Eight Hours Don't Make a Day (1972–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Oma und Gregor - full transcript
EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY
A FAMILY SERIES
GRANDMA AND GREGOR
Well, I have a 365 mark pension.
And yours is 720 marks, right?
Together,
that makes a total of 1,085 marks.
So that means that I have 542.50 marks,
and so do you.
Sorry, but I don't think that's right.
I have 720 marks, and you just have 365.
- You're being petty.
- No, I think that's true.
If you're already thinking like that,
then we're starting under a bad star.
You're nuts.
Of course. Would I have got
mixed up with you if I weren't?
So, how much do we want to pay for rent?
You act like you're asking me, but you've
long decided what we want to pay.
Absolutely. You're always right.
Right, the national average
is 20 percent of a person's net income.
For us, that would be 217 marks.
Yes, we'll pay 217 marks
and not a penny more.
Right, after you.
Yes.
Lovely apartment, isn't it?
- Yes, very lovely.
- It's actually worth more.
- Worth more, yes.
You can see that yourselves.
But given the fact -
But given the fact
that a train passes by here
roughly every ten minutes,
I'll give you the apartment for 365 marks,
excluding heating.
365 marks?
Excluding heating?
Yes, I was certain you'd think me crazy.
But I am kindly accounting for the fact
that trains regularly pass here.
I think I've been very socially minded
in determining the rent.
Very socially minded.
Socially minded?
You really have a screw loose.
This apartment isn't worth more than 165.
That's right. 165 and not a penny more.
165?
No.
That's funny.
That's the best joke
I've heard in a long time.
It's not a joke.
It's no joke at all.
The apartment isn't worth any more.
Not a single penny.
But I am prepared to make you an offer.
A pretty generous offer at that.
Right, Gregor?
- Yes, very generous.
I'm going to offer you 217 marks.
Now you're floored, aren't you?
217 marks. What do you say to that?
217?
217?
Out.
Out! Out! Out!
Come on, Gregor. Quickly.
Insanity is contagious.
217.
The world is a jungle, Gregor.
A jungle.
A jungle, that's right.
But, even so...
But even so?
Yes, well, haggling makes no sense,
because“.
Only the stupidest calves
choose their own butchers.
The things you come up with.
Boy,oh,boy.
I'm intelligent. That's all.
What we need is a strategy.
- A what?
- A strategy.
Haven't you ever heard of strategy?
- Yeah, sure, but...
If fairness and confidence don't work,
then only strategy can help.
I've got it. Oh, no. No, no.
No,no,no.
It was no good.
- Yes?
- I've got it.
- What?
- A strategy.
A strategy for what?
Gregor. Are you trying to vex me?
- No.
- Then please don't act like such a dope.
Come here.
It's really very simple. Now listen.
We simply have to bad-mouth
the apartment we're looking to rent,
really make it sound miserable,
run it right down
so the landlord immediately feels ashamed
to rent it out at all
and ends up giving it to us cheaper.
You're brilliant.
There you go.
I have always been of that opinion.
- This apartment sure is loud.
- Loud?
Yes, all the noise from the road.
You just have to close the windows.
It's also very badly laid out.
Badly laid out? I beg your pardon.
The rooms are extremely well laid out.
Now, now. That's an opinion I can't share.
And the central heating?
It is very pleasant for old people.
Pardon?
Did you just say “old people”?
Who is it you're referring to?
Is it us you mean?
Now, young lady,
you have to think before you speak.
That really does help immensely.
Besides, central heating is unhealthy.
If you don't know that,
I'll have to tell you.
It dries the air out.
I mean, really.
Doesn't she even know that?
- Anything else?
- Well, since you're asking.
I think the apartment is ugly,
unhealthy,and loud.
- Right.
- But we'd be willing to take it for 217.
Right, Gregor?
- Yes, we'd be willing to.
- Do you know what I'm going to do now?
- No, but I'm sure you'll tell us.
This takes the cake.
You get out of here. Get out now.
- Come on, Gregor.
Where should we go?
A homeless shelter.
That's where you belong.
People who get worked up die younger.
“Ugly, unhealthy, and loud.”
- That wasn't a good idea.
- No.
Not a good idea at all.
A really bad idea that was.
- Yes.
Pretty bad, yes.
- Although...
The concept itself wasn't all that bad.
The concept doesn't work.
Yes, that's just it.
The concept was good, but it doesn't work.
Yes.
- Can you think of a better idea perhaps?
- No.
Because you never have any ideas.
Oh, my dear little Gregor.
Where would you be without me?
You don't need to be sad. You do have me.
Precisely.
How much money
have we spent on tram tickets today?
- Why?
- Why?
Add it up, then you'll know.
Well, first I took it to your place.
That was -
No, I think I had a round-trip ticket. No.
How much is -
Don't strain your brain.
We spent a grand total of 14.20.
14.20?
- And?
- And what?
And what?
And? And? And?
- And? And? And? And?
- What is it I'm getting at?
- I don't know what you're...
- That's too much.
- Of course it's too much.
You could've said that right off.
I didn't know what you wanted me to say.
Now, Gregor, you still have to learn that.
You always have to say what you think,
okay?
And not what you think I want to hear.
All right?
- Okay, I'm listening.
Okay, listen here.
Right, we spent too much money
on the tram.
What can we do about that?
- Very simple. Walk.
Gregor.
Now then,
you have to think before you speak.
If the tram costs too much,
then we have to make it cheaper.
- Oh, that's what you mean.
- Yes, that's what I mean.
And, in any case, it would be proper
if the tram cost nothing.
Nothing. That's nothing we can hope for.
Why should that be? I pay my taxes.
You don't pay any taxes.
Yes, but other people do.
Yes, that's true.
So what can we do given that fact?
Well? Well?
We'll found an association,
an association for people in need.
Bravo. Bravo, Gregor.
Very good. You see?
My intelligence is rubbing off on you.
I'll get you jump-started. Wait and see.
All right then,
we'll found an association.
We'll call it “The Association
for the Abolition of Public Tram Fares.”
APTF.
- Sounds good, doesn't it?
- It sounds good, yes.
- Abolition of Public Tram Fares.
- APTF, yes.
APTF. Yes, that'll do.
- Right?
And from half past 8:00 in the morning
to 5:00 in the afternoon,
we spent 23.50
traveling around on the tram.
- Nice if you can afford it.
- That's just it. No one can afford that.
No one.
Where did you go?
Here and there,
wherever we needed to go.
Maybe you should've worked out a plan.
You really don't get it, Kathe.
How can you plan an apartment hunt?
You're not even looking for an apartment.
The wish is father to the thought.
Oh, God.
How glad we'll be when you're gone.
Leave him be, Kathe. Keep calm.
Stick by your husband
and you'll be happier.
Yes, that's been proven over the years.
That's sensible.
Come here, little one.
Maybe at least you'll understand me.
If something is too expensive,
then you have to fight it.
- You in particular, Grandma.
- Yes, me too, for example. Imagine that.
- How do you plan to fight it?
- The best solution would be to walk.
No.
Because that's no life.
That's a compromise.
I'll just say it.
I want to found an association.
- Oh?
- Yes.
That's right. The Association
for the Abolition of Public Tram Fares.
That already exists, Grandma.
- What? Really?
- Yes.
It has a slightly different name,
but it already exists.
Our Grandma has a fabulous idea -
20 years after the fact.
Do you know what you are?
A dried-up, senile old man.
NOW, that -
I don't have to put up with that
in my own home.
Not in my own home!
Hey, come here.
Is that true?
Not the “senile old man” thing.
I know that's true.
I mean the thing with the association.
Really?
- Yes.
Well, then...
- You know, Grandma is really all right.
- She called me a senile old man.
A senile old man. Me.
- Yes, but she doesn't mean it like that.
Grandma always means what she says.
Oh, don't drink, Wolf.
How can I not drink
with that mother-in-law?
Look, you're actually fond of her, right?
I could kill her. She always knows better.
She always has to chime in.
You're just scared
she'll really find a new place.
You're nuts.
Do you really think so?
I have to go.
- To see Marion?
- Of course.
On an empty stomach, damn it.
I'm sorry, Grandma.
- Want it?
- No.
Well, say hello to her from me. Bye.
Bye.
Congrats, Dad.
That was big of you.
- Yeah.
- Bye, Mama.
- You have to eat.
- My mouth is full.
- Okay, then beat it.
Come on now.
Grandma forgave you long ago.
Are you happy?
- What is happiness?
- Well, it's when...
When you have all you want.
We always want something.
What do you want?
I don't know. Something or other.
I want to see a striptease.
- What?
Am I talking Chinese?
I want to see a striptease.
- You want to see a striptease?
- Yes.
No.
Stuffed shirt, stuffed shirt, stuffed shirt.
Listen, it costs a lot of money.
You have to... order a bottle of bubbly.
Can you read?
BEER AND SCHNAPPS
2.50
Not bad.
Who wants to be a stuffed shirt?
- You see?
“Stuffed shirt.”
I don't want to bother you anymore.
Spoilsport.
I love you, Marion.
Oh, Jochen.
I felt so jealous.
Really jealous.
Because -
Because -
Because I love you.
I not understand.
Curves on the sides?
- Then go see the foreman.
- The foreman?
Franz. Who else?
- Long time with no foreman.
- They'll find a tyrant.
- Franz trained.
- But quit.
- You toil all day, then study.
- Foreman.
There's no foreman around here.
What is it?
I not understand. Curves on the sides?
Let me see.
Here?
- Yes.
There's nothing to understand.
Those are borders. Then the writing starts.
The supervisor says for you to come.
He wants something or other.
- What could he want?
- He doesn't confide in me.
Thanks.
- Tell him you trained as a foreman.
- I didn't finish.
So what?
In three months, you'd have finished.
The company
should give you time off to do that.
Then they'd at least have a good foreman.
- You think so?
Well, maybe you're right.
You bet I'm right.
Yes?
I'd like to thank you for your dedication.
The company will soon show its gratitude.
Secondly, I have to tell you it'll be a while
before the new foreman takes over.
So we shall be relying on you
until further notice.
Right. That's it.
Pardon me, I...
Yes?
Oh... nothing.
Nothing.
Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Do you know what you are?
You're a swine.
That's right, I'm telling you like it is.
You're a swine and a parasite.
A bloodsucker.
A bloodsucker and a leech and a -
And a rat and - Just leave me be.
Everything -
everything you do is despicable.
Stop grabbing me.
- But he -
Who cares? 450 marks for an apartment,
not including heating.
The nerve!
The nerve. Absolutely unbelievable.
Stop that. Don't grab me.
We're taking a taxi, Gregor.
- A taxi?
- Yes.
- A taxi?
Yes, a taxi. Are you hard of hearing?
No, no. We can treat ourselves to a taxi
when we have a place.
Don't be so fainthearted.
We'll take the most expensive taxi there is.
You're a swine!
- Come now.
No, it's true. And what's true is true.
So what do you think of this?
Some people can always take a taxi,
and some never can.
That's just how it is.
Really. No matter what happens,
you always say, “That's just how it is.”
Well, things are how they are.
No, they're not.
They're not that way at all.
What do you plan on doing about it?
One needs to be able to think better.
And one needs to know loads more.
Imagine all the things
I'd do about it then.
No matter.
In any case, I think it's grand.
You just get in and take a cozy ride
to where you're going.
- Yes, really grand.
- Nice, huh?
Yes, very nice.
- Riding around with you like this...
I hope someone sees us
riding around in a taxi.
That'd be great.
Right, here we are.
Yes that's true. Here we are.
- That'll be 4.70.
- Pardon?
- That's 4.70, please.
- So much?
You know,
if you had taken Kirchen Street right away
instead of going around the station
unnecessarily
and then headed south
instead of going through the old town,
it would've been
at least two marks cheaper.
You have to let me decide that.
Oh, excuse me,
but I am not of that opinion at all.
It is every taxi driver's duty to take
the fastest, shortest, and cheapest route.
- Yes, it is.
- Here are three marks.
That's 30 pfennig too much.
You know what?
Shove your damn three marks
up your rear.
Oh, how nice. Thanks.
All right, Gregor, hurry up.
Let's get out.
