
It's Susanne. I don't have much time
The world as will and idea. Understand?
The world as will and idea. Does that sound familiar, Grandpa?
- It's Schopenhauer. - What?
The world as will and idea
That's philosophy, you know
But in my day, we read more positive things
Hegel, Kant and Nietzsche
And what's so negative about the other stuff?
It's pretty straightforward
Schopenhauer said...
..."Man's existence is no more important...
..."than that of a stone." And that's really stupid
Do you know how many stars...
But that's ridiculous - "No more important than a stone"
That's what I was saying
... are in the blue sky?
That's for people who can't do anything with their lives
The likes of them need a war...
...to realise that their lives count for a lot more than a stone
So 1884, gentlemen
Give me the causes of the 1848 revolution
Following France's example, liberals demanded a constitution...
...freedom of the press, and a parliament
Very good. And what do you think?
There was also the common struggle towards national unity
Stop singing, Mother
People really don't know what to live for anymore
It used to be very different. Every generation needs a war
Otherwise all human values go to the dogs
And people don't know how exciting it is between wars and in war
They get stupid ideas into their heads, dim-witted and cowardly ideas
What was the significance of the National Assembly at St Paul's church...
...in May 1848 for the... for the further development of the revolution?
They were politically ineffectual
People lacked the courage to depose their rulers and create a republic
And why? The bourgeoisie were politically powerful
It was in their interests to defend themselves against the lower classes
Typical. First they want a revolution...
...then they get scared when their middle-class values are in jeopardy
What, in your opinion, are typical middle-class values?
Law and order, respect for authority, reliability, hard-work
Wasn't it these very attitudes that led directly to The Third Reich?
We're not dealing with the development of The Third Reich
Because it has carried on into today's middle-class society?
And the middle classes try to uphold these same values?
- Values that led to a fascist regime? - We're not dealing with this now
Anyway, you can't present it this way
Is that what you're told to teach us, or is that your personal opinion?
My job is teach you about proven historical connections
My personal opinion is irrelevant. Understood?
Just a moment, please
Sweetheart! What are you doing here? Is it because...
The world as will and idea. I've got everything together
- You have to give it to Rudolf. - Aren't you coming with me?
Hans will want his dinner when he gets home
- Sweetheart - It will be fine. See you later
The world as will and idea
The papers are complete. The world as will and idea
The world as will and idea. Understood
August will pick them up from you
- Well? - What do you mean, "well"?
I mean just that. And what role are you playing today?
- Sorry, boss? - Cop or robber?
Mother, the man with the coke is here
Shut your trap, I know he is
You mustn't rely only on others. You have to be able to rely on yourself
You have to do things through your own willpower and strength
Everything's OK. The world as will and idea
- Take a look. The papers are all there - Thanks
Strange. I saw a Russian film in the summer
One of the shots in it was just like the view from up here
- Solaris - Sorry?
The name of the film. Solaris
Maybe. I've forgotten what it was called. Solaris
The only thing I remember was this image
- I'm sorry if that's all you remember - The whole film was a bit of a mess
A mess! Solaris is one of the best films I've ever seen
Really? Why?
Film is a lie, 25 times a second...
...and because it's all a lie, it's also the truth
Truth is a lie
Every film tells us that
In films, lies are dressed up as ideas and shown as truths
That's my idea of utopia - the only one there is
- Cheers! - Cheers!
Strange, these ideas don't suit you
Why? What fits with whom?
When you look in the mirror, what do you think fits?
- What does a policeman see? - Not much
So when is this Paul turning up?
Soon, but you can never tell with colleagues from the training camps
Did you do any training?
Yes, before I was on the most-wanted list. It was a while ago
I still have to listen to some records that people are asking for
You have to get rid of this girl. She's making it dangerous for us all
Drug addicts are always being watched, everyone knows that
But I'm the only person she's got to take care of her
She still has to go. She's putting us all in danger
On the contrary, who's going to suspect anything when she's here?
I don't buy it, Rudolf
We have no choice but to get rid of her
She'll probably go of her own accord at some point
I hope you're right
I'll be in touch. See you soon
- Cheers! - Cheers, Susanne!
- Are you happy with your body guards? - I can't complain
I've even played chess with one of them
But of course your whole life changes...
...when your every move is followed
You're under surveillance, Mr Lurz
You've been given police protection
Yes, of course. But whatever you call it, it has the same effect
We've been contracted to give you this type of police protection
File a complaint with your colleagues, not me
You're not very humorous, are you?
Not at all. I recently had a dream...
...that capitalism invented terrorism to force the state to protect it better
Very funny, isn't it?
- I'm nearly ready - It's all right
Isn't she a beautiful woman?
Yes, very beautiful. Do you love her?
Of course I do. What about you?
She's my daughter-in-law
We must go. Come on, Susanne
When I look at myself in a mirror bordered with precious jewels...
... and see my vagina flushed from the wind and from walking...
... I would like to give myself to the first person who comes along...
... in the name of love
But my love for the Skullcutter is exclusive
A mountain of unbounded pleasure
He makes me open my legs
And his desire and ecstasy tells me...
..."You are the fille de joie I have...
..."to cool me and to set me on fire"
I beg you, creation of my father...
... open your legs. Lick yourself
- Well, they're not here either - You always take your papers with you
Why wouldn't you have taken them with you today?
It doesn't make sense to me either
But I noticed it straight away this morning
Have a think, darling
Perhaps you'll think of something
It sounds as if you suspect me
What gives you that idea?
The way you're cross-examining me
How do you know about cross-examinations, sweetheart?
- Don't touch me - Why not?
- First you suspect me, then... - I don't suspect you at all
Come on. Come on!
