Eight Hours Don't Make a Day (1972–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - Franz und Ernst - full transcript
EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY
A FAMILY SERIES
FRANZ AND ERNST
Cheers.
Now tell us what he said.
He said he wanted to be completely honest.
“Completely honest,” he said.
Even if I had a foreman's certificate,
management wants to fill the position
with someone from the outside, he said.
They've had better experiences doing that,
he said.
He feels the same.
- He's nuts, I'd say.
- And he can't decide that? Or what?
What do you mean by “decide”?
Of course he can't decide.
He's just implementing
a directive from above, he said.
Shit that is. Right?
Franz good foreman. Definitely.
Forget it. It's all right.
It'll be the right way.
- What do you mean “the right way”?
Giving up
because of the bullshit he tells you?
What do you mean “bullshit”?
He knows the score.
- We know the score too.
- We sure do. I think the same.
He does know the score.
That's clear.
But all he knows
is what they think up top.
He has no clue what we want.
- None at all.
Exactly.
But that means
we have to let him know what we want.
So it's that easy?
You guys really live on the moon.
No one said it'd be easy.
All we're saying
is that we have an opinion.
If someone doesn't know it,
then we have to let them know about it.
That's it.
- I don't know.
Soon I won't believe in anything.
- We'll see.
In any case, keep attending the course.
- If you say so.
-lt'd be silly not to.
- Be careful you aren't making a mistake.
- To err is human.
Cheers.
Seven glasses of Kölsch!
A bit quiet here, huh?
What do you mean “quiet”?
Just quiet.
Here, in the apartment.
It's nice that it's quiet
when you come home from work.
I don't know.
You'll just have to get used to it.
Our distinguished son!
He's home already.
What? Do I