Hans Christian Blech

Innocents with Dirty Hands

Saint Tropez. Julie Wormser and her lover, writer and neighbour Jeff Marle, plan the murder of her wealthy husband Louis, an alcoholic impotent. She hits him, and leaves the rest of the task to Jeff. Julie finds herself alone the following day, and becomes therefore the prime suspect. Where is Louis' body? Where is Jeff? Is there any secret beyond a door?

The Magic Mountain

Hans Castorp, fresh from university and about to become a civil engineer, comes to the Sanatorium Berghof in the Swiss Alps to visit his cousin Joachim, an army officer, who is recovering there from tuberculosis. Intending to remain at the Berghof for three weeks, Hans is gradually contaminated by the morbid atmosphere pervading the place. Wishing very much to be considered a patient like the others, he achieves his ends and stays in the sanatorium for ...seven years. During this time, he has enough time to take part in the furious philosophical debates pitting against each other Settembrini, a secular humanist, and Naphta, a totalitarian Jesuit. And to fall in love with the beautiful but enigmatic Clawdia Chauchat. When he is finally discharged in 1914 - along with all the other patients - it is only to plunge into the horrors of World War I.

Wrong Move

Six days in the life of Wilhelm: a detached man without qualities. He wants to write, so his mother gives him a ticket to Bonn, telling him to live. On the train he meets an older man, an athlete in the 1936 Olympics, and his mute teen companion, Mignon. She's an acrobat in market squares for spare change.

La Voleuse

Drama of an unmarried mother who regrets having had her child fostered and fights its foster parents to have it restored to her.

Decision Before Dawn

WWII is entering its last phase: Germany is in ruins, but does not yield. The US army lacks crucial knowledge about the German units operating on the opposite side of the Rhine, and decides to send two German prisoners to gather information. The scheme is risky: the Gestapo retains a terribly efficient network to identify and capture spies and deserters. Moreover, it is not clear that "Tiger", who does not mind any dirty work as long as the price is right, and war-weary "Happy", who might be easily betrayed by his feelings, are dependable agents. After Tiger and another American agent are successfully infiltrated, Happy is parachuted in Bavaria. His duty: find out the whereabouts of a powerful German armored unit moving towards the western front.

Confession Under Four Eyes

While perusing a police photo, Hilde - an investigative reporter - recognizes a bracelet that she once owned while living in her native Romania. She seeks out the current owner of the bracelet, hoping that he can provide information concerning her long-lost father. Thus begins a curious chain of events...

The Longest Day

The retelling of June 6, 1944, from the perspectives of the Germans, US, British, Canadians, and the Free French. Marshall Erwin Rommel, touring the defenses being established as part of the Reich's Atlantic Wall, notes to his officers that when the Allied invasion comes they must be stopped on the beach. "For the Allies as well as the Germans, it will be the longest day"

Battle of the Bulge

In the winter of 1944, the Allied Armies stand ready to invade Germany at the coming of a New Year. To prevent it, Hitler orders an all-out offensive to re-take French territory and capture the major port city of Antwerp.

Knife in the Head

One night when seeking his estranged wife, Hoffmann goes to the youth center where she works. The police are there rounding up radicals who frequent the center - Hoffmann runs into the building and ends up being shot in the head. He awakens with brain trauma, partially paralyzed and unable to speak. The police accuse him of stabbing an officer; the radicals herald him as an innocent victim of police brutality. During his slow recovery at the hospital, Hoffmann must piece together his life and struggle to remember the events of that night.

Colonel Redl

Set during the fading glory of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the film tells of the rise and fall of Alfred Redl, an ambitious young officer who proceeds up the ladder to become head of the Secret Police only to become ensnared in political deception.

08/15 Part 2

Winter 1942: Like thousands of other German soldiers, Asch and Vierbein have ended up at the Eastern front. Although Vierbein finds a new friend in Kowalski, the squadron commander captain Witterer, a true army veteran, gives them a really hard time. Witterer’s pointless orders reflect the bad habits of many former superiors. And again, Vierbein has to bear the brunt.

Giordano Bruno

Fleeing from his enemies in the Catholic Church, the free thinking philosopher, poet and scientist Giordano Bruno has found some protection in Venice. But the Roman Inquisition, fearing his influence in Europe, wants to bring him on trial for 'heresy'.

Der Leuchtturm

A psychological and existential study of a prisoner charged with guarding an isolated lighthouse. If he makes it through two years, the remainder of his sentence for manslaughter in a bar brawl will be pardoned. Nobody before managed to cope with the solitude. One day, a rat makes its way to the island. The sea and the island, the man and the rat, friendship and vendetta.