- What's wrong? - Let go
Help! Leave me alone
I don't understand you
It's been like this for a quite a while
You not wanting to do that
- You used to enjoy it, too. Didn't you? - What do you know?
You have no idea. You just thought you did
Fine
Don't let's fight anymore
Is... is supper ready?
You're always wanting something. The whole time
- Please, I... - Don't touch me!
If I could only understand you
Go on, say it - I only want you because you're married to my son
And say that you hate me and yourself too, because of it
You only want me because I'm married to your son
And I hate you, too
But actually that's not very important
What's more important is that I hate myself
No, not hate... I despise myself. That's it
Despise yourself? You get better and better!
Despise yourself. That's really funny. To despise yourself. That's a good one
Don't laugh. It's not at all funny
Not at all. I really do despise myself
It really hurts when you despise yourself
You kill me! You're quite amazingly moralistic today
You're on top form, sweetheart
You're... you're so old-fashioned
You're so old-fashioned and moralistic!
You're a bastard
Yes, I am a bastard and you'll never go to bed with me again
Yes
It was the last time today
I see him wind with lust on the sheet in the locked room...
... and then he cries to be whipped
I see him scratch the floor like a dog
This sight doesn't even shock me
You look dressed for a blizzard in the depths of a Russian winter
Undo the buttons
It won't hurt you to do something, too
Come here
You end up needing the very thing that once you couldn't stand
It's OK
Hello
- I picked Susanne up from work - Thank you, father
- Was he good? - He was. He always is
- Now it's bedtime - Come on Sascha, beddy-byes
Come on darling, let's eat
So, you're all here on time
Susanne, is the little darling in bed yet? Come down here, please
- Did you say something? - Dinner's on the table
- Did you cook? - No. Grandfather did
- You did, father? - I hope you like it, all the same
Why wouldn't I like it when you cooked it?
Well, I just thought...
- Bon app?tit - Bon app?tit
- Enjoy your meal - You too, Father
Thank you. Try the soup
- Have you composed anything today? - Yes a bit. And you?
Have you hunted anyone today? Shot down someone on the run?
Edgar. Stop it. Eat!
The world as will and idea
- You've mistaken me for someone else - No
You were expecting Adelheid, but Adelheid is dead
- May I sit down? - Of course
All the others in the group are either dead...
...or have been arrested. My name is August, by the way
- Paul - I know, I know
I joined the group shortly after you left for Africa
But as that group broke up, I'm now forming a new cell
- Can I try your Irish coffee? - Go ahead
Thank you. I hope I can count on your support
- Good, isn't it? - Yes
- How did you get on in Africa? - You take it as it comes
- Anyway, it was successful - Really?
Now I can aim at any target I want and hit it
The group could use a good marksman. No one, apart from me, can shoot
- Any difficulty getting over the border? - I was pretty scared at first
They poked around in my papers for so long that I thought they'd got me
- I understand - But as you can see, I'm here
Yes. I've got the new papers here. The world as will and idea
Paul, we're on first name terms, aren't we?
If you like, you can come and meet the others in the group
Yes, that wouldn't be a bad idea
If I'm honest, it's hard having to look at this pitiful girl
- You don't have to - Often enough
Why, of all things, does she have to inject?
I've always found injections physically repulsive
- Just don't look - It's hard not to when it's in your face
Exactly. And it's somehow a bit unsavoury
That's how I feel about it, anyway
Come on, Petra. Let's go and see Hilde
You shouldn't always do that so publicly
Rudolf has an incomprehensible and possibly dangerous need to do good
You know, like one of the Roman Catholic saints
- Is Rudolf Catholic then? - It's the only way I can explain it
Oh, my goodness! Look at that room! What a mess!
How can anyone let themselves and their living space be like that!
- It's pretty unsavoury - Dear God!
Dear God! I'd give anything to take part in some guerrilla training like that
- Wouldn't you? - It's pretty harsh and severe, Rudolf
Sure, but it it's one of the last great adventures left to us
Don't you think?
Sure, but I find the unquestioning drill pretty horrifying
You know, Edgar...
...it requires discipline to produce anything of note. Don't you think?
You know, I got bored. I'd always been taught I had to work
So, I really enjoyed the first few years with Edgar as I didn't have to work
But then...
- Then what I had learnt won the day - Such is life
You must go and see the new play at the Schaub?hne
I'm sure you've heard of it, "Great and Small" by Botho Strauss
God, it's incredible how sensitively he portrays a woman's life
And the Schaub?hne. Well, you know how good it always is
Perfect, a really polished performance
Hilde, you've got a new blouse. My God, it's so elegant
And expensive. You can tell straightaway
It's always the simple lines that cost the most
No, not at all. It wasn't at all expensive
You probably won't believe me, but it wasn't
It cost 12.50 Marks
- 12.50 Marks! - It's true
- Incredible! - 12.50 Marks!
No one would ever guess. That's fantastic, darling! Fantastic!
- That's bound to be the mysterious Paul - Well, this is Paul
Pleased to meet you. Rudolf
Edgar. Pleased to meet you
- Did you have a good journey? - Oh, excellent
- Would you like a drink? - No, thank you
- Is that him? - Yes, this is him
You can't imagine...
...how eager we've been to meet you
- Hello - How do you do?
Hello
I wanted to say... Paul needs somewhere to stay
It's too dangerous here because of the drug addict
I thought he could stay with you, Hilde
You could put him up for a few days, that would be safer
Of course
Voil?. This is my place
No one else here, no man?
Oh, definitely no man. Not today, not tomorrow
And not in the future, either
Why not? You wouldn't be lesbian?