Hurry, Gregor. Come on, hurry.
Go on, drive off. Get lost.
Right then, you see?
We still have a taxi trip to spare.
You know what? Let's go grab a drink.
- Yes.
- There you are.
- Thank you.
What did he say?
Where was I supposed to shove it?
- Up your rear.
- Yes.
He was nice, wasn't he?
He was a good fellow.
No, it's -
No, it's good. It's a really good idea.
What we'll do is found
a housing agency for old people.
- You sure are a funny one.
- Why am I so funny?
We haven't found a place for ourselves,
and now you want to find them for others.
- Getting on with you is really tough.
- Why?
- Because you're always resigned to things.
- Do you think so?
Sometimes
you have to be resigned to things.
Yes, yes, yes.
I'll talk to Marion.
Marion, she -
Gregor.
- Yes?
- It's Harald's birthday.
- So?
- Let's go there.
- Oh, no. No, please no.
Why ever not?
I don't like being among strangers.
Gregor, you're cowardly.
Well, I always say that children
need to be prepared for life.
And life isn't gentle.
It isn't friendly.
Life is exact.
It requires reliability and conformity.
One must learn to accept things.
I want to prepare my daughter for that.
Just that, nothing else.
That is my opinion exactly.
You know,
this whole “soft parenting” movement
ultimately has to fail in reality.
However well thought out it might be,
things just aren't that soft.
In reality, I mean.
- Or do you have a different opinion?
- Me?
You know the answer already, Harald.
Yes, my family.
Home to some strange opinions.
- That'll be Grandma.
- Grandma?
She's coming late, but she's coming.
Is everyone here?
You're all already gathered together.
And some new faces.
- Good evening.
Good evening.
This is Gregor.
- Good evening.
- Gregor is my lover.
Come, sit down, Gregor. Take a seat.
There.
Let's sit down.
You don't need to slide over.
We don't bite.
I just wanted to make space for you.
Right?
Of course, Grandma.
Grandma is a bit odd. Right, Grandma?
Yes, Harald, you're right. I am a bit odd.
Monika, might you have schnapps for us?
- I'll get you a bottle.
- Yes. Wait, I'll come along.
- Oh, no, stay here.
You just stay right here.
No need to be scared.
This is a bunch of nice people here.
Monika, listen.
If I could at least find a kindergarten.
- A kindergarten?
- Yes.
But nothing, absolutely nothing.
They're all full up.
Why is it suddenly so urgent?
Because I want to work again, Grandma.
I want to work.
I can't bear sitting around any longer.
I feel so superfluous.
What on earth am I supposed to do?
What?
You'll find something to do.
There's never been nothing.
There's always some possibility.
- It has to do with Harald too.
He's so stubborn, so stubborn.
He'll turn over a new leaf too.
Come on, let's go back in. Come on.
- Schnapps anyone?
- No, thank you.
So, have you been having a nice chat?
- Yes, splendid. Even without you.
- Yes.
The truth is,
no one has said a word since you left.
- Could you at least have a nice think?
- Yes, thank you.
So, Gregor and I are planning to found
a housing agency for old people.
- A housing agency?
- Yes.
For old people.
What do you say to that, Marion?
Well, the idea is certainly commendable,
but it isn't really realistic.
Stop nodding, okay?
Please.
Well, why not?
Not many old people
need to find apartments.
Most already have one.
- They are respectable.
- All right, my boy.
- The others go to retirement homes.
Retirement homes! What horrible places.
Like living in a prison.
I once saw a show on television...
Oh, my Lord.
- On television?
You know how they rig things on TV.
Right?
It's 7:30. Take the child to bed.
Harald, it's your birthday.
I said take the child to bed.
I only want to say that once, Monika.
You know that.
Yes, we wanted to get going.
It's getting late.
Us too. I have to be out early.
Let's go, Gregor.
There are much jollier places to be.
It was delightful.
Grandma.
Yes, it's always best
to leave on a high note.
- Good-bye. Thank you.
- Good-bye.
- Take care.
- Monika.
Bye.
You ruin everything. Everything.
Everything-
Now you scared everyone away.
- Scared everyone away?
They all had to go anyway.
I didn't scare anyone away.
- God, you're dumb.
You don't even notice the mess you make.
Not even that.
They all had to go home anyway.
I know all about that.
You don't have a clue.
No clue at all.
Maybe that idea
isn't all that good either.
The housing agency for old people, I mean.
- Maybe not.
- Definitely not.
She's right
about the retirement home thing.
Most people go to live in one.
Yeah, well, it's not exactly pure joy.
- No.
- A retirement home.
On the contrary.
The good ones are too expensive.
And the bad ones, well...
We know how they are.
You know what I think, Gregor?
There just aren't enough facilities
in the world for the people.
Don't you agree?
- Oh, yes.
I mean, there aren't enough for children
or for old people.
Just in the time in between,
for as long as you work.
Then there are factories.
Yes, they build factories.
Well, there are schools for the children.
Ah, but far too few of them.
For example, when I think about
all the things that you didn't learn.
You.
No, I'm just saying that.
What I mainly mean are kindergartens.
Because Monika told me
her search for a kindergarten for Sylvia
has been in vain.
- So what?
-“So what?”
She has a right to kindergarten care
now that she wants to work again.
It's quite a lovely evening.
What are we doing later?
Shall we go to your place for a drink?
- Yes.
- Yes?
- Nice. What do you think?
- Nice.
The floor too.
Here?
- Not bad.
Yeah? Okay.
- Well?
- Yes.
It is a lovely apartment. Right?
- Yes, very lovely.
And how much are you asking for it?
320 marks.
If you have some experience with rents,
then you'll know
that is a very good price.
Yes, that's true. Definitely.
Right, Gregor?
- Definitely.
But, nonetheless,
we can't afford to pay that much in rent.
You know, we -
We were thinking of-
How much was it we were thinking?
-217.
- Yes.
217 marks.
Maybe, just possibly, 250.
We could just about afford that,
although -
although that would be
very difficult for us.
- Yes, very difficult.
- Look.
I can't possibly reduce the price.
It has been worked out, and -
Yes, we did some working out too.
- Yes.
- Certainly.
But, well, I mean...
I have the upper hand.
- What?
- Well, he has the upper hand.
The upper one.
- Oh, yes?
Well, then...
Then“.
You don't think that you can
do something pricewise?
I mean, can't you make us a better price?
Unfortunately, no, but -
You know how it is
when it's all worked out.
Yes, then -
Yes, then we'll have to be going now.
- Yes.
- Good-bye.
- Best of luck to you.
- Thanks.
- Good-bye.
Well, I mean,
251 might be...
Ah, just one mark.
- A trifle.
- Let's leave it at that.
- That's nothing to you. Thank you.
What a shame.
- That would've been a lovely apartment.
- Yes, very lovely.
We'll go back in
and have a good chat with him.
We'll manage it. We'll manage it.
All because people can't pay attention.
Oh, well, it all came out all right.
- But it was very close.
Horrible.
Because they just drive around
without looking.
He drives around in his pimpmobile.
And the children?
Anything could happen.
Listen, maybe we should plan
on paying more rent after all.
And then scrimp on everything else?
Count every penny?
No schnapps, no coffee, no cigarettes.
That sure gave me a scare.
We'd have to be pretty dumb.
We should get nothing from life
and spend money to make life easy
for other people? No.
Then we'd really be out of our minds.
- You're probably right.
- Certainly.
Of course I'm right.
Just look at that.
The children have to play in the road.
Yes, that's how this area is.
Look. What's going on there?
Miss.
Can you tell me what's going on here?
The books are being removed.
- Now, that's interesting.
- Yes, this was a city library.
The sign's still up.
But it is no more as of today.
Oh, no. And why not?
Because people don't read.
Nowhere in the city do people read less
than in this neighborhood.
Nothing but uneducated rabble.
Maybe they work too much.
Work?
They're too lazy to read. Too lazy.
And what's moving in here?
Nothing. These people don't deserve
to have anyone bother with them.
Not one bit.
Stately space.
This is a state - a public space, right?
Of course.
Careful!
They're just books.
You hear that?
As if books were just books.
Books are entire -
- Yes, pardon me, miss.
Could we see the space?
- Yes.
Please come in.
- Thank you. Thank you. That'll suffice.
- Yes.
You'll have to excuse me,
or they'll make a mess.
Good-bye. Lots of luck to you.
I beg you
to be more careful with the books.
Those are books. Books are entire -
- Well then, what do you say to that?
- To what?
That would make a great kindergarten.
For Sylvia and the kids out in the street.
Yes, that's true.
I can see that.
There he is.
Jochen! Come here!
- Grandma.
- What is it?
Maybe you're embarrassing him.
He's not embarrassed.
Be honest. You're embarrassed.
Jochen, here.
- What's she want?
- There's always something.
- It'll mean work.
- Could be.
- Hey, little one.
Grandma. Long time no see.
- We saw each other this morning.
- Something happened?
Well, something has kind of happened.
Right, Gregor?
- Depends how you see it.
- How do you see it?
I found a space for a kindergarten.
That's wonder - What did you do?
Yes, there was a library in it.
It's gone now.
I can open my kindergarten there.
Monika told me about her desperate search
and how hard it is to find one.
And this place is ideal.
All the kids from the street can come in.
- You want to open a kindergarten.
See? He's dead keen on the idea.
I knew he would be.
- A kindergarten?
- Sure, a kindergarten. What else?
All the kids will come to it.
It'll be lovely. You'll see.
I can't wait.
CITY LIBRARY
Well?
What do you say?
I'm speechless.
You are too, right?
- Pretty speechless.
- Gregor too.
- Absolutely speechless.
Everyone is speechless.
Kids,
this is the best idea of the century.
Slow it down, Grandma.
Why? Don't you think it's great?
Sure, Grandma.
In and of itself, yes, but...
- I'm certain it's a great thing, but...
- But? But? All I hear are buts.
What's that all about?
- Yes, pretty great. Really pretty great.
This space belongs to someone.
Every space belongs to someone.
- Yes, this one belongs to the city.
- Maybe the city wants to use this space.
Nothing's going in
because nothing comes of it.
Because these people don't deserve
to have anyone do anything for them.
Not one bit.
Well, talk to the city, and if the city
gives you the okay, we'll help you. Right?
- Of course we'll help.
- Fantastic.
We'll get started tomorrow.
- Grandma.
Yes?
Nice and easy now.
- Please go first.
- No, after you.
- No, you.
- No -
- You're the man.
- Yes, I'm a gentleman.
A gentleman? You're a coward.
Come in.
- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.
Yes, it's best if we just sit down.
This is going to take quite a long time.
Come here, Gregor.
Well, the matter
we're here to discuss is...
Gregor.
Don't you want to tell the nice man
why we're here?
No.
You must excuse him.
He's always this way.
I see.
Actually almost always, but no matter.
Right, then I'll have to tell you.
You know Tumb Street?
- Know it? It's in my area of responsibility.
No, you don't need to check. We asked.
Thank you.
You're welcome - Thank you.
I mean, no need to thank me.
Now, there was a city library
there in Tumb Street.
What?
A city library. There was one there.
It was shut down yesterday.
- You're very well informed.
Yes, that we are, Mr. -
- Meier.
- Mr. Meier. That we are.
And now I want to ask my question,
if I may.
What's going into that space? Well?
Well?
- I ...
You see? You don't know. But we do know.
- What's going into that space?
- What do you think? Take a guess.
It's...
I have no idea.
- Because nothings going in there.
Nothing, Mr. Meier.
And that's scandalous, simply scandalous.
The poor children there.
Packed kindergartens.
Where are they to play?
They play on the busy roads.
It's dangerous.
And the best spaces are empty.
- How dare you talk to me this way?
- It's what you deserve, Mr. -
- Meier.
It's just what you deserve.
You could give it a bit of thought
yourself.
That wouldn't do any harm at all.
Now I'll tell you something.
Keep your nose out of things
that don't concern you!
If the space stays empty,
the city knows why.
And no kindergarten's going in there.
We have enough kindergartens.
Catholic, Protestant, Workers' Welfare.
The list goes on and on.
The city knows what it's doing. Good-bye.
Was that your last word?
Very well, then we have no business here.