08/15

Life in the barracks, drill, harassment, and private Asch′s pranks are the ingredients of Hans Hellmut Kirst′s successful novel "08/15" (the number of an Army regulation). Shortly before the outbreak of World War II: Private Asch and gunner Vierbein belong to the same unit but could not be more contrary. The instructors use every opportunity to bully the clumsy Vierbein with erratic corporal Platzek leading the way. The harassment starts with minor extra duties but soon the methods become more and more brutal. Finally, Asch comes to Vierbein′s help and takes on his superiors. Joachim Fuchsberger stars in his first major role.

Flesh of the Orchid

A disturbed young woman is kept prisoner in a castle by her aunt for her money. The game-keeper, her guardian, tries to rape her but she escapes. In her flight she meets a man also running away, from two killers.

One Must Live Dangerously

Richard is a private detective. He makes a good money from marital infidelity: the deceived husband and wife generously paid him for proof of their infidelity "halves"...

Victoria

After Victoria promises to marry a wealthy suitor able to provide desperately needed funds to save her father’s deteriorating property, Victoria’s self-worth plummets. Her loyalty and duty to her father drives her to repress her strong attraction to a lesser suitor, leaving him in a life of yearning for the unattainable Victoria.

The Blum Affair

Dr. Blum, a Jewish manufacturer, is falsely accused of a murder. Even when the real killer’s identity becomes evident, the state prosecutor refuses to accept Blum’s innocence.

The Clown

Based on the best-selling novel by Nobel-laureate Heinrich Böll, this drama is a passionate indictment of Catholicism. Hans Schnier (Helmut Griem) has earned his living as a clown, though he is in fact a very covert sort of social critic. After enduring a difficult childhood in Bonn during the Second World War, including his mother's fanatic Nazism, he is appalled to discover many of the people he knows and loves swept deeply into involvement in the Catholic Church.

Cardillac

The story of a gold smith who is so obsessed with his own craft that he murders his customers.

The Visit

Carla Zachanassian had a child by Serge Miller as a teenager. When Serge refused to marry her, she was driven out of town. By her own wit and cunning, she has returned as a multi-millionaire for a visit. The town lays out the red carpet expecting big things from Carla, only to learn that her sole purpose is to see Serge Miller killed...

08/15 at Home

The third part of Paul May′s "08/15" trilogy based on the novel by Hans Hellmut Kirst takes place shortly before the end of World War II: In the spring of 1945, the German troops are practically defeated, and the battalion of Kowalski, major general von Plönnies and Asch who had risen to the rank of lieutenant in the meantime is left to its own devices to a large extent. They hope to be able to wait for the end of the war without having to encounter any combat operations. At the same time, Asch tries to prevent high-level Nazi officers from disappearing unnoticed and from cashing in on the chaotic circumstances.

Children, Mother, and the General

As Germany's fortunes in the latter part of World War II wane, several young boys, in their enthusiasm to do something "for the fatherland", volunteer to fight with the German army in the East. Horrified at the news that their children left for the Russian front, the boys' mothers begin a desperate effort to get their sons back.

Enclosure

In a Nazi concentration camp, Karl, a German political prisoner, and David, a Jewish watchmaker, are confined in a small enclosure from which only one of them will be able to go out alive.

The Life of Surgeon Sauerbruch

Young Olga Ahrendt almost succeeded in attempting suicide. She had thrown herself in front of a tram out of desperation about her miserable life, a desperation she shared with many in the post-war period. Fortunately, Privy Councillor Sauerbruch is at the scene of the incident, ordering her to be admitted to his clinic after a brief examination. Sauerbruch works both as a university lecturer and as a surgeon, a famous doctor who not only helps his patients physically but also gives them spiritual comfort. After he has taken Olga Ahrendt to his hospital, he discovers during an examination that her suicide attempt is due to a serious physical illness. He intensively takes care of her without forgetting about his other patients, to whom he can give a new will to live, even if only through a small story. And he will also treat Olga Ahrendt successfully...

Heritage of Bjorndal

Peace has returned to Björndal. After his father's death, young Dag succeeds him and strives to build a good relationship with his neighbor von Gall. The young farmer is determined to return the Borgland farm, which his father acquired by secretly purchasing bills of exchange. Dag leaves the old man in charge of the estate and assigns Aunt Elo, a lovely relative of his wife Adelheid, to assist him. He also brings Adelheid's father, Major Barre, to Björndal, where he is to spend his retirement with the young family. According to the Lexicon of International Films, the film is a Heimatfilm of a relatively respectable standard.