That question is...
...ignorant. No, I'm not a lesbian. I'll go and make your bed
Oh, you have this strange game with the balls, too
Of course. We all do. It's a sort of code, you see
The video player, too
It's very nice, your place
The best thing about Berlin is these big flats
- Are you hungry? - No, thanks
I don't eat much
- I went off it in Africa. - I'll have your bed ready in a minute
It's a bit tricky with the bed
I don't want to sleep on the couch
Well, you can sleep here, if you want to
- And I'll sleep on the couch. - That's not what I said
I want to sleep with you here. With you in your bed
- But... - What do you mean "but"?
But I've got used to making up my own mind about who I sleep with
So. What do you think I do?
I make up my own mind, too. Or should I just wank?
Oh, no! I had enough of that in Africa.
Anyway, it's practical, the two of us. Don't you think?
It's undoubtedly easy or "practical" for you
But for me, it means that... I haven't decided for myself
Rubbish. You're talking petty-bourgeois drivel
- Oh, stop that - Come here
- Stop it! - I always get what I want. Come on!
Come on! Go on, scream!
- Help! - Go on scream, scream!
I like it when you scream. Go on!
You'll like it in a moment. In just a moment
My God, Schlossallee
Are you going to buy it?
- Don't keep us all in suspense! - All right, I'll take the risk and buy
OK. Schlossallee. For 8,000 to August
We'll soon see who the winner is
I hope so. I have to go in a minute anyway. I'm already late
It's all right, I'll get it.
- Are you expecting someone? - No
- It's two men for Miss Hoffmann. - What?
Now we're in shit! You see I warned you
- Police? - Who else?
They're not police
There's a black guy and one with rather innocent-Iooking eyes
- What now? - Let them in. No other choice. Come on
- Did you hear? Let them in. - I'm going
- Come in. - Many thanks
- Hello. Are you Mr Mann? - Hello
I'm Walsch. Franz Walsch. And that's my mate, Bernhard
He's an aristocrat. He's called von Stein
- Bernhard von Stein - Oh, right
Oh! He'll be wondering what we're doing here?
- Well, that sort of thing... - It's a long...
- A very long story - Right!
But we can cut it short
- We've just come from the army - From the marines, in fact
But we got your address from Ilse's father
Because his wife died
It was cancer. It was cancer, wasn't it?
Yeah, yeah, it was cancer
And Ilse... how should I put it? She was a sort of bride
I can't get Ilse out of my head
That's why we're here. I may as well give it a go. Do you understand?
Yeah... sort of
We all have our own way of doing things, don't we?
- Exactly - Yeah
So, is Ilse here then?
Yes, she's here, but I think she's asleep
Oh, that doesn't matter, honestly
She's always been pleased to see me whenever I've turned up
- Really, every time - It's fine by me. Come in
- It's a nice big flat you've got here. - You only get them like this in Berlin
Yeah, only in Berlin
And Ilse? I mean, if...
Oh, there's never been anything between Ilse and me
It's just that I've got a nice big flat...
...and Ilse's all on her own, that's all
That's all, Bernhard. I told you that, whatever you thought
- I didn't say anything - But you thought it
I know what I know
- There she is. Look, she's asleep. - I can see that for myself
Ilse, wake up. It's me. Your little bear. She always called me that
- Ilse, can't you hear me, Ilse? - What's wrong?
- Well, she's asleep - Damn
- You've got visitors. There. - Ilse, it's me. Your little black bear
- Franz, how did you get here? - By car. Bernhard's dad's car
That's Bernhard. We were discharged at the same time, you know
- Is everything OK? - Yeah, fine. He's an old friend
It's OK. They're friends of hers. You can let the others in again
You can come back in. They're friends of Ilse, not police
You were lucky again
I'm telling you, that girl's a danger to the whole group. She has to go
What is it?
They've both just come out of the army and don't have anywhere to go
I thought... there's lots of room here... for a couple of days
It's fine by me. If it's just for a few days
For the black guy, I've got a room close to Ilse
And I've got a room at the front for you
It's more of a box room, but if it's just for a few days...
- Thanks very much, Mr Mann - Yes, really
- My name's Rudolf. - Thanks very much, Mr Rudolf
I'll go and get our things and send the driver back to the Taunus
- Should I? - No, no, stay there
Now you've really lost it, haven't you? You can't do enough good, can you?
Do you want to be beatified or something?
My God, it's only for a couple of days. It's not doing anyone any harm
Come on. Let's carry on our game
Let's see what our soldiers carry round
- Leave it alone - Why?
If I want to know what's in there, I want to know
Books
Our little soldier reads Bakunin
And he underlines the important parts just like my granny
"...man can become his own educator, teacher, and in a way his own creator"
That's my book. It was in my suitcase. Please put it back
- And what if I don't want to? - Put the book back, please
- Give it back! - Rudolf, catch!
"But it is clear that he only achieves a certain level of independence..."
- Rudolf, here! - Give it back, please
"...which does not cancel out pre-determined dependence..."
- Here, August! - Give me it!
"...or the total solidarity by which he, as a living being...
"He is linked to the social world of which he is a product
- "In this world where everything is..." - Please!
- Give it to me - "...and continues to be...
"...a relative cause of relatively new effects"
Excuse me! That's my friend
And I don't like you taunting him
- Do I make myself clear? - It was just a bit of fun
Really. I must be off now anyway. I'll be in touch
I'll get it
Hello. Oh, Petra
Of course we'll come. I'll be as fast as I can
Petra's got problems with her husband. She's outside our flat. Let's go, Paul
- What's it got to do with us? - We owe it to her. We should help her
- If I must - Are you coming?