Come along, Gregor.
Come on.
“On and on”!
- Amazing they approved this so easily.
- Well, it wasn't all that easy.
On the contrary.
It was pretty arduous. Right, Gregor?
Yes, pretty arduous indeed.
All that matters is that they approved it.
They'd leave a place like this vacant.
Yes, they do stuff like that.
A shortage of housing on the one hand
and vacant buildings on the other.
That's just how it is.
How late is it now?
Half past midnight.
Aren't you tired?
- Tired?
Not in the least.
Or are you tired?
- Not in the least.
Quiet. Please.
A silent hammer has yet to be invented.
No, I just mean be more careful.
Would you come with me a sec?
Who? Me?
Who else?
Yes. Why?
You'll find out soon enough.
- Grandma.
- Yes?
- Now be completely honest.
- Yes.
You don't have approval, do you?
- Yes, well...
- Well?
I'm listening.
They haven't explicitly forbidden it.
Oh, boy. This could be interesting.
- You're not going to stop working now?
- No, Grandma.
We'll keep working. You can count on us.
- You know what?
- No.
Grandma doesn't have
any kind of approval.
Oh, boy. Then we'd best stay out of it.
I told him.
- Voluntarily?
- Pretty much.
Actually -
I don't mean to butt in,
but the city should really pay for this.
Right, Grandma?
Yes, perhaps.
Perhaps they'll do that eventually. Right?
Yes, perhaps. Anything's possible.
Not bad.
It drove past.
Well, well. That was a close call.
Why is that? Do you know something?
We all suspected
something wasn't quite right.
Doing up a kindergarten at night?
And you kept on working despite that?
We're done.
Actually looks pretty good.
Yeah, it looks pretty good.
It's sweet how they're sleeping. Look.
Grandma is really happy.
But the trouble
is only just about to start.
Come on. Let them sleep.
Gregor.
Gregor.
- What is it?
Wake up.
Everything's finished.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Just look at it.
Wow.
It's all finished.
- And we slept.
- Yes, I didn't want to fall asleep, but...
- No matter.
Yes, it's all turned out pretty nice.
“Pretty nice”?
It's very nice. Very nice.
Yes, but there's something missing.
Somethings missing.
Missing?
Yes, you're right.
But what exactly?
No idea. I mean, everything's grand.
It's grand as can be, but...
Yes. How odd.
I've got it. The children.
The children
who should be running around here.
It should be teeming with them.
- Yes, the children.
I had forgotten all about the children.
Come here.
Right.
Now you go over there, and I'll stay here.
Okay.
Or you go over there, and I'll stay here.
Gregor.
Right then. I'll go.
Children.
There's a kindergarten over there.
I'm telling you, it's terrific.
Do you want to come along?
It's interesting.
Yes? Come along then.
Do you want to come and look?
It's great, I'm telling you.
Are you going to come?
You can really do as you please there.
It doesn't matter.
Either you go play over there or here.
Oh, gosh, children just go and -
Come along for a second.
Go on, don't be scared. Come on now.
Go on over there
and stop picking your nose.
Go on over and have a look.
Everyone go on over there.
Very nice. Good.
But - Yeah, well -
This is unbelievable. So very nice.
Yes, and - What am I supposed to do?
Oh, my.
One's coming.
There were no plans
to open a kindergarten here.
On the contrary.
We already submitted a petition.
We have yet to receive an answer.
- And now all the kids are inside?
- Every single one. The whole street is dead.
I saw them here two days ago.
Two old people.
They were looking at books,
and suddenly today...
There's something strange about it.
Are they even allowed to do that -
to just drag the kids in there?
Well, it can only do the kids good.
You can never be sure.
What if they can't deal with children?
A kindergarten just suddenly pops up.
- Aren't you worried about little Susanne?
- Not exactly, but...
Exactly.
You read about what happens to children.
Like what?
Like children getting butchered
and canned.
- Yuck. What wild ideas you come up with.
- No, it's true.
Although I'm happy
somethings happening,
I do have to admit
it gives me an odd feeling too.
I'm not entirely sure
what's going on there either.
Perhaps - Perhaps we should...
- Exactly.
We'll just go have a look at it.
We can still tell them no.
And...
we still have the police, thank God.
- Why the police? Maybe everything's fine.
- Maybe.
But only maybe.
Right.
Now then,
I'm Grandma, and this here is Gregor.
Hello.
Hello. We -
We wanted to come have a look
to see what's going on here.
Just a look.
Yes, of course.
You have every right to do that.
Well, Gregor and I would have come out
to introduce ourselves anyway.
But we wanted
to get to know the kids first.
Yes, I see.
What is this here?
Is it a real kindergarten, or what?
Yes.
What is it exactly?
It's not actually anything official,
but...
We did go to the effort to go to the city.
But the city didn't go to any effort.
It has no real interest in it.
But it is allowing it.
So it's not official?
- Well, as a matter of fact, not exactly.
- No.
Who cares if the city has no interest
in doing anything?
Yes, they'd rather see our kids under cars
than safe inside.
- Then... Then I'm behind it.
- Yes.
- That's what we thought. Right, Gregor?
- Yes, I'd say so.
If the city won't do it,
then you have to do it yourself.
Someone should've done it already.
Do it yourself.
You can't rely on the city.
Exactly.
It happened like this.
I have a little granddaughter, Sylvia.
And we looked and looked for her,
but no kindergarten had a place.
Yes, and then I saw this space
and thought I'd give it a shot.
Well, I'll definitely bring Susanne
by tomorrow - if she likes it here.
Oh, yes. Thank you.
Thanks.
Grandma, dinner's on the table.
Yes, I just have to make
a quick phone call.
She's really got the bug.
Yes, the address is 12 Tumb Street.
And we open up at 7:30 a.m.
Who are you talking to?
With my grandmother.
It's just my grandmother.
All right, 12 Tumb Street,
starting at 7:30.
Okay, take care, Grandma. Bye.
What does she want?
Just to talk.
Some people like to talk sometimes.
All right then.
I'm done on the phone, if that's okay.
- Enjoy.
- Enjoy.
Don't talk nonsense.
You do what you want anyway.
So how was your first day?
Pretty exhausting.
Children ask so many questions.
They want to know so many things.
- They're children.
- Yes, children.
Yes, just another one of those things.
Pardon me?
The kindergarten idea. It's just foolish.
- Why is it foolish?
- Making a fool of yourself out of charity.
I'm not making a fool of myself, Wolf.
I have fun doing it.
And, besides,
it'll all pay off in the end.
- At the pearly gates.
- No.
In due time, believe me.
And it's against the law.
You can't just move in anywhere you like
just because the idea came to you.
Grandma's right.
Anyone who does something
is always right.
The young and the old.
They always know everything better.
People like us are stuck in between.
I go to work every day.
I know how things are.
But you don't have a clue, not a clue.
Good God, Wolf.
Let Grandma do what she likes
and Jochen think what he wants.
My opinion goes in my house
and no one else's.
That's why everyone wants to leave it.
That's exactly why.
- You've had it pretty good till now, right?
- Yes, well...
Depends how you look at it, Wolf.
It depends.
Ingratitude is all you can expect.
Ingratitude, nothing else.
I'm taking you to Grandma.
I want to have some time to myself.
- I get that.
- She opened a kindergarten.
- A real kindergarten?
- Well, almost a real one.
But you're not allowed to tell Dad about it
because he's opposed to it.
Why's that?
- He doesn't understand a lot of things.
- But he's an adult.
Adults aren't always cleverer than kids.
Sometimes they're much duller. You see?
So you won't tell him
that you were with Grandma or anything?
No, Mama, I won't say anything.
For certain.
Monika.
It looks like a real kindergarten.
Yes, what did you expect?
Come on!
Sylvia.
Goodness me, you're heavy.
- Does this all belong to you?
- No.
It belongs to everyone -
everyone who can get something out of it.
Look here.
This is Manni.
He's Marion's little brother.
- You're very pretty.
- You too.
- Boys aren't pretty.
- But you are pretty.
Those two.
I'm going. I'll be back around 5:00. Bye.
Gregor is studying up on child rearing.
I don't think much of it.
It's just theory.
But he's set on it.
- Let him do what he enjoys.
Of course. Learning never harmed anyone.
But thinking is better.
- Bye, Sylvia.
- Bye, Mama.
You sure are pretty.
Being in a relationship with someone
who you always
have to keep secrets from...
You'd get fed up with that eventually too.
- I couldn't do it, not even for a day.
Why be with someone
if there's no trust or anything?
You never know beforehand
how it'll be later.
At first, everything is peachy.
Everything works.
Both sides are understanding and all.
But, later, everything's shit.
Did something happen?
I mean, something in particular.
Nothing in particular. It's more of
a fundamental feeling, you know?
Could I get another sausage, please?
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
That's your third.
That's what they say -
dissatisfied women eat more.
So they say.
I never want to get to that point.
You know,
I understand you so well.
Sooner or later, it'll stop.
- It's great.
- It makes me look a bit short.
- No, it's slimming.
- Slimmer.
- How can a hat be slimming?
- It just is.
You simply have to believe in it.
Honestly,
it really doesn't make you look shorter.
- Well... 95.50, right?
- An extremely good price.
Okay, I'll take it.
What I'd really like to do
is get a whole new outfit.
- Then do it.
- Sure, then I'll have to deal with the scene.
Although...
95.50.
Here.
Don't wrap it up. I'll put it right on.
- As you wish.
Is that good?
- Right. Now I'm feeling much better.
- You see? Life's little pleasures.
And this evening,
I'll just say that I bought a hat.
“If you object, I'll turn you upside down.”
- Upside down.
Imagine Harald upside down.
No, that's too funny.
Your daughter isn't eating.
If she does something wrong,
she's my daughter.
Say what you want, she's not eating.
Eat, Sylvia. Please.
I don't like spinach.
- You eat what's on your plate.
- Kiss my ass.
- Leave the room right now.
- Do as your father says.
- Where did she get that?
- Kids hear such things.
- Only if they mix with a bad crowd.
- She was with Grandma.
- What does that mean?
- In the kindergarten Grandma opened.
And I think it did her good.
- It's good to learn such phrases?
- The world won't go to ruin.
But it'll ruin my daughter.
Don't be silly.
Kids learn such things eventually.
Yes, eventually. I want my daughter
to learn such things later, much later.
And I bought myself a hat - for 95.50.
You bought yourself a hat?
For 95.50?
Why did you do that? Why?
Why do you buy hats?
I don't buy hats, Harald.
I bought one hat.
And I bought it because I fancied it.
- Do you understand that?
- No, I don't understand.
I slave away at work all day long
so you can buy hats.
I want to work. You just have to let me.
Then I can buy things for myself.
It's the simplest solution.
I buy you what you need,
and that means I determine what you need.
That's how it is here,
and that's how it'll stay.
- Four, five...
- That's right.
Very good.
Eight, nine...
Good.
So?
It's still available
and he'd love to give it to us,
but he won't reduce the rent.
- The swine.
- He has his principles.
Once he has his mind set,
he doesn't waver.
He's not the only person like that.
I suppose it's me you mean, right?
I didn't want to be so blunt. But still...
Yes, yes, I get the picture.
The difference is,
all I have is my mind, nothing else.
But the landlord, he has his accounting.
He has a ca - calculation. Yes.
He has two mortgages, repayments,
interest, property tax,
sewer clean-out, annuities.
Do you know what annuities are?
- No. Do you know what they are?
- No I don't, but he does.
And that's why he's made a principle
out of his shitty 320 marks.
My calculation is only in my head,
and I know I can't afford any more.
That's it. It's over. Good night.
Now the time has come.
It took pretty long as it was.
- What's that?
Look outside.
Are you Mrs. Kruger?
Yes, sir. That's me.
And I'm Mr. Mack. Like “macaroni.”
Gregor.
- That's right. Mack, Gregor.
It's time to shut all of this down.
Right, children, it's time to go home now.
Off you go. Chop-chop.
But we didn't do anything wrong.
We just...
- That's what everyone says. Everyone.
“We didn't do anything wrong. We just...”
We've heard that before.
- But we really just...
- Yeah, right. Let's go.