Wer zu spät kommt – Das Politbüro erlebt die deutsche Revolution

The TV documentation reconstructs the incidents between May and November 1989 from the point of view of the Politburo of the GDR (German Democratic Republic). The incidents include the fraud of local elections, the opening of Hungary's borders towards Austria, the ensuing tide of East German refugees to Hungary and Czechoslovakia for transfer to West Germany, the pompous ceremonies at GDR's 40th anniversary, the inept transactions the Politburo took to salvage the situation, the resulting dismissal of their leader Erich Honecker, the international press conference in East Berlin on 9th November 1989, at which Politburo member Günther Schabowski erroneously announced the immediate opening of the 'Iron Curtain', which finally led to the collapse of socialism in the GDR and the other East Bloc countries.

Epilogue

The reporter Peter Zabel stumbles upon the sinking of the luxury yacht Orplid in Hamburg on August 14, 1949. The ship went down with a wedding party run by artists on a pleasure trip from Hamburg to Scotland . In spite of good weather and no technical problems. Out of personal curiosity, Zabel starts researching. Could the sinking of Orplid have political reasons? A German political thriller and film noir inspired by Carol Reed's "The Third Man".

Das große Fest

Brothers Friedrich and Richard inherit their father’s seaside hotel after reunification. Ambitious Western businessman Friedrich plots a massive development behind Richard’s back, who wants to preserve the family inn. Tensions rise as old grudges and clashing values tear them apart, even as Richard renovates the hotel for a celebratory reopening that falters when Friedrich and others refuse to attend.

Hungarian Requiem

1958. In the cell of the condemned, seven men await the signs of an approaching execution. All of them recall their pasts and envision their wish-dreams.

Der Übergang über den Ebro

Aguirre, a Spanish father, left his family to work as a sewer worker in Germany. His son joined and he does hire. One day, the boy dies in an accident as well as German sewer worker who tries to save him. Aguirre tries to reach out to his widow and children who turn away. He understands that it is because he is a foreign worker and they reproach him as a foreigner, to be the cause of death of the German sewage worker. The universe Aguirre then collapses.

Satan ist auf Gottes Seite

A top-level meeting of the Eastern secret services is taking place in Prague. Martin, an agent who knows all the tricks of the trade, is tasked with obtaining the minutes of the conference for the West German intelligence service. And he does so via Zimra, his former lover. She is now the right-hand woman of the GDR intelligence chief. A life-threatening assignment, but Martin accepts it. His condition: Zimra is to be taken to the West. The ageing West German spy chief accepts. He has only one goal in mind: to finally defeat his opponent in the East. He coldly plans to use Martin and Zimra for his purposes...

Bandits of the Highway

The film is based on a true story, concerning a series of robberies on the highways of Germany. At the time of the actual events, there was a controversy over whether or not highway patrolmen should be given permission to use firearms against perpetrators.

The Scarlet Letter

In 17th-century Salem, Hester Prynne must wear a scarlet A because she is an adulteress, with a child out of wedlock. For seven years, she has refused to name the father. A vigorous older stranger arrives, recognized by Hester but unknown to others as her missing husband. He poses as Chillingworth, a doctor, watching Hester and searching out the identity of her lover. His eye soon rests on Dimmesdale, a young overwrought pastor. Enmity grows between the two men; Chillingworth applies psychological pressure, and the pastor begins to crack. A ship stops in Salem, and Hester sees it as a providential refuge for her daughter, herself, and her lover. But will Dimmesdale flee with her?

Maiden's War

The three daughters of the Dessau merchant Sellmann move with their father to Prague in 1936, where he accepted a position as director of the Böhmische Landesbank. For the three different women begins a new life, which accompanies the film over a period of ten years.

Schinderhannes

1802: The adventurous life story of Hans Bückler, known as "Schinderhannes", who fights against the French occupying forces and large landowners exploiting poor farmers in the Hunsrück region during the Napoleonic Wars. The French eventually allied themselves with the German authorities. After initially having great success, he is betrayed one day. His beloved Julchen, who is pregnant, leaves him to save herself and the child. When Schinderhannes learns that Julchen has borne him a child, he wants to seek her out - but it is a trap ... Bückler and most of his gang are finally captured and executed.

Un homme se penche sur son passé

In 50s Canada, trapper Jacques Monge is a freedom-loving adventurer. But when he falls in love with Hannah, a farmer's daughter, he stirs up trouble within his family.

Morituri

A German living in India during World War II is blackmailed by the English to impersonate an SS officer on board a cargo ship leaving Japan for Germany carrying a large supply of rubber for tyres. His mission is to disable the scuttling charges so the captain cannot sink the ship if they are stopped by English warships.