In a bit. You go on ahead. Come on. I'll show you your room
Thanks, Franz
I don't know about Ilse
There's something wrong with her
I wonder if she's taking something
You've no idea how hard he hit me
Oh, sweetheart, I know
- Let's see. - Here's where it really hurts
I can't really see very much
But it really hurts
- Paul? - Yes
Didn't you hear how her husband hit her?
It was impossible not to hear it
Then do something about it
I want to watch the end of the film. Then I'll have a look
- Why do you despise women so much? - It's no more than they deserve
You're cynical
And your mouth works faster than your brain
- You're just like all the others. - Of course not, we are as we are
Hello, Paul
- There she is - What's happened now?
He tried to kill me because of his stupid papers
Here, have a look
- I can't see anything. - What!
It's not showing up at the moment
He hit me as if I were a sleeping cat
- Why a sleeping cat? - Because I say so
And this one's just like all the rest
I want to see the film. It's more important to me
What's happened now?
I'm not going back home ever again. Never ever again
Here, look where he hit me. Just there
- I can't see anything, Petra - I don't care. It's over. Over
I'm never going back. Never. It's over. I'm never going back to him
It would be better not to cause a stir at the moment
- I think Paul is right, don't you? - Probably
- Shall we vote on it? - Who votes Petra goes back?
That's a majority
There's a lady here to see you, Mr Lurz. She says you know what it's about
Rubbish! I don't have any appointment with a lady
Don't let in the whole world
You can't even have a quiet game of chess
- Oh, it's you! - Am I disturbing you?
Susanne, could you leave us just for a moment
You too, Frank. You can go home
- Are you mad! Stark raving mad! - Why?
We expressly agreed you would never come to my office
Rubbish, Lurz. No one will recognise me like this
What do you think would happen to us?
Everything is going down the tube because of your childish behaviour...
...because of your ridiculous disguise, your crazy addiction to dressing up
The only thing that's dangerous, Lurz, is your shouting
OK. So, why are you here? What's it all about?
I'm practising. That's all. And I need money
Money! You always need money. Money!
I want to see some results! And soon. Do you understand?
I'll do what I can. Really
I was thinking of a break-in at the resident's registration office
Those passports are always expensive
- And that's why I need money - You'll get money
As I said, Mr Walsch, I can't offer you...
...anything as a chemical worker
The only thing I can offer you...
...at the moment is unskilled work
I don't suppose that will appeal to you
I understand that
But then we'll have to talk about possible retraining next week
You need to sign this
So, is there anything else, Mr Walsch?
I thought I had a right to work
You do. You do have a right
It's all I can do for you at the moment, but we'll do our very best for you
We have to work with what's available. Now you do really need to go
I don't get it. I trained for three years
It can't have all been for nothing
I don't get it
- I trained for three years - Next, please
Sweetheart, still not got anything?
I told you, it was just like that for me at first
But I trained for three years
It can't have all been for nothing
I've got something. Come on. You'll feel better in a shot
We'll get through without this stuff
- I met Helio Gabal - And?
- There's a problem - What sort of problem?
- We need new papers - Again?
- Something's going to happen soon - What's going to happen?
I can't really tell, but we need to meet as soon as possible
- OK. Do the others know? - Some of them
- And where? - At your place or Hilde's would be best
All right
I'll let you know in any case. It may be as early as tomorrow
OK. I'll be in touch
- Oh, sorry - Well!
- Did you finally manage to? - What?
What do you think? Did you finally find your father?
- You're a bastard - We've known that for a long time
One day someone's going to smash your face in so badly that'll you'll choke
That's quite possible. But you certainly won't do it
I've just got to hold you right...
...then you won't need that damn stuff anymore
- What are you looking for? - Money. I want it
- But... - Steal it, have it, steal it, have it
But why steal it? Calm down
As long as I have money, I'll always give you some
You know that
- No, no, no! - Calm down!
- Stop it! Calm down, will you! - No, no, no!
- What's wrong? - I don't know
- What happened? - I don't know. She's not feeling well
A headache or something like that, I think
Come on, sweetheart. Don't cry. We'll be OK
You're having more trouble than usual concentrating today
Hello, Mr Lurz
At last!
I'm sorry, I couldn't get here any quicker
- I was worried - No need to be. I'm not a little girl
OK. We'll carry on with the game tomorrow
Well, how was it?
The men from the Berlin tax office were really very nice
Investing in computers seems to be really very risky at the moment
Their development isn't progressing
If the situation changes, they would of course be happy to...
...and so on.
Well placed
- Is supper ready? - Yes, in a minute
... and see my vagina flushed from the wind and from walking...
... I would like to give myself to the first person that comes along...
... in the name of love
But my love for the Skullcutter is exclusive...
What is this? Did you write it?
No. It's a young French girl who committed suicide when she was 17
- Oh, I've never heard of it - You must have
It's a strange story. There are no photos of her, only these recordings
Shit! No stout again
How many times do I have to tell you! I want stout with my meals
Sorry, I forgot to put it out. Of course I bought some
I'll get it. It's in the fridge
... like a contortionist and it is worth it
I am never happy when making love
Here you are. Stout
I just pretend to satisfy the other. And if he is...
- Do you like it? - It's not bad
You'll learn over time, I guess
I always used to just heat up tinned food
Tinned food is unhealthy, isn't it?
I don't think so. What isn't unhealthy? Life is, too
For someone who doesn't eat much you're not doing badly!
So? Do you want to eat it all yourself?
I'm hungry, all right?
I don't care about what I said yesterday
Put some music on. I've had enough of that tape
- Who can that be? - I don't know
- What should I do? Open the door? - Open the door, but be careful
Hide!