May we perhaps go get our things quickly?
Go on.
It's a strange feeling being arrested.
Oh, Well.
Do you feel your heart
knocking in your chest?
I feel the knock, but I'm not opening up.
Have no fear.
I'm here. Nothing can happen.
Move it, kids.
We don't have time to waste.
How big is the apartment really?
Actually, it's not an apartment.
It's more of a room.
I wanted to put it
under “Furnished Rooms.”
You said, “No. 'Apartments?'
Now I ask you how big it is,
and you say it's a room.
It's in between.
It is a room, but with shared use
of the entire apartment.
My mother always did it that way.
Balcony included.
- A furnished room with shared balcony.
- Yes, that's fine.
- Please pay at the cash register.
- Thanks. Good-bye.
Good-bye.
I'm a bit unworldly, if you understand.
- I understand very well. Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- Yes, then...
Then I'll go. Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- You can't write that.
- Of course not. Let me deal with it.
5.20.
Thank you.
Then she broke into the place at night.
“Broke in”?
She had to get in somehow, right?
They left the door unlocked.
It's not a break-in.
They didn't care about the space.
- If you don't own it, it's a break-in.
- You're nuts.
- Or anyone could enter anywhere.
People must have a right to what they own.
Grandma doesn't want to make a profit.
She's using a space
for something that's needed.
She's being sensible.
- Says you. And she's not your grandma.
- You're jealous.
- Of a grandma? That'll be the day.
You are. You don't have one.
- It'll fail.
- Never.
- Bet?
- That's what Jews do for money.
Trust me.
- What are you doing here?
- The police arrested Grandma and Gregor.
Arrested?
Yes.
They arrested them and took them away.
Please. Who's smarter now, you or me?
- Is what you're saying true?
- Of course it is.
- If that's true - If that's true, then -
- Then what?
Do Grandma and Gregor
have to go to jail?
Yes. Then they can't cause trouble.
- Know what I'll do?
- No, but I'm sure you'll tell me.
Oh, no, I certainly won't.
I'm going to do it, and I'll do it right now.
Marion.
Your sister has got a screw loose.
- How's that?
- You wouldn't understand.
Look, I have to talk to you.
My boyfriend's grandma is a lot of fun.
Since Monika's daughter
had no place to go either,
she opened a kindergarten
in a closed-down library.
They didn't care about the space.
She converted it, and kids from the area
went there as there's nowhere else.
Today the police came
and arrested Grandma and Gregor
and shut the place down.
I mean, they can't just do that, can they?
Am I not dressed properly?
- What street is it on?
Tumb Street.
Please get me the police station
responsible for Tumb Street.
Okay. Thank you.
Yes. The Gazette.
Hello.
This is about two old people who opened
a kindergarten on Tumb Street.
Yes, they're here right now.
But they can leave in a second anyway.
Yes.
Stop!
- But you said we could leave.
- In a second, I said.
- Yes, we waited a second.
- In a second, not now.
- It's just a second.
- A second isn't now...
You'll have to contact the city hall.
My only task is to take statements.
You're welcome. No thanks necessary.
The press.
I told you it was of public interest.
Yes, she did say that. Honestly.
Now sign here.
- Yes.
- Sign it? Why do we have to sign it?
- Because they're your statements.
- Ours?
Let me read it.
- After you.
I have to read it first.
I can't sign something I don't even know.
There.
You said that?
Why are you laughing like that?
Don't you ever find
your own choice of words funny?
Now, if I may ask you...
- Yes.
- You may ask, yes.
- Well, it's right. It's right.
- All right then.
Give that here. Okay.
- Right. And now you can go.
- It's about time.
See you.
- See you.
Not for a long time, I hope.
You see? They cook with water too.
Yes, but the water got pretty darn hot.
What do you mean? Were you scared?
- You weren't?
- Yes, I was a bit, to be honest.
Have a nice day.
Now that the press has chimed in...
That had to be Marion, right?
- Definitely. That was typical Marion.
If the press sticks by us,
it'll all go well.
If we stick by the press,
the press will stick by us.
- The article he's written is pretty bad.
- Yeah.
In keeping with the city's story.
- They're right.
You can't just move in like that.
Then anyone could.
She didn't move in, and there was a need.
A need? What does that mean?
The city knows about needs.
No, it has no clue at all.
Or it wouldn't have been necessary.
It wasn't necessary.
Just look,
things are going just as well without it.
I wouldn't be so sure if I were you.
That paper.
You didn't imagine it that way either, huh?
Not what it used to be.
But...
- Grandma?
- Gregor?
- You don't have a new idea, do you?
- I do.
- Oh, my goodness me.
Who can I turn to?
Well, you can turn to me. Trust me.
Nothing can go wrong.
- Well, wrong is the worst it can go.
- Wait, it's hot.
- I didn't want that.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
- As good as ever, eh?
- Yes, very good. Like you.
- Right. I mean...
- Not so great.
I think it's terrible.
They have enough police
to crack down on kids and old people.
I saw it myself.
Degrading, really degrading.
By the way,
Mrs. Kruger called me this morning.
- Mrs. Kruger? Who's that?
- Mrs. Kruger is Grandma.
And Grandma is Mrs. Kruger.
And what did she say?
She said we shouldn't give up that easily.
What does she mean?
Now that the state has stepped in...
-“lt's far from over,” she said.
- Did she?
- Yes, that it's far from over.
- And?
And? Well, I think that she's right.
- And do you already have an idea how?
- I have.
My husband Max founded
a small-animal breeding association.
- Really?
- He did. He has such ideas now and then.
- Lucky you.
- It doesn't bother me.
But I think
it's the solution to our problem.
- The solution?
- How are small animals the solution?
Because, and Mrs. Kruger agrees,
the only chance we have
is to join forces in order to gain clout.
And you do that
by founding an association.
Another one?
- Nothing comes of nothing, as we saw.
- You're right there.
Look, it'll be easy.
We take the breeding association statutes
and replace “rabbits” with “children.”
Replace “rabbits” with “children.”
Sounds plausible, right?
And Mrs. Kruger,
that is Grandma and Gregor,
want the Mattes's place,
number 12, second floor.
But it costs too much.
- How much?
-320, but it's too much for an old couple.
- What can we do about that?
Grandma said something
I have to agree with.
If we, as an association, can get the city
to approve the founding of the kindergarten
and get city funding,
they'll both get a salary
and will be able to afford it.
Yes, that idea
is most definitely one I can support.
- I agree.
- So does everyone.
I'm not so sure about that.
The city may say they're fools
who are just out for themselves.
- You think?
- Yes, I do.
Yes, but when we send our kids
to kindergarten, we pay too.
Yes, but the city collects that money
for the space.
Besides, they'll surely stick in
a state-accredited preschool teacher.
No, no.
I'm convinced we'll have to really fight.
If I may get a word in edgewise.
You keep speaking about it
as if it's really possible.
I mean, whether the city will give way
at all is totally up in the air,
even if we have an association.
Yes, but then -
and I'm sure this will come to pass -
Grandma has come up with a grand idea.
Yes, I'd like to speak
to the local news office.
With whom? Well, the editor-in-chief.
No.
No, not the editor-in-chief,
the chief editor
from the - from the local office.
What nonsense.
No, I wasn't talking to you.
Yes, yes. We -
- Listen to you stuttering.
Hello?
We have a message. Hello? Hello?
The asshole hung up.
No, she's just connecting us.
Hello, yes. Here's what happened.
Somethings going to happen
tomorrow at 10:00.
- You have to say what.
- Yes, yes - Leave me be.
No, I don't mean you.
Something will happen
at the city hall at 10:00.
What?
He wants to know what. What should I say?
I mean, absolutely no clue at all.
No, I don't mean you.
Listen, tomorrow there's going to be a -
A demonstration, that's right. Got that?
Bye.
- You can't say “Bye.”
- Over.
- Bye. Over.
- Getting on with you is impossible.
- What about you?
- Everyone gets on with me.
- You always have to have the last word.
- What? That's not true.
- There you go again.
Well...
CITY HALL
HOUSING OFFICE
CITY INSPECTOR
This is scandalous. It's scandalous.
All thanks to those crazy old people.
They're crazy. Crazy.
I said that right off.
It's really hard to push through to you.
May I sit next to you for a moment?
Would you explain this demonstration
to our listeners?
We want to draw attention
to an unacceptable situation.
A whole neighborhood
is suffering from a lack of kindergartens,
so we took action
and founded an association.
Yes, and all we did
was replace “rabbits” with “children.”
- Yes, we replaced them with children.
- Thanks for that.
Yes, I mean, what should we do?
They're already giving interviews.
It's taking on... proportions.
- Is playing here fun?
- Yes, I'm having fun.
Right then, keep on playing.
Certainly.
Yes, of course.
Yes.
We're to give them
their kindergarten back.
Orders from the top.
I'll bring them in.
- So how is it? ls playing here fun?
- Of course.
Yes. As you can see.
It's the most fun in the world.
You keep going on about that.
- It's... It's fun.
- I believe that.
Ladies and gentlemen,
it looks like a solution is in the offing.
Mrs. Muller
from the kindergarten association
and the two old folks were asked in.
Let's wait to see what happens.
You can reopen your kindergarten.
You got that.
We never wanted anything else.
We felt that was right from the start.
Fine, call it what you wish.
However, it'll be on one condition.
It will all be made official
and be supervised by Youth Welfare.
And a state-accredited educator
will run it.
That's good. It'll ease our workload.
That's very good.
You know, the kids really are a handful.
And Grandma and Gregor get salaries.
Out. You can take things too far.
Calm down, young man.
You live longer if you keep calm.
Always stay nice and calm, okay?
Could you please tell our listeners
how it turned out.
What did you achieve?
- The city's giving us back the kindergarten.
Victory, then.
How does it feel to leave victorious?
Good.
We think it is just and proper.
I think it's good
the city came to its senses.
- Are city decisions always sensible?
- Hey. You.
Me? No, they're not always sensible.
But, as you see,
we can help the city down the right path.
So you're happy-
- Thank you so much.
- Yes, good-bye.
See, Grandma always accomplishes
what she sets her mind to.
- That was courageous of you.
- Courageous?
- It could've failed.
- You think?
- Yes, miserably.
- I never would have thought that.
Your grandma gets
what she sets her mind to.
Of course, she is my grandma.
Hey.
Do you know what I'm going to do now?
No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me.
True. I am about to tell you.
I'm going to tell the supervisor
I want to train as a foreman.
I'm going to apply to be foreman.
Is that good?
- Good?
It's great.
Okay. I'm going to go then.
Then go.
Yeah.
Then I'm going to get going.
Go.
All the things a grandma's good for.
So...
I want to be completely honest.
Even if you had
a qualification as a foreman...
Management wants to fill the foreman
position with someone outside the company.
Management has had better experiences
doing that, so they say.
Yes, and...
I must agree with that.
Well, then.
Then I may as well go.
Don't let this bother you. You earn well.
It's not so bad
if things stay as they are.
And? I already told the others.
They've had better experiences
with foremen from the outside.
How is that?
If someone is internal and is trained
for it, then that's definitely better.
Or am I a total idiot?
Things are as they are.
You can't change them.
Yes, and then the sofa will go here.
Yes. And a painting over there.
Yes.
One of the Alps and a lake, a sunset.
- A bit kitschy.
- Yes, I'm into that right now.
And carpet here.
With lots of ashtrays on it,
so you don't go burning holes in it.
Oh, no. I love you so much.
- I love you too.
- Certainly.
But aren't we a little bit too old
for all of this?
I think people are looking.
The apartment will be really lovely.
And we'll make the few years we have left
really lovely too.
The few years?
Listen, we're going to get old.
We'll be as old as the hills.
- We've had it so good this entire time.
I mean, it's almost embarrassing.
We'll have enough trouble.
It'll be a long time before I slow down.
You're right there.
Not you. That's for sure.
GRANDMA AND GREGOR
EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY
A FAMILY SERIES FROM WDR
“Eight Hours Don't Make a Day” was shot
in 1:1.37 format for WDR TV
between April and August 1972.
Digital restoration
and color timing of the film
was made by scanning the preserved
16-mm original reversal film in 2k resolution
and digitizing
the 16-mm original-mix audio tapes.