Geheimagenten

A frustrated Frankfurt innkeeper is recruited as an agent for the "Gehlen Organization" and after a short training period, during which he is familiarized with sophisticated espionage methods, he takes his first steps as a spy. When the really big assignment comes his way, he loses contact with his superiors.

The Bridge at Remagen

In March of 1945, as the War in Europe is coming to a close, fighting erupts between German and American troops at the last remaining bridgehead across the Rhine.

Phantom of the Big Tent

Mr. Rossi and Mr. Capelli, co-owners of a successful traveling circus, have a rivalry over the affections of the lovely Dolores. That's all settled after Rossi is mauled to death by a lion. Years later a series of accidents, attacks and mysterious deaths plague the circus.

Shattered Dreams

A young Viennese policeman can not free himself from his mistress and is also extorted over his illegal arms business.

Grüß Gott, ich komm von drüben

A Swabian shoe factory comes into the possession of the GDR as an inheritance. The new managing director "from over there" tries to reorganize production methods and working conditions from a socialist point of view. The idea is an appealing satirical "comparison of systems" that suffers from somewhat uninspired direction.

The Cry of the Owl

Robert is magically attracted to Johanna. He observes and stalks her. Finally, the two get to know each other. But Johanna's relationship with Karl is not quite over.

Winterspelt 1944

In the Second World War, spring 1944: shortly before the planned Ardennes offensive, Germans and Americans stand waiting on the German-Belgian border. The small Eifel village of Winterspelt threatens to become the scene of a bloody battle. A German officer comes up with a plan to hand over his battalion to the Americans without a fight. He finds support from three inhabitants of the small village, who help him to present his offer of surrender to the Americans, which they ultimately reject.

Der achte Tag

A medical doctor who is regarded as a specialist in retort research has been found dead. Science journalist Vera Pukall investigates the alleged suicide and uncovers the ruthless activities of a large pharmaceutical company. She receives help from Dr. Svoboda, of all people, the group's main stockholder.

Please, Let the Flowers Live

A lawyer who survives a plane crash takes the opportunity to take a new identity and begin a new life.

Das Milliardenspiel

The young toolmaker Gerd Asselt knows how to exploit his acquaintance with the influential Albrecht Maybach for a breathtaking career: With pumped money, he takes over companies in need of reorganization and quickly racks up an entire business empire. But pride comes before a fall...

Kortnergeschichten

Documentary about director Fritz Korner

Die letzte Rolle

The ageing actor Peter Poller, whose name still has traction, is engaged as a guest at a provincial theater. They are performing a play by Molière. Poller is an alcoholic and his physical collapse is only a matter of time. His colleagues are watching him: the fear that the performance could fail through his fault is coupled with envy of his star role, which he also plays in his private life. His old "friend" and rival, the actor Karl Tietz, lurks unsuspectingly for the opportunity to stand in for him. Only the young Dagmar Möller seems to trust her great colleague. She makes every effort to help Poller overcome his problem and mediate between him and Tietz. But the battle continues - one wants to destroy the other. In the end, it is Dagmar who is broken by this game of intrigue, which she does not want to play and which she is not up to. However, the two old ladies are back on stage together - in a role that, like so many others, will "irrevocably" be their "last"...

Das blaue Hotel

A Swedish immigrant, stranded at a Nebraska small-town hotel by bad weather, becomes increasingly obsessed by the thought that one of his fellow-guests wants to kill him.

Don Juan in der Hölle

In heaven there is faith, and love. Only in hell there is justice. Everyone here gets the part that suits them best. Therefore, hell is the place for eternal pleasures.

Looping

A small carnival is in dire financial straits. Their show is attracting fewer and fewer paying customers, as their "attractions" are ageing, out of shape and beset by internal feuds and bickering. One day a beautiful young woman shows up and suggests a way of attracting customers: put on a strip show, with her as the main attraction. Her act attracts customers in droves, but it turns out that the girl has her own agenda, and it isn't to help out the carnival.

See You in the Next War

The two enemies from war, Slovenian partisan Berk and German soldier Bitter, meet each other during holidays in Spain. Recalling the war through conversation, Berk remembers Anton, his fellow comrade he had spend the most time with.

Das einsame Haus

A young and an old man meet in a lonely, remote house. Who is who? What about the body that is on the first floor? Both distrust each other. A tough duel begins between them that ends fatally ...

The Customer of the Off Season

An ex-SS officer and his gorgeous wife find a refuge living in Eilat. A mysterious stranger appears from their past.

Van der Valk and the Scapegoat

A flurry of anonymous letters and two suicides leads Inspector Van der Valk to a mission in Drente where small-town hysteria may just lead to one of the century's most wanted criminals.