- Oh, August, it's you! - Hello
- My God, you gave us a scare - Why?
Why! We never get any visitors. It's only August
August. God damn it. What's wrong?
We're all meeting at Rudolf's this evening
- Why didn't you call? - I tried! It was constantly engaged
It wasn't! We haven't been on the phone!
- "...the instinct to command others... - ... violence against objects
- "...in its primitive essence... - I used to say...
... that violence against objects leads to violence against humans
- "...is a carnivorous, savage instinct - Unfortunately, I was right
"Then under the influence of it...
"...it went through all forms of slavery and obedience...
"...gradually taking on a more human form...
"...and sometimes regressing into barbarism
"Today... exploitation... money"
Any idea where Susanne and Edgar are?
No idea. They'll be here
- Have you phoned? - The granddad said they left ages ago
I don't understand. I really don't understand
- They'll be here - For sure
I don't understand why this crap is constantly on!
Did granddad at least say when they left?
- No, he didn't - Shit!
The car just stopped in the middle of the road
- What happened? - No petrol
- Susanne promised to get some - I've told you, you're imagining it
- I know what I heard you say - But you don't!
You've got a guilty conscience, that's why you're shouting
- Why would I lie? Why? - Stop fighting
We're not fighting!
Stop it! August, tell us why we had to meet in such a hurry
Exactly. That's more important now
Right. Come on then. You don't all have to listen in
- Let's go over here - Petra!
So, what is it? I've been tipped off that something is about to happen
What?
I don't know exactly, but when it gets going, it will be time for us to act
That's why we need the new papers now. ID cards, driving licences, etc
My God, it's all happening so fast
- I don't know. I thought that... - We were always going to do that...
Stop it. We haven't got time for this sort of dangerous talk
- That's true - August knows what he's doing
- You can be sure of that - So, what's going to happen?
We need to get ID cards and driving licences as soon as possible
- That means raiding the local offices - Exactly
So, we have to draw lots to see which of us will do it
Seven pieces of paper, crosses on three of them
Whoever gets the crosses does it
- Are the official papers for us? - Petra, who else!
It's just I'd like to be called Michaela Angela Martinez
OK, if we're ready, I'll start
... not the students...
... the way society is structured produces violence...
"These conditions in society are stupidity, ignorance, apathy..."
... get up at six, be on the bus by seven...
... or a quarter to seven, if it's in the area, or even earlier
He's overburdened
- Ask the others again about Franz - All right
Do you mind if we include Franz? He's an explosives expert
Really? That's great
- What do you reckon? - About Franz?
It's fine by me
But I'm still not in favour of including Bernhard, he's a nutter
Damn, the guards are on duty
- How come? I checked from outside - So did I
- We'd better get out of here - Probably
Rubbish! It's always going to be dangerous
- Where's the store room? - It's this door here
OK. You two hide for a minute and I'll see if the coast is clear
If it is, you unlock the door
I'll keep my sights on the pigs, and if something goes wrong, I'll shoot
- But... - We'll risk it. I'll go
Hurry up!
Do you think I'm being slow on purpose?
It was quicker last time
I'll take a look
- Do you see anything? - No, nothing
Come on then. Let's get on with the game
- That's it! - At last!
Look through the keyhole
The pig's on the prowl again
He's getting closer... and closer
I think he's coming in here
Now he's going back
He's going back in
What a mess!
Do you know what's happened?
Rudolf said...
...that you trained as an explosives expert
- Did he now? - He did
- Cheers - Cheers
Yes, I thought it could be of interest to the group
- What group? - Our cell, I mean
It is a punishable act to put to private use knowledge gained in army
God, you can't do anything. Tell me what isn't forbidden!
Everything... that is allowed
Good. And what is allowed? What is allowed?
... if they weren't include them in the tradition of democratic Socialism...
It's simple. Everything that's not forbidden is allowed
- You don't know what's allowed! - I didn't say that
- I'm hungry - Supper's ready!
- So, why don't you think about it? - Supper's ready
- I'll see - What's our clever little chap reading?
"Children of the bourgeoisie often inherit the attitudes, advantages...
"...and the egotistical instincts of their forebears
"The youth have energy, noble aspirations and an instinct for justice...
"...which may counterbalance the negative influences"
- Do you understand all that? - I try to
- Do you want some more to eat? - No, thank you
Quiet!
It's the others
I must tell you what happened, or I'm going to explode!
What's so hysterically funny?
Rudolf was so scared, he peed in his pants
- I don't believe you - Have a look. He's all wet
- I'm going back to bed - Let's see!
- Show me! - Let me see!
He peed in his pants!
Just when I was dying for a pee the fuzz had to come along
Oh, yeah. I'd like to see you do it! Then I'd have the last laugh
- It was so funny. I could hardly... - It wasn't at all funny. That's horrible!
And the papers?
Here they are
There. Happy now?
More than happy. Good work
Look, he's crying
Franz, Franz, what's wrong?
- What's happened? - No idea
Tell us what it is. Tell us. Please
Ilse's dead
Yes, she's dead
- Now what? - We have to get her out of here
- Who should see to that? - The least noticeable, Hilde and you
Right. Petra and I will do it. OK?
- Yes, sounds good - Fine. I'll call her now
Petra. It's Hilde. Ilse's dead. We have to get her out of here
Can you pick me up from here?
Hello. Good evening. I'd like to speak to Edgar
Edgar, it's Paul. Sorry to call so late, but it's very important
We need to meet as soon as possible
It's about getting the papers stamped
I suggest we meet at the Yaki
Yes. At three
Hello, Hilde. It's Edgar
H G U J B
Mrs Gast, there's a man here who won't go away
- Edgar? - Susanne
You can go, Mr M?ller
Susanne...