A FAMILY SERIES
GRANDMA AND GREGOR
Well, I have a 365 mark pension.
And yours is 720 marks, right?
Together,
that makes a total of 1,085 marks.
So that means that I have 542.50 marks,
and so do you.
Sorry, but I don't think that's right.
I have 720 marks, and you just have 365.
- You're being petty.
- No, I think that's true.
If you're already thinking like that,
then we're starting under a bad star.
You're nuts.
Of course. Would I have got
mixed up with you if I weren't?
So, how much do we want to pay for rent?
You act like you're asking me, but you've
long decided what we want to pay.
Absolutely. You're always right.
Right, the national average
is 20 percent of a person's net income.
For us, that would be 217 marks.
Yes, we'll pay 217 marks
and not a penny more.
Right, after you.
Yes.
Lovely apartment, isn't it?
- Yes, very lovely.
- It's actually worth more.
- Worth more, yes.
You can see that yourselves.
But given the fact -
But given the fact
that a train passes by here
roughly every ten minutes,
I'll give you the apartment for 365 marks,
excluding heating.
365 marks?
Excluding heating?
Yes, I was certain you'd think me crazy.
But I am kindly accounting for the fact
that trains regularly pass here.
I think I've been very socially minded
in determining the rent.
Very socially minded.
Socially minded?
You really have a screw loose.
This apartment isn't worth more than 165.
That's right. 165 and not a penny more.
165?
No.
That's funny.
That's the best joke
I've heard in a long time.
It's not a joke.
It's no joke at all.
The apartment isn't worth any more.
Not a single penny.
But I am prepared to make you an offer.
A pretty generous offer at that.
Right, Gregor?
- Yes, very generous.
I'm going to offer you 217 marks.
Now you're floored, aren't you?
217 marks. What do you say to that?
217?
217?
Out.
Out! Out! Out!
Come on, Gregor. Quickly.
Insanity is contagious.
217.
The world is a jungle, Gregor.
A jungle.
A jungle, that's right.
But, even so...
But even so?
Yes, well, haggling makes no sense,
because“.
Only the stupidest calves
choose their own butchers.
The things you come up with.
Boy,oh,boy.
I'm intelligent. That's all.
What we need is a strategy.
- A what?
- A strategy.
Haven't you ever heard of strategy?
- Yeah, sure, but...
If fairness and confidence don't work,
then only strategy can help.
I've got it. Oh, no. No, no.
No,no,no.
It was no good.
- Yes?
- I've got it.
- What?
- A strategy.
A strategy for what?
Gregor. Are you trying to vex me?
- No.
- Then please don't act like such a dope.
Come here.
It's really very simple. Now listen.
We simply have to bad-mouth
the apartment we're looking to rent,
really make it sound miserable,
run it right down
so the landlord immediately feels ashamed
to rent it out at all
and ends up giving it to us cheaper.
You're brilliant.
There you go.
I have always been of that opinion.
- This apartment sure is loud.
- Loud?
Yes, all the noise from the road.
You just have to close the windows.
It's also very badly laid out.
Badly laid out? I beg your pardon.
The rooms are extremely well laid out.
Now, now. That's an opinion I can't share.
And the central heating?
It is very pleasant for old people.
Pardon?
Did you just say “old people”?
Who is it you're referring to?
Is it us you mean?
Now, young lady,
you have to think before you speak.
That really does help immensely.
Besides, central heating is unhealthy.
If you don't know that,
I'll have to tell you.
It dries the air out.
I mean, really.
Doesn't she even know that?
- Anything else?
- Well, since you're asking.
I think the apartment is ugly,
unhealthy,and loud.
- Right.
- But we'd be willing to take it for 217.
Right, Gregor?
- Yes, we'd be willing to.
- Do you know what I'm going to do now?
- No, but I'm sure you'll tell us.
This takes the cake.
You get out of here. Get out now.
- Come on, Gregor.
Where should we go?
A homeless shelter.
That's where you belong.
People who get worked up die younger.
“Ugly, unhealthy, and loud.”
- That wasn't a good idea.
- No.
Not a good idea at all.
A really bad idea that was.
- Yes.
Pretty bad, yes.
- Although...
The concept itself wasn't all that bad.
The concept doesn't work.
Yes, that's just it.
The concept was good, but it doesn't work.
Yes.
- Can you think of a better idea perhaps?
- No.
Because you never have any ideas.
Oh, my dear little Gregor.
Where would you be without me?
You don't need to be sad. You do have me.
Precisely.
How much money
have we spent on tram tickets today?
- Why?
- Why?
Add it up, then you'll know.
Well, first I took it to your place.
That was -
No, I think I had a round-trip ticket. No.
How much is -
Don't strain your brain.
We spent a grand total of 14.20.
14.20?
- And?
- And what?
And what?
And? And? And?
- And? And? And? And?
- What is it I'm getting at?
- I don't know what you're...
- That's too much.
- Of course it's too much.
You could've said that right off.
I didn't know what you wanted me to say.
Now, Gregor, you still have to learn that.
You always have to say what you think,
okay?
And not what you think I want to hear.
All right?
- Okay, I'm listening.
Okay, listen here.
Right, we spent too much money
on the tram.
What can we do about that?
- Very simple. Walk.
Gregor.
Now then,
you have to think before you speak.
If the tram costs too much,
then we have to make it cheaper.
- Oh, that's what you mean.
- Yes, that's what I mean.
And, in any case, it would be proper
if the tram cost nothing.
Nothing. That's nothing we can hope for.
Why should that be? I pay my taxes.
You don't pay any taxes.
Yes, but other people do.
Yes, that's true.
So what can we do given that fact?
Well? Well?
We'll found an association,
an association for people in need.
Bravo. Bravo, Gregor.
Very good. You see?
My intelligence is rubbing off on you.
I'll get you jump-started. Wait and see.
All right then,
we'll found an association.
We'll call it “The Association
for the Abolition of Public Tram Fares.”
APTF.
- Sounds good, doesn't it?
- It sounds good, yes.
- Abolition of Public Tram Fares.
- APTF, yes.
APTF. Yes, that'll do.
- Right?
And from half past 8:00 in the morning
to 5:00 in the afternoon,
we spent 23.50
traveling around on the tram.
- Nice if you can afford it.
- That's just it. No one can afford that.
No one.
Where did you go?
Here and there,
wherever we needed to go.
Maybe you should've worked out a plan.
You really don't get it, Kathe.
How can you plan an apartment hunt?
You're not even looking for an apartment.
The wish is father to the thought.
Oh, God.
How glad we'll be when you're gone.
Leave him be, Kathe. Keep calm.
Stick by your husband
and you'll be happier.
Yes, that's been proven over the years.
That's sensible.
Come here, little one.
Maybe at least you'll understand me.
If something is too expensive,
then you have to fight it.
- You in particular, Grandma.
- Yes, me too, for example. Imagine that.
- How do you plan to fight it?
- The best solution would be to walk.
No.
Because that's no life.
That's a compromise.
I'll just say it.
I want to found an association.
- Oh?
- Yes.
That's right. The Association
for the Abolition of Public Tram Fares.
That already exists, Grandma.
- What? Really?
- Yes.
It has a slightly different name,
but it already exists.
Our Grandma has a fabulous idea -
20 years after the fact.
Do you know what you are?
A dried-up, senile old man.
NOW, that -
I don't have to put up with that
in my own home.
Not in my own home!
Hey, come here.
Is that true?
Not the “senile old man” thing.
I know that's true.
I mean the thing with the association.
Really?
- Yes.
Well, then...
- You know, Grandma is really all right.
- She called me a senile old man.
A senile old man. Me.
- Yes, but she doesn't mean it like that.
Grandma always means what she says.
Oh, don't drink, Wolf.
How can I not drink
with that mother-in-law?
Look, you're actually fond of her, right?
I could kill her. She always knows better.
She always has to chime in.
You're just scared
she'll really find a new place.
You're nuts.
Do you really think so?
I have to go.
- To see Marion?
- Of course.
On an empty stomach, damn it.
I'm sorry, Grandma.
- Want it?
- No.
Well, say hello to her from me. Bye.
Bye.
Congrats, Dad.
That was big of you.
- Yeah.
- Bye, Mama.
- You have to eat.
- My mouth is full.
- Okay, then beat it.
Come on now.
Grandma forgave you long ago.
Are you happy?
- What is happiness?
- Well, it's when...
When you have all you want.
We always want something.
What do you want?
I don't know. Something or other.
I want to see a striptease.
- What?
Am I talking Chinese?
I want to see a striptease.
- You want to see a striptease?
- Yes.
No.
Stuffed shirt, stuffed shirt, stuffed shirt.
Listen, it costs a lot of money.
You have to... order a bottle of bubbly.
Can you read?
BEER AND SCHNAPPS
2.50
Not bad.
Who wants to be a stuffed shirt?
- You see?
“Stuffed shirt.”
I don't want to bother you anymore.
Spoilsport.
I love you, Marion.
Oh, Jochen.
I felt so jealous.
Really jealous.
Because -
Because -
Because I love you.
I not understand.
Curves on the sides?
- Then go see the foreman.
- The foreman?
Franz. Who else?
- Long time with no foreman.
- They'll find a tyrant.
- Franz trained.
- But quit.
- You toil all day, then study.
- Foreman.
There's no foreman around here.
What is it?
I not understand. Curves on the sides?
Let me see.
Here?
- Yes.
There's nothing to understand.
Those are borders. Then the writing starts.
The supervisor says for you to come.
He wants something or other.
- What could he want?
- He doesn't confide in me.
Thanks.
- Tell him you trained as a foreman.
- I didn't finish.
So what?
In three months, you'd have finished.
The company
should give you time off to do that.
Then they'd at least have a good foreman.
- You think so?
Well, maybe you're right.
You bet I'm right.
Yes?
I'd like to thank you for your dedication.
The company will soon show its gratitude.
Secondly, I have to tell you it'll be a while
before the new foreman takes over.
So we shall be relying on you
until further notice.
Right. That's it.
Pardon me, I...
Yes?
Oh... nothing.
Nothing.
Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Do you know what you are?
You're a swine.
That's right, I'm telling you like it is.
You're a swine and a parasite.
A bloodsucker.
A bloodsucker and a leech and a -
And a rat and - Just leave me be.
Everything -
everything you do is despicable.
Stop grabbing me.
- But he -
Who cares? 450 marks for an apartment,
not including heating.
The nerve!
The nerve. Absolutely unbelievable.
Stop that. Don't grab me.
We're taking a taxi, Gregor.
- A taxi?
- Yes.
- A taxi?
Yes, a taxi. Are you hard of hearing?
No, no. We can treat ourselves to a taxi
when we have a place.
Don't be so fainthearted.
We'll take the most expensive taxi there is.
You're a swine!
- Come now.
No, it's true. And what's true is true.
So what do you think of this?
Some people can always take a taxi,
and some never can.
That's just how it is.
Really. No matter what happens,
you always say, “That's just how it is.”
Well, things are how they are.
No, they're not.
They're not that way at all.
What do you plan on doing about it?
One needs to be able to think better.
And one needs to know loads more.
Imagine all the things
I'd do about it then.
No matter.
In any case, I think it's grand.
You just get in and take a cozy ride
to where you're going.
- Yes, really grand.
- Nice, huh?
Yes, very nice.
- Riding around with you like this...
I hope someone sees us
riding around in a taxi.
That'd be great.
Right, here we are.
Yes that's true. Here we are.
- That'll be 4.70.
- Pardon?
- That's 4.70, please.
- So much?
You know,
if you had taken Kirchen Street right away
instead of going around the station
unnecessarily
and then headed south
instead of going through the old town,
it would've been
at least two marks cheaper.
You have to let me decide that.
Oh, excuse me,
but I am not of that opinion at all.
It is every taxi driver's duty to take
the fastest, shortest, and cheapest route.
- Yes, it is.
- Here are three marks.
That's 30 pfennig too much.
You know what?
Shove your damn three marks
up your rear.
Oh, how nice. Thanks.
All right, Gregor, hurry up.
Let's get out.
Hurry, Gregor. Come on, hurry.