Paul is dead
Paul is dead, Rudolf. They shot him!
They shot him down like an animal. We have to get out of here
We have to go underground, Rudolf. You have to get out of here
There's no going back
- Where do you think you're going? - To hell!
Are you crazy! Come on, we've got to get out of here
- I can't take anymore - We've got to get out of here
- What's wrong? - This is my husband. He's ill
I'm taking him home
Paul!
August. Come in
Do you know where Paul is? He should be here by now
Paul's dead
Really?
They shot him down in this Japanese restaurant
There was no warning at all, according to Edgar
So, it's all behind him, then. I almost envy him
No pain. No more fear
No more despairing about when this longing will end
This longing that we are taught is happiness
Don't get depressed, Hilde. Life goes on
Do you know if Paul left his notebook here
- No, he always kept it with him - Shit. That's what I thought
So now we're into Operation Monopoly
Here are the papers for you and Petra. And the rental agreement
Rudolf's now in the south of the city.
He needed a new place because Franz has joined the group
He's a valuable addition to the group, don't you think?
Look at me, Hilde. Please
That's better. And now smile
Smile. Try to smile, please
You see. You can do it
Now hurry, and don't forget to tell Petra. I'm off
Take care. I'll be in touch
Marianne Klein
My name is Marianne Klein
Marianne Klein
Always crying! Don't cry, Sascha
I'll get the other stuff tomorrow
Right. Let's get you straight to bed
Edgar, don't cry
You have to calm down
Let's practise saying the names
So, what's your name?
My name is David Gr?nbaum
I was born in Berlin on 17th February 1948
I'm married with one child. I'm a bookseller
Right. Get yourself changed and practice it again
Come on now, Sascha!
My name is... My name is David Gr?nbaum
I was born in Berlin on 17th February 1948
I'm married with one child. I'm a bookseller
Again!
My name's David Gr?nbaum
I was born in Berlin on 17th February 1948. What are you called?
My name's Sarah Gr?nbaum. Maiden name, Stiefel
I was born in K?nigsberg on 25th December 1950
I'm married with one child, a housewife
- My name's David Gr?nbaum - My name's Sarah Gr?nbaum
Born in Berlin on 17th February 1948. Married, one child
My name's Sarah Gr?nbaum. Maiden name, Stiefel
I was born in K?nigsberg on 25th December 1950
- My name is David Gr?nbaum ...housewife
...born on 25th December 1950 - My name is David Gr?nbaum
...17th February 1948, married, one child ...Stiefel
...married - My name's David Gr?nbaum. Born...
...married, one child. ...Berlin. Married, one child
That's a plate. Saucer!
Glass. Coffee cup
Wine
That's the boiler. Hot water and cold water
Herbal tea
Oven glove. Fridge. Unfortunately, empty
Have a festive cookie, Inspector. They're from my mother
And that's the fuse box, Inspector
- I can see that! Good grief! - Of course, Inspector
Syringes, Inspector
The heroin stuff - is it Ilse Hoffman's?
- Yes - Also dead
Put that with the other things
- Bounty? - Most kind of you. Thank you
You don't have an address? Nothing at all to help me find one of them
- No. I wasn't included in the group! - No
You know that! How do you know that?
"How do you know that?" It's my job to know everything
Of course. It's your job to know everything
That's Ilse's room!
It was Ilse's room, Mr von Stein
Of course. I'm sorry. I forget that she's not with us
- Of course, it was Ilse's room. - Two pieces of evidence...
- What are you doing with Franz's cap? - Put it with the other things, please
You can't simply take a cap away from there!
Inspector, you can't take a cap!
You can't do that! It was just in there and it's been taken
A cap, in there with Franz's gloves. Taken just like that!
You're being as difficult about this cap as Edgar's grandfather!
Of course I'm as difficult about the cap as Edgar's grandfather
I'm as difficult about the cap as Edgar's grandfather
- I'm as difficult... - Darts
Darts. Where will I get darts? Here are some!
I'm as difficult as Edgar's... So you know Edgar? You know Edgar?
- Edgar's my son - Edgar's your son
- And my father is Edgar's grandfather - And your father is Edgar's grandfather
- And he's as difficult as you - And he's as difficult as me
You are Edgar's father
And... You are Edgar's father and...
Your father is Edgar's grandfather...
...and he's as difficult as me - Wait a minute
He's Edgar's father and Edgar's father is his grandfather
No! Edgar's father... He is Edgar's father and Edgar's father...
- Bernhard! - Yes!
- Please do something useful - Something useful
- Get me the darts - The darts. The dart game
- Think really hard! - Yes
You'll remember one of the addresses. Susanne's, for example
Susanne's... I don't have any addresses. That's the problem
...as difficult as Edgar's grandfather ...as Edgar's grandfather
But I don't know any of their addresses. I only know my own
Be quiet!
- My name's Sarah Gr?nbaum - My name's David Gr?nbaum
I was born in Berlin on 17th February 1948
Married, one child. My name is...
Susanne. I think someone betrayed Paul. Someone betrayed him!
- They betrayed him! - It's all right
- My name's David Gr?nbaum - Sarah Gr?nbaum. Maiden name, Stiefel
I was born on 17th February 1948
- Married. One child. Bookseller - Married. One child. Housewife
There's nothing here. Look!
There's nothing here. You can sniff around all you like
There's nothing here. You won't find anything!
- Were you shouting at me? - I wasn't shouting at you. I was shouting
- The person who shouts is wrong - Yes, I know
- That's a platitude! A platitude! - It's a people's proverb
If you get to my age, you'll realise the people are always right
If you get to be my age. An address book
Very clever. Very clever. Address book. It says so on the cover!
- Inspector? - Yes
- You are Edgar's father - I am Edgar's father
And your father is Edgar's grandfather
My father is Edgar's grandfather
And Edgar's grandfather knows Edgar's address
But he won't give it to me because he's as difficult as you!
Stollen! Stollen. It's delicious Stollen
It's a delicious Stollen. A Stollen with icing sugar
A Stollen made with currants. A Stollen made with real butter
A Stollen from my mother
- Inspector Gast? - Yes
I've found a cassette recorder and also a tape
- That's very interesting - It's a music tape. Just normal music
- Have a look at the books - Yes, sir
Books. Yes, that's what you're good at - taking books. And music
Music and books and caps! Caps and books and music
You can hear for yourself. Music, perfectly normal music
You have to leave it to us to decide what we need to look at
- Of course - I'll give this to you
Take what you want. Take this cap, spoons, Milky Way, typewriter, paper
- Posters... - Mr von Stein!
Yes!
Is it OK if we use the typewriter?
- Of course! Use it - OK, carry on
Use everything. Please use it all. An ashtray. Here, take all the numbers!
- Take all the numbers! ...used
The palm! Why don't you arrest me!
And the blind. Have you taken a blind?
Or here, books
What have you got to say about that?
- Nothing. Nothing at all ...Ministry of the Interior...
There's nothing in it!
Oh, why don't you take the Stollen. I bought it, but it was expensive
- Expensive! ...number 300
- Oh, the video recorder - Of course. Our video recorder
The mandatory video recorder
Why "mandatory"? What's that supposed to mean?
- What should I put? - Just put "a game, five silver spheres"
Micha Wollf. Born on 3rd February 1948. Bavaria. Single
- Petra - Michaele Angela Martinez
Born 12th November 1946 in Santiago, Chile
Hilde
Marianne Klein. Born on 12th February 1947 in Saarbr?cken. Divorced
Franz
Oskar Mazerath. Born on 17th June 1946 in Cologne. Divorced
- What are you called? - Louis Celine from Lothringen
- Will that do? - I was just asking
Fine. On the whole it all sounds good, but our next problem is we need money
- Money? - Where can we get money?
- Why would you of all people ask that? - Why me?
My God. Think about it
Oh... you mean...
But of course. That's great!
Of course, it's great
Life is so easy
Exactly. We'll get it all from the bank with a little force. Shall I make the lots?
- Yes, let's get started - We'll target Petra's husband's bank
- Then one of us knows the way round - If you think that's best
Believe me, it is
We'll draw lots for two others to do it with you
Very sensible. What do you think, Rudolf?
So sensible that I don't understand why you're taking so long talking over it
Do you feel the same?
Every time I think of Paul it makes me feel uneasy
- Don't talk about Paul! - I have to!
I can't help it. I'm almost certain someone betrayed him
- Who? - It's obvious
- Think about it - Oh, do you think so?
If that's true...
Why are you all looking at me like that? Don't stare at me
Actually, I don't think Franz had anything to do with it
Let's draw lots. I've got a blank again!
- I've got a cross - So have I
Right. Petra, Franz and Hilde will do the bank
This one will be useful but... we must do something symbolic
- What do you mean? - Something exciting, spectacular
We could blow up an important building
- The Memorial church - What about the television tower?
- The Sch?neberg town hall - That's the one!
That's fantastic! Fantastic! I want to do that one
- Please let me do it. On my own - If you really want to
- Franz will make you a nice big bomb - Sure, if you want
Hello. Yes... of course
- Who was it? - The post office
Is that you, Petra?
Petra, is that you?
This is a hold-up. Stay calm! Do exactly as I say!
Stand over there by the wall. Hands above your heads
- Go on. Do it - Do it, Petra
- Is everything OK? - Yes
Hurry! There's no time
OK. Ready!
Don't move for three minutes or we'll shoot the manager
- Damn. I can't get this thing open! - No point without the combination
Petra
I can show you Edgar and Susanne's room
Look, that's their room. My great-grandson's cot is still in there
That's Edgar's son, you know
Yes, but I asked you for Edgar's address
- Your name's von Stein, isn't it? - Yes, but...
- So you're an aristocrat - Yes, but...
- What? - Nothing. It doesn't mean much
That's Edgar's mother
She occasionally comes to life and moves about on her own
But she's usually in her own little world
I've always wanted to be aristocratic ever since I was a child
A baron or a lord
You can have my title
Doesn't aristocracy mean anything to you at all?
- No, nothing at all - People have some strange ideas
I thought because Edgar got on so well with you...
- Yes, he did. - So I thought he would have given you...
Look, this is the piano where he always sat composing for hours on end
So...
I don't have the address. You're picking on me, just like my son!
- This is Mr von Stein - Bernhard von Stein. How do you do?
- I really don't like chocolates - Don't take her the wrong way
She's a bit strange, but she's been like that for ages
Don't take any notice
This is another of Edgar's compositions
I think he could have been a great composer
But I have no idea about it - about music
Take your time, have a look at it. I'll be back in a minute
- Do you know when Stresemann died? - No
Oh, of course. He was over 37
I'm getting so forgetful. Forgive me
Stresemann?
Stresemann 37
- So Edgar and I... - Won't you ever get it? I'm not Edgar!
Don't shout like that. That's the dangerous thing!
Rubbish. No one will suspect us with the baby
What idiot would go into hiding with a baby. It's the best possible disguise
You don't need to shout. David and I...