Go on, drive off. Get lost.
Right then, you see?
We still have a taxi trip to spare.
You know what? Let's go grab a drink.
- Yes.
- There you are.
- Thank you.
What did he say?
Where was I supposed to shove it?
- Up your rear.
- Yes.
He was nice, wasn't he?
He was a good fellow.
No, it's -
No, it's good. It's a really good idea.
What we'll do is found
a housing agency for old people.
- You sure are a funny one.
- Why am I so funny?
We haven't found a place for ourselves,
and now you want to find them for others.
- Getting on with you is really tough.
- Why?
- Because you're always resigned to things.
- Do you think so?
Sometimes
you have to be resigned to things.
Yes, yes, yes.
I'll talk to Marion.
Marion, she -
Gregor.
- Yes?
- It's Harald's birthday.
- So?
- Let's go there.
- Oh, no. No, please no.
Why ever not?
I don't like being among strangers.
Gregor, you're cowardly.
Well, I always say that children
need to be prepared for life.
And life isn't gentle.
It isn't friendly.
Life is exact.
It requires reliability and conformity.
One must learn to accept things.
I want to prepare my daughter for that.
Just that, nothing else.
That is my opinion exactly.
You know,
this whole “soft parenting” movement
ultimately has to fail in reality.
However well thought out it might be,
things just aren't that soft.
In reality, I mean.
- Or do you have a different opinion?
- Me?
You know the answer already, Harald.
Yes, my family.
Home to some strange opinions.
- That'll be Grandma.
- Grandma?
She's coming late, but she's coming.
Is everyone here?
You're all already gathered together.
And some new faces.
- Good evening.
Good evening.
This is Gregor.
- Good evening.
- Gregor is my lover.
Come, sit down, Gregor. Take a seat.
There.
Let's sit down.
You don't need to slide over.
We don't bite.
I just wanted to make space for you.
Right?
Of course, Grandma.
Grandma is a bit odd. Right, Grandma?
Yes, Harald, you're right. I am a bit odd.
Monika, might you have schnapps for us?
- I'll get you a bottle.
- Yes. Wait, I'll come along.
- Oh, no, stay here.
You just stay right here.
No need to be scared.
This is a bunch of nice people here.
Monika, listen.
If I could at least find a kindergarten.
- A kindergarten?
- Yes.
But nothing, absolutely nothing.
They're all full up.
Why is it suddenly so urgent?
Because I want to work again, Grandma.
I want to work.
I can't bear sitting around any longer.
I feel so superfluous.
What on earth am I supposed to do?
What?
You'll find something to do.
There's never been nothing.
There's always some possibility.
- It has to do with Harald too.
He's so stubborn, so stubborn.
He'll turn over a new leaf too.
Come on, let's go back in. Come on.
- Schnapps anyone?
- No, thank you.
So, have you been having a nice chat?
- Yes, splendid. Even without you.
- Yes.
The truth is,
no one has said a word since you left.
- Could you at least have a nice think?
- Yes, thank you.
So, Gregor and I are planning to found
a housing agency for old people.
- A housing agency?
- Yes.
For old people.
What do you say to that, Marion?
Well, the idea is certainly commendable,
but it isn't really realistic.
Stop nodding, okay?
Please.
Well, why not?
Not many old people
need to find apartments.
Most already have one.
- They are respectable.
- All right, my boy.
- The others go to retirement homes.
Retirement homes! What horrible places.
Like living in a prison.
I once saw a show on television...
Oh, my Lord.
- On television?
You know how they rig things on TV.
Right?
It's 7:30. Take the child to bed.
Harald, it's your birthday.
I said take the child to bed.
I only want to say that once, Monika.
You know that.
Yes, we wanted to get going.
It's getting late.
Us too. I have to be out early.
Let's go, Gregor.
There are much jollier places to be.
It was delightful.
Grandma.
Yes, it's always best
to leave on a high note.
- Good-bye. Thank you.
- Good-bye.
- Take care.
- Monika.
Bye.
You ruin everything. Everything.
Everything-
Now you scared everyone away.
- Scared everyone away?
They all had to go anyway.
I didn't scare anyone away.
- God, you're dumb.
You don't even notice the mess you make.
Not even that.
They all had to go home anyway.
I know all about that.
You don't have a clue.
No clue at all.
Maybe that idea
isn't all that good either.
The housing agency for old people, I mean.
- Maybe not.
- Definitely not.
She's right
about the retirement home thing.
Most people go to live in one.
Yeah, well, it's not exactly pure joy.
- No.
- A retirement home.
On the contrary.
The good ones are too expensive.
And the bad ones, well...
We know how they are.
You know what I think, Gregor?
There just aren't enough facilities
in the world for the people.
Don't you agree?
- Oh, yes.
I mean, there aren't enough for children
or for old people.
Just in the time in between,
for as long as you work.
Then there are factories.
Yes, they build factories.
Well, there are schools for the children.
Ah, but far too few of them.
For example, when I think about
all the things that you didn't learn.
You.
No, I'm just saying that.
What I mainly mean are kindergartens.
Because Monika told me
her search for a kindergarten for Sylvia
has been in vain.
- So what?
-“So what?”
She has a right to kindergarten care
now that she wants to work again.
It's quite a lovely evening.
What are we doing later?
Shall we go to your place for a drink?
- Yes.
- Yes?
- Nice. What do you think?
- Nice.
The floor too.
Here?
- Not bad.
Yeah? Okay.
- Well?
- Yes.
It is a lovely apartment. Right?
- Yes, very lovely.
And how much are you asking for it?
320 marks.
If you have some experience with rents,
then you'll know
that is a very good price.
Yes, that's true. Definitely.
Right, Gregor?
- Definitely.
But, nonetheless,
we can't afford to pay that much in rent.
You know, we -
We were thinking of-
How much was it we were thinking?
-217.
- Yes.
217 marks.
Maybe, just possibly, 250.
We could just about afford that,
although -
although that would be
very difficult for us.
- Yes, very difficult.
- Look.
I can't possibly reduce the price.
It has been worked out, and -
Yes, we did some working out too.
- Yes.
- Certainly.
But, well, I mean...
I have the upper hand.
- What?
- Well, he has the upper hand.
The upper one.
- Oh, yes?
Well, then...
Then“.
You don't think that you can
do something pricewise?
I mean, can't you make us a better price?
Unfortunately, no, but -
You know how it is
when it's all worked out.
Yes, then -
Yes, then we'll have to be going now.
- Yes.
- Good-bye.
- Best of luck to you.
- Thanks.
- Good-bye.
Well, I mean,
251 might be...
Ah, just one mark.
- A trifle.
- Let's leave it at that.
- That's nothing to you. Thank you.
What a shame.
- That would've been a lovely apartment.
- Yes, very lovely.
We'll go back in
and have a good chat with him.
We'll manage it. We'll manage it.
All because people can't pay attention.
Oh, well, it all came out all right.
- But it was very close.
Horrible.
Because they just drive around
without looking.
He drives around in his pimpmobile.
And the children?
Anything could happen.
Listen, maybe we should plan
on paying more rent after all.
And then scrimp on everything else?
Count every penny?
No schnapps, no coffee, no cigarettes.
That sure gave me a scare.
We'd have to be pretty dumb.
We should get nothing from life
and spend money to make life easy
for other people? No.
Then we'd really be out of our minds.
- You're probably right.
- Certainly.
Of course I'm right.
Just look at that.
The children have to play in the road.
Yes, that's how this area is.
Look. What's going on there?
Miss.
Can you tell me what's going on here?
The books are being removed.
- Now, that's interesting.
- Yes, this was a city library.
The sign's still up.
But it is no more as of today.
Oh, no. And why not?
Because people don't read.
Nowhere in the city do people read less
than in this neighborhood.
Nothing but uneducated rabble.
Maybe they work too much.
Work?
They're too lazy to read. Too lazy.
And what's moving in here?
Nothing. These people don't deserve
to have anyone bother with them.
Not one bit.
Stately space.
This is a state - a public space, right?
Of course.
Careful!
They're just books.
You hear that?
As if books were just books.
Books are entire -
- Yes, pardon me, miss.
Could we see the space?
- Yes.
Please come in.
- Thank you. Thank you. That'll suffice.
- Yes.
You'll have to excuse me,
or they'll make a mess.
Good-bye. Lots of luck to you.
I beg you
to be more careful with the books.
Those are books. Books are entire -
- Well then, what do you say to that?
- To what?
That would make a great kindergarten.
For Sylvia and the kids out in the street.
Yes, that's true.
I can see that.
There he is.
Jochen! Come here!
- Grandma.
- What is it?
Maybe you're embarrassing him.
He's not embarrassed.
Be honest. You're embarrassed.
Jochen, here.
- What's she want?
- There's always something.
- It'll mean work.
- Could be.
- Hey, little one.
Grandma. Long time no see.
- We saw each other this morning.
- Something happened?
Well, something has kind of happened.
Right, Gregor?
- Depends how you see it.
- How do you see it?
I found a space for a kindergarten.
That's wonder - What did you do?
Yes, there was a library in it.
It's gone now.
I can open my kindergarten there.
Monika told me about her desperate search
and how hard it is to find one.
And this place is ideal.
All the kids from the street can come in.
- You want to open a kindergarten.
See? He's dead keen on the idea.
I knew he would be.
- A kindergarten?
- Sure, a kindergarten. What else?
All the kids will come to it.
It'll be lovely. You'll see.
I can't wait.
CITY LIBRARY
Well?
What do you say?
I'm speechless.
You are too, right?
- Pretty speechless.
- Gregor too.
- Absolutely speechless.
Everyone is speechless.
Kids,
this is the best idea of the century.
Slow it down, Grandma.
Why? Don't you think it's great?
Sure, Grandma.
In and of itself, yes, but...
- I'm certain it's a great thing, but...
- But? But? All I hear are buts.
What's that all about?
- Yes, pretty great. Really pretty great.
This space belongs to someone.
Every space belongs to someone.
- Yes, this one belongs to the city.
- Maybe the city wants to use this space.
Nothing's going in
because nothing comes of it.
Because these people don't deserve
to have anyone do anything for them.
Not one bit.
Well, talk to the city, and if the city
gives you the okay, we'll help you. Right?
- Of course we'll help.
- Fantastic.
We'll get started tomorrow.
- Grandma.
Yes?
Nice and easy now.
- Please go first.
- No, after you.
- No, you.
- No -
- You're the man.
- Yes, I'm a gentleman.
A gentleman? You're a coward.
Come in.
- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.
Yes, it's best if we just sit down.
This is going to take quite a long time.
Come here, Gregor.
Well, the matter
we're here to discuss is...
Gregor.
Don't you want to tell the nice man
why we're here?
No.
You must excuse him.
He's always this way.
I see.
Actually almost always, but no matter.
Right, then I'll have to tell you.
You know Tumb Street?
- Know it? It's in my area of responsibility.
No, you don't need to check. We asked.
Thank you.
You're welcome - Thank you.
I mean, no need to thank me.
Now, there was a city library
there in Tumb Street.
What?
A city library. There was one there.
It was shut down yesterday.
- You're very well informed.
Yes, that we are, Mr. -
- Meier.
- Mr. Meier. That we are.
And now I want to ask my question,
if I may.
What's going into that space? Well?
Well?
- I ...
You see? You don't know. But we do know.
- What's going into that space?
- What do you think? Take a guess.
It's...
I have no idea.
- Because nothings going in there.
Nothing, Mr. Meier.
And that's scandalous, simply scandalous.
The poor children there.
Packed kindergartens.
Where are they to play?
They play on the busy roads.
It's dangerous.
And the best spaces are empty.
- How dare you talk to me this way?
- It's what you deserve, Mr. -
- Meier.
It's just what you deserve.
You could give it a bit of thought
yourself.
That wouldn't do any harm at all.
Now I'll tell you something.
Keep your nose out of things
that don't concern you!
If the space stays empty,
the city knows why.
And no kindergarten's going in there.
We have enough kindergartens.
Catholic, Protestant, Workers' Welfare.
The list goes on and on.
The city knows what it's doing. Good-bye.
Was that your last word?
Very well, then we have no business here.
Come along, Gregor.
Come on.
“On and on”!
- Amazing they approved this so easily.
- Well, it wasn't all that easy.
On the contrary.
It was pretty arduous. Right, Gregor?
Yes, pretty arduous indeed.
All that matters is that they approved it.
They'd leave a place like this vacant.
Yes, they do stuff like that.
A shortage of housing on the one hand
and vacant buildings on the other.
That's just how it is.
How late is it now?
Half past midnight.
Aren't you tired?
- Tired?
Not in the least.
Or are you tired?
- Not in the least.
Quiet. Please.
A silent hammer has yet to be invented.
No, I just mean be more careful.
Would you come with me a sec?
Who? Me?
Who else?
Yes. Why?
You'll find out soon enough.
- Grandma.
- Yes?
- Now be completely honest.
- Yes.
You don't have approval, do you?
- Yes, well...
- Well?
I'm listening.
They haven't explicitly forbidden it.
Oh, boy. This could be interesting.
- You're not going to stop working now?
- No, Grandma.
We'll keep working. You can count on us.
- You know what?
- No.
Grandma doesn't have
any kind of approval.
Oh, boy. Then we'd best stay out of it.
I told him.
- Voluntarily?
- Pretty much.
Actually -
I don't mean to butt in,
but the city should really pay for this.
Right, Grandma?
Yes, perhaps.
Perhaps they'll do that eventually. Right?
Yes, perhaps. Anything's possible.
Not bad.
It drove past.
Well, well. That was a close call.
Why is that? Do you know something?
We all suspected
something wasn't quite right.
Doing up a kindergarten at night?
And you kept on working despite that?
We're done.
Actually looks pretty good.
Yeah, it looks pretty good.
It's sweet how they're sleeping. Look.
Grandma is really happy.
But the trouble
is only just about to start.
Come on. Let them sleep.
Gregor.
Gregor.
- What is it?
Wake up.
Everything's finished.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Just look at it.
Wow.
It's all finished.
- And we slept.
- Yes, I didn't want to fall asleep, but...
- No matter.
Yes, it's all turned out pretty nice.
“Pretty nice”?
It's very nice. Very nice.
Yes, but there's something missing.
Somethings missing.
Missing?
Yes, you're right.
But what exactly?
No idea. I mean, everything's grand.
It's grand as can be, but...
Yes. How odd.
I've got it. The children.
The children
who should be running around here.
It should be teeming with them.
- Yes, the children.
I had forgotten all about the children.
Come here.
Right.
Now you go over there, and I'll stay here.
Okay.
Or you go over there, and I'll stay here.
Gregor.
Right then. I'll go.
Children.
There's a kindergarten over there.
I'm telling you, it's terrific.
Do you want to come along?
It's interesting.
Yes? Come along then.
Do you want to come and look?
It's great, I'm telling you.
Are you going to come?
You can really do as you please there.
It doesn't matter.
Either you go play over there or here.
Oh, gosh, children just go and -
Come along for a second.
Go on, don't be scared. Come on now.
Go on over there
and stop picking your nose.
Go on over and have a look.
Everyone go on over there.
Very nice. Good.
But - Yeah, well -
This is unbelievable. So very nice.
Yes, and - What am I supposed to do?
Oh, my.
One's coming.
There were no plans
to open a kindergarten here.
On the contrary.
We already submitted a petition.
We have yet to receive an answer.
- And now all the kids are inside?
- Every single one. The whole street is dead.
I saw them here two days ago.
Two old people.
They were looking at books,
and suddenly today...
There's something strange about it.
Are they even allowed to do that -
to just drag the kids in there?
Well, it can only do the kids good.
You can never be sure.
What if they can't deal with children?
A kindergarten just suddenly pops up.
- Aren't you worried about little Susanne?
- Not exactly, but...
Exactly.
You read about what happens to children.
Like what?
Like children getting butchered
and canned.
- Yuck. What wild ideas you come up with.
- No, it's true.
Although I'm happy
somethings happening,
I do have to admit
it gives me an odd feeling too.
I'm not entirely sure
what's going on there either.
Perhaps - Perhaps we should...
- Exactly.
We'll just go have a look at it.
We can still tell them no.
And...
we still have the police, thank God.
- Why the police? Maybe everything's fine.
- Maybe.
But only maybe.
Right.
Now then,
I'm Grandma, and this here is Gregor.
Hello.
Hello. We -
We wanted to come have a look
to see what's going on here.
Just a look.
Yes, of course.
You have every right to do that.
Well, Gregor and I would have come out
to introduce ourselves anyway.
But we wanted
to get to know the kids first.
Yes, I see.
What is this here?
Is it a real kindergarten, or what?
Yes.
What is it exactly?
It's not actually anything official,
but...
We did go to the effort to go to the city.
But the city didn't go to any effort.
It has no real interest in it.
But it is allowing it.
So it's not official?
- Well, as a matter of fact, not exactly.
- No.
Who cares if the city has no interest
in doing anything?
Yes, they'd rather see our kids under cars
than safe inside.
- Then... Then I'm behind it.
- Yes.
- That's what we thought. Right, Gregor?
- Yes, I'd say so.
If the city won't do it,
then you have to do it yourself.
Someone should've done it already.
Do it yourself.
You can't rely on the city.
Exactly.
It happened like this.
I have a little granddaughter, Sylvia.
And we looked and looked for her,
but no kindergarten had a place.
Yes, and then I saw this space
and thought I'd give it a shot.
Well, I'll definitely bring Susanne
by tomorrow - if she likes it here.
Oh, yes. Thank you.
Thanks.
Grandma, dinner's on the table.
Yes, I just have to make
a quick phone call.
She's really got the bug.
Yes, the address is 12 Tumb Street.
And we open up at 7:30 a.m.
Who are you talking to?
With my grandmother.
It's just my grandmother.
All right, 12 Tumb Street,
starting at 7:30.
Okay, take care, Grandma. Bye.
What does she want?
Just to talk.
Some people like to talk sometimes.
All right then.
I'm done on the phone, if that's okay.
- Enjoy.
- Enjoy.
Don't talk nonsense.
You do what you want anyway.
So how was your first day?
Pretty exhausting.
Children ask so many questions.
They want to know so many things.
- They're children.
- Yes, children.
Yes, just another one of those things.
Pardon me?
The kindergarten idea. It's just foolish.
- Why is it foolish?
- Making a fool of yourself out of charity.
I'm not making a fool of myself, Wolf.
I have fun doing it.
And, besides,
it'll all pay off in the end.
- At the pearly gates.
- No.
In due time, believe me.
And it's against the law.
You can't just move in anywhere you like
just because the idea came to you.
Grandma's right.
Anyone who does something
is always right.
The young and the old.
They always know everything better.
People like us are stuck in between.
I go to work every day.
I know how things are.
But you don't have a clue, not a clue.
Good God, Wolf.
Let Grandma do what she likes
and Jochen think what he wants.
My opinion goes in my house
and no one else's.
That's why everyone wants to leave it.
That's exactly why.
- You've had it pretty good till now, right?
- Yes, well...
Depends how you look at it, Wolf.
It depends.
Ingratitude is all you can expect.
Ingratitude, nothing else.
I'm taking you to Grandma.
I want to have some time to myself.
- I get that.
- She opened a kindergarten.
- A real kindergarten?
- Well, almost a real one.
But you're not allowed to tell Dad about it
because he's opposed to it.
Why's that?
- He doesn't understand a lot of things.
- But he's an adult.
Adults aren't always cleverer than kids.
Sometimes they're much duller. You see?
So you won't tell him
that you were with Grandma or anything?
No, Mama, I won't say anything.
For certain.
Monika.
It looks like a real kindergarten.
Yes, what did you expect?
Come on!
Sylvia.
Goodness me, you're heavy.
- Does this all belong to you?
- No.
It belongs to everyone -
everyone who can get something out of it.
Look here.
This is Manni.
He's Marion's little brother.
- You're very pretty.
- You too.
- Boys aren't pretty.
- But you are pretty.
Those two.
I'm going. I'll be back around 5:00. Bye.
Gregor is studying up on child rearing.
I don't think much of it.
It's just theory.
But he's set on it.
- Let him do what he enjoys.
Of course. Learning never harmed anyone.
But thinking is better.
- Bye, Sylvia.
- Bye, Mama.
You sure are pretty.
Being in a relationship with someone
who you always
have to keep secrets from...
You'd get fed up with that eventually too.
- I couldn't do it, not even for a day.
Why be with someone
if there's no trust or anything?
You never know beforehand
how it'll be later.
At first, everything is peachy.
Everything works.
Both sides are understanding and all.
But, later, everything's shit.
Did something happen?
I mean, something in particular.
Nothing in particular. It's more of
a fundamental feeling, you know?
Could I get another sausage, please?
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
That's your third.
That's what they say -
dissatisfied women eat more.
So they say.
I never want to get to that point.
You know,
I understand you so well.
Sooner or later, it'll stop.
- It's great.
- It makes me look a bit short.
- No, it's slimming.
- Slimmer.
- How can a hat be slimming?
- It just is.
You simply have to believe in it.
Honestly,
it really doesn't make you look shorter.
- Well... 95.50, right?
- An extremely good price.
Okay, I'll take it.
What I'd really like to do
is get a whole new outfit.
- Then do it.
- Sure, then I'll have to deal with the scene.
Although...
95.50.
Here.
Don't wrap it up. I'll put it right on.
- As you wish.
Is that good?
- Right. Now I'm feeling much better.
- You see? Life's little pleasures.
And this evening,
I'll just say that I bought a hat.
“If you object, I'll turn you upside down.”
- Upside down.
Imagine Harald upside down.
No, that's too funny.
Your daughter isn't eating.
If she does something wrong,
she's my daughter.
Say what you want, she's not eating.
Eat, Sylvia. Please.
I don't like spinach.
- You eat what's on your plate.
- Kiss my ass.
- Leave the room right now.
- Do as your father says.
- Where did she get that?
- Kids hear such things.
- Only if they mix with a bad crowd.
- She was with Grandma.
- What does that mean?
- In the kindergarten Grandma opened.
And I think it did her good.
- It's good to learn such phrases?
- The world won't go to ruin.
But it'll ruin my daughter.
Don't be silly.
Kids learn such things eventually.
Yes, eventually. I want my daughter
to learn such things later, much later.
And I bought myself a hat - for 95.50.
You bought yourself a hat?
For 95.50?
Why did you do that? Why?
Why do you buy hats?
I don't buy hats, Harald.
I bought one hat.
And I bought it because I fancied it.
- Do you understand that?
- No, I don't understand.
I slave away at work all day long
so you can buy hats.
I want to work. You just have to let me.
Then I can buy things for myself.
It's the simplest solution.
I buy you what you need,
and that means I determine what you need.
That's how it is here,
and that's how it'll stay.
- Four, five...
- That's right.
Very good.
Eight, nine...
Good.
So?
It's still available
and he'd love to give it to us,
but he won't reduce the rent.
- The swine.
- He has his principles.
Once he has his mind set,
he doesn't waver.
He's not the only person like that.
I suppose it's me you mean, right?
I didn't want to be so blunt. But still...
Yes, yes, I get the picture.
The difference is,
all I have is my mind, nothing else.
But the landlord, he has his accounting.
He has a ca - calculation. Yes.
He has two mortgages, repayments,
interest, property tax,
sewer clean-out, annuities.
Do you know what annuities are?
- No. Do you know what they are?
- No I don't, but he does.
And that's why he's made a principle
out of his shitty 320 marks.
My calculation is only in my head,
and I know I can't afford any more.
That's it. It's over. Good night.
Now the time has come.
It took pretty long as it was.
- What's that?
Look outside.
Are you Mrs. Kruger?
Yes, sir. That's me.
And I'm Mr. Mack. Like “macaroni.”
Gregor.
- That's right. Mack, Gregor.
It's time to shut all of this down.
Right, children, it's time to go home now.
Off you go. Chop-chop.
But we didn't do anything wrong.
We just...
- That's what everyone says. Everyone.
“We didn't do anything wrong. We just...”
We've heard that before.
- But we really just...
- Yeah, right. Let's go.
May we perhaps go get our things quickly?
Go on.
It's a strange feeling being arrested.
Oh, Well.
Do you feel your heart
knocking in your chest?
I feel the knock, but I'm not opening up.
Have no fear.
I'm here. Nothing can happen.
Move it, kids.
We don't have time to waste.
How big is the apartment really?
Actually, it's not an apartment.
It's more of a room.
I wanted to put it
under “Furnished Rooms.”
You said, “No. 'Apartments?'
Now I ask you how big it is,
and you say it's a room.
It's in between.
It is a room, but with shared use
of the entire apartment.
My mother always did it that way.
Balcony included.
- A furnished room with shared balcony.
- Yes, that's fine.
- Please pay at the cash register.
- Thanks. Good-bye.
Good-bye.
I'm a bit unworldly, if you understand.
- I understand very well. Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- Yes, then...
Then I'll go. Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- You can't write that.
- Of course not. Let me deal with it.
5.20.
Thank you.
Then she broke into the place at night.
“Broke in”?
She had to get in somehow, right?
They left the door unlocked.
It's not a break-in.
They didn't care about the space.
- If you don't own it, it's a break-in.
- You're nuts.
- Or anyone could enter anywhere.
People must have a right to what they own.
Grandma doesn't want to make a profit.
She's using a space
for something that's needed.
She's being sensible.
- Says you. And she's not your grandma.
- You're jealous.
- Of a grandma? That'll be the day.
You are. You don't have one.
- It'll fail.
- Never.
- Bet?
- That's what Jews do for money.
Trust me.
- What are you doing here?
- The police arrested Grandma and Gregor.
Arrested?
Yes.
They arrested them and took them away.
Please. Who's smarter now, you or me?
- Is what you're saying true?
- Of course it is.
- If that's true - If that's true, then -
- Then what?
Do Grandma and Gregor
have to go to jail?
Yes. Then they can't cause trouble.
- Know what I'll do?
- No, but I'm sure you'll tell me.
Oh, no, I certainly won't.
I'm going to do it, and I'll do it right now.
Marion.
Your sister has got a screw loose.
- How's that?
- You wouldn't understand.
Look, I have to talk to you.
My boyfriend's grandma is a lot of fun.
Since Monika's daughter
had no place to go either,
she opened a kindergarten
in a closed-down library.
They didn't care about the space.
She converted it, and kids from the area
went there as there's nowhere else.
Today the police came
and arrested Grandma and Gregor
and shut the place down.
I mean, they can't just do that, can they?
Am I not dressed properly?
- What street is it on?
Tumb Street.
Please get me the police station
responsible for Tumb Street.
Okay. Thank you.
Yes. The Gazette.
Hello.
This is about two old people who opened
a kindergarten on Tumb Street.
Yes, they're here right now.
But they can leave in a second anyway.
Yes.
Stop!
- But you said we could leave.
- In a second, I said.
- Yes, we waited a second.
- In a second, not now.
- It's just a second.
- A second isn't now...
You'll have to contact the city hall.
My only task is to take statements.
You're welcome. No thanks necessary.
The press.
I told you it was of public interest.
Yes, she did say that. Honestly.
Now sign here.
- Yes.
- Sign it? Why do we have to sign it?
- Because they're your statements.
- Ours?
Let me read it.
- After you.
I have to read it first.
I can't sign something I don't even know.
There.
You said that?
Why are you laughing like that?
Don't you ever find
your own choice of words funny?
Now, if I may ask you...
- Yes.
- You may ask, yes.
- Well, it's right. It's right.
- All right then.
Give that here. Okay.
- Right. And now you can go.
- It's about time.
See you.
- See you.
Not for a long time, I hope.
You see? They cook with water too.
Yes, but the water got pretty darn hot.
What do you mean? Were you scared?
- You weren't?
- Yes, I was a bit, to be honest.
Have a nice day.
Now that the press has chimed in...
That had to be Marion, right?
- Definitely. That was typical Marion.
If the press sticks by us,
it'll all go well.
If we stick by the press,
the press will stick by us.
- The article he's written is pretty bad.
- Yeah.
In keeping with the city's story.
- They're right.
You can't just move in like that.
Then anyone could.
She didn't move in, and there was a need.
A need? What does that mean?
The city knows about needs.
No, it has no clue at all.
Or it wouldn't have been necessary.
It wasn't necessary.
Just look,
things are going just as well without it.
I wouldn't be so sure if I were you.
That paper.
You didn't imagine it that way either, huh?
Not what it used to be.
But...
- Grandma?
- Gregor?
- You don't have a new idea, do you?
- I do.
- Oh, my goodness me.
Who can I turn to?
Well, you can turn to me. Trust me.
Nothing can go wrong.
- Well, wrong is the worst it can go.
- Wait, it's hot.
- I didn't want that.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
- As good as ever, eh?
- Yes, very good. Like you.
- Right. I mean...
- Not so great.
I think it's terrible.
They have enough police
to crack down on kids and old people.
I saw it myself.
Degrading, really degrading.
By the way,
Mrs. Kruger called me this morning.
- Mrs. Kruger? Who's that?
- Mrs. Kruger is Grandma.
And Grandma is Mrs. Kruger.
And what did she say?
She said we shouldn't give up that easily.
What does she mean?
Now that the state has stepped in...
-“lt's far from over,” she said.
- Did she?
- Yes, that it's far from over.
- And?
And? Well, I think that she's right.
- And do you already have an idea how?
- I have.
My husband Max founded
a small-animal breeding association.
- Really?
- He did. He has such ideas now and then.
- Lucky you.
- It doesn't bother me.
But I think
it's the solution to our problem.
- The solution?
- How are small animals the solution?
Because, and Mrs. Kruger agrees,
the only chance we have
is to join forces in order to gain clout.
And you do that
by founding an association.
Another one?
- Nothing comes of nothing, as we saw.
- You're right there.
Look, it'll be easy.
We take the breeding association statutes
and replace “rabbits” with “children.”
Replace “rabbits” with “children.”
Sounds plausible, right?
And Mrs. Kruger,
that is Grandma and Gregor,
want the Mattes's place,
number 12, second floor.
But it costs too much.
- How much?
-320, but it's too much for an old couple.
- What can we do about that?
Grandma said something
I have to agree with.
If we, as an association, can get the city
to approve the founding of the kindergarten
and get city funding,
they'll both get a salary
and will be able to afford it.
Yes, that idea
is most definitely one I can support.
- I agree.
- So does everyone.
I'm not so sure about that.
The city may say they're fools
who are just out for themselves.
- You think?
- Yes, I do.
Yes, but when we send our kids
to kindergarten, we pay too.
Yes, but the city collects that money
for the space.
Besides, they'll surely stick in
a state-accredited preschool teacher.
No, no.
I'm convinced we'll have to really fight.
If I may get a word in edgewise.
You keep speaking about it
as if it's really possible.
I mean, whether the city will give way
at all is totally up in the air,
even if we have an association.
Yes, but then -
and I'm sure this will come to pass -
Grandma has come up with a grand idea.
Yes, I'd like to speak
to the local news office.
With whom? Well, the editor-in-chief.
No.
No, not the editor-in-chief,
the chief editor
from the - from the local office.
What nonsense.
No, I wasn't talking to you.
Yes, yes. We -
- Listen to you stuttering.
Hello?
We have a message. Hello? Hello?
The asshole hung up.
No, she's just connecting us.
Hello, yes. Here's what happened.
Somethings going to happen
tomorrow at 10:00.
- You have to say what.
- Yes, yes - Leave me be.
No, I don't mean you.
Something will happen
at the city hall at 10:00.
What?
He wants to know what. What should I say?
I mean, absolutely no clue at all.
No, I don't mean you.
Listen, tomorrow there's going to be a -
A demonstration, that's right. Got that?
Bye.
- You can't say “Bye.”
- Over.
- Bye. Over.
- Getting on with you is impossible.
- What about you?
- Everyone gets on with me.
- You always have to have the last word.
- What? That's not true.
- There you go again.
Well...
CITY HALL
HOUSING OFFICE
CITY INSPECTOR
This is scandalous. It's scandalous.
All thanks to those crazy old people.
They're crazy. Crazy.
I said that right off.
It's really hard to push through to you.
May I sit next to you for a moment?
Would you explain this demonstration
to our listeners?
We want to draw attention
to an unacceptable situation.
A whole neighborhood
is suffering from a lack of kindergartens,
so we took action
and founded an association.
Yes, and all we did
was replace “rabbits” with “children.”
- Yes, we replaced them with children.
- Thanks for that.
Yes, I mean, what should we do?
They're already giving interviews.
It's taking on... proportions.
- Is playing here fun?
- Yes, I'm having fun.
Right then, keep on playing.
Certainly.
Yes, of course.
Yes.
We're to give them
their kindergarten back.
Orders from the top.
I'll bring them in.
- So how is it? ls playing here fun?
- Of course.
Yes. As you can see.
It's the most fun in the world.
You keep going on about that.
- It's... It's fun.
- I believe that.
Ladies and gentlemen,
it looks like a solution is in the offing.
Mrs. Muller
from the kindergarten association
and the two old folks were asked in.
Let's wait to see what happens.
You can reopen your kindergarten.
You got that.
We never wanted anything else.
We felt that was right from the start.
Fine, call it what you wish.
However, it'll be on one condition.
It will all be made official
and be supervised by Youth Welfare.
And a state-accredited educator
will run it.
That's good. It'll ease our workload.
That's very good.
You know, the kids really are a handful.
And Grandma and Gregor get salaries.
Out. You can take things too far.
Calm down, young man.
You live longer if you keep calm.
Always stay nice and calm, okay?
Could you please tell our listeners
how it turned out.
What did you achieve?
- The city's giving us back the kindergarten.
Victory, then.
How does it feel to leave victorious?
Good.
We think it is just and proper.
I think it's good
the city came to its senses.
- Are city decisions always sensible?
- Hey. You.
Me? No, they're not always sensible.
But, as you see,
we can help the city down the right path.
So you're happy-
- Thank you so much.
- Yes, good-bye.
See, Grandma always accomplishes
what she sets her mind to.
- That was courageous of you.
- Courageous?
- It could've failed.
- You think?
- Yes, miserably.
- I never would have thought that.
Your grandma gets
what she sets her mind to.
Of course, she is my grandma.
Hey.
Do you know what I'm going to do now?
No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me.
True. I am about to tell you.
I'm going to tell the supervisor
I want to train as a foreman.
I'm going to apply to be foreman.
Is that good?
- Good?
It's great.
Okay. I'm going to go then.
Then go.
Yeah.
Then I'm going to get going.
Go.
All the things a grandma's good for.
So...
I want to be completely honest.
Even if you had
a qualification as a foreman...
Management wants to fill the foreman
position with someone outside the company.
Management has had better experiences
doing that, so they say.
Yes, and...
I must agree with that.
Well, then.
Then I may as well go.
Don't let this bother you. You earn well.
It's not so bad
if things stay as they are.
And? I already told the others.
They've had better experiences
with foremen from the outside.
How is that?
If someone is internal and is trained
for it, then that's definitely better.
Or am I a total idiot?
Things are as they are.
You can't change them.
Yes, and then the sofa will go here.
Yes. And a painting over there.
Yes.
One of the Alps and a lake, a sunset.
- A bit kitschy.
- Yes, I'm into that right now.
And carpet here.
With lots of ashtrays on it,
so you don't go burning holes in it.
Oh, no. I love you so much.
- I love you too.
- Certainly.
But aren't we a little bit too old
for all of this?
I think people are looking.
The apartment will be really lovely.
And we'll make the few years we have left
really lovely too.
The few years?
Listen, we're going to get old.
We'll be as old as the hills.
- We've had it so good this entire time.
I mean, it's almost embarrassing.
We'll have enough trouble.
It'll be a long time before I slow down.
You're right there.
Not you. That's for sure.
GRANDMA AND GREGOR
EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY
A FAMILY SERIES FROM WDR
“Eight Hours Don't Make a Day” was shot
in 1:1.37 format for WDR TV
between April and August 1972.
Digital restoration
and color timing of the film
was made by scanning the preserved
16-mm original reversal film in 2k resolution
and digitizing
the 16-mm original-mix audio tapes.