We're pretty sure...
...that the thing with Paul wasn't totally above board
To put it bluntly, we think someone betrayed Paul
We talked about that too, of course
I can't prove anything. It's just a suspicion at the moment
So we'll have to be much more careful from now on
Yes, we have to be as careful as we can
We've got a plan
We're thinking about kidnapping Susanne's former boss, PJ Lurz
You plan to kidnap PJ Lurz?
Yes, I've got the exact details of his schedule
Of course
- I don't see what the point of it is - The point?
We demand the release of all political prisoners in the Democratic Republic
- All of them? - Yes, but...
- What do you mean, 'but'? - Well, I just mean... why?
Why? Why? Because that's what you do
Right. It's normal
- That's right. - Of course, it's right
That's what I said
That's why you're here. We want you to help us
And we don't want anyone else to know about this plan
- I understand - Right
It's obvious we'll help, isn't it?
- Of course - Good
- Who can that be? - No idea, shall I go and see?
No, I'll get it
- August - Hello
- We weren't expecting you - Hello, August
Hello. We've done a little bank robbery. I wanted to give you your share
Oh, so you're all here, too
We just popped in. We wanted to say hello
Of course, of course. Here's the money
- I'm just visiting, of course - I must be off. I'll be in touch
Moritzplatz, last stop in West-Berlin. Last stop in West-Berlin
Please stand back
A beer
What do you think of this?
It's a sign of cynicism that you want to meet here
Not at all. It's just being sensible about it
There's no safer place in Berlin at the moment
It's cynical, nonetheless
It couldn't have gone better. No one suspects anything
I'll pour it myself
Everything takes time, even art, if you know what I mean
Have you got the money on you?
Thank you
- Hello, Franz - Hello, August
Have you got the bomb?
- Yes - God, be careful!
- It's been defused - Oh, OK
- What does Petra have to do exactly? - She just has to set the timer
She has five minutes to get out of there
By the way, Ilse's been found and buried already
- Where? - Jerusalem cemetery
Can I use the phone?
The nigger should be at Jerusalem cemetery in half an hour
and Petra's bomb will go off at 12:05 in the Sch?neberg town hall
Franz, stop! Franz
You can't go to Ilse's grave, do you hear?
Franz. I've been watching them. It's all a set-up
It's all a set-up Franz
August and Lurz
If you go, they'll arrest you
Franz. Can't you hear me? They'll arrest you
If you go on, I'll shoot
Let me be
Hands above your head!
- At last! - Was as fast as I could be. The bomb
You need to activate it. Set it for 12:05. Up by the window
Go!
Get out, Lurz! Get out! Come on. Get out!
Hurry up. Come on. Hurry up!
Go!
Hands above your head!
Why were you at Ilse's grave at that very moment?
- By chance, Inspector - But you were a friend of Walsch?
And you were at the cemetery by chance when your friend popped up?
- Yes, just by chance - Mr von Stein!
Mr Stein, you were not there by chance!
- No - So?
- I... I followed him - Oh, really?
But you insisted you didn't know where your friends lived
- It was true at the time - And now you have their addresses?
Yes, I... I followed August and he met Franz, so I followed him
- Where did you follow August from? - I saw him in the street
You're lying again. You do have the address
You won't gain anything by keeping quiet, Mr von Stein
You know the address. I know you do!
- Is it Susanne's new address? - I don't have any addresses!
- You dirty little liar! - I don't have it!
All right. You will talk
We have ways of making you talk that you can't even imagine
You'll talk, believe me
- It's all a very dirty business - What do you mean?
I witnessed a meeting between August and PJ Lurz
He paid him for it. He's responsible for what the others are doing
You're crazy
- How do you know this PJ Lurz? - My father knows him through business
You've got a vivid imagination, Mr von Stein
It's pure fantasy
- Go on - But it's the truth. It's the truth
- Careful, the banister's rotten - No!
- Would you like some too, Mr Lurz? - Thank you. That's very kind
Come on, get a move on
I can't get this bloody thing to work properly
- I thought you were the expert - I've never said that
What the hell! Hurry up!
What are you on about? You do it then!
Stop shouting at each other
Will you stop bossing us around like the school teacher!
I only said what needed saying
I won't say another word if that's the way you want it
OK. Can we rehearse the text again, Mr Lurz?
My name is PJ Lurz
Today is Tuesday 27 February 1979, the last day of carnival madness
I'm being held prisoner in the name of the people, for the good of the people
- Thank you - Is it working now?
I'll try it again. I don't know if it's working
Get out of shot! And you!
Yes, I mean you
The lettering is too big. You'll have to do it again
You could have thought of that earlier!
What! We all have to try things out, you know!
My God! Can you turn on that thing with the animal noises?
- Right. Shall we try it again, Mr Lurz? - My name is PJ Lurz
Today is Tuesday 27 February 1979
The last day of carnival madness
I'm being held prisoner in the name of the people, for the good of the people
Is it OK like that? Are you happy with it?
- Is the writing the right size now? - The writing's fine
Mr Lurz, can you speak a bit louder when the tape's playing?
Let's try it again
Move a bit more to the left. A bit, a bit, a bit! Yes, stay like that
Please stay like that, Mr Lurz. Don't move
I need to test it all again. Will you get out of shot back there!
Turn the animal noises on
Mr Lurz
My name is PJ Lurz. Today is Tuesday 27 February 1979
The last day of carnival madness
I am being held prisoner in the name of the people, for the good of the people
And again. Make it a little louder this time, please
My name is PJ Lurz
Today is Tuesday 27 February 1979
The last day of carnival madness
I am being held prisoner in the name of the people, for the good of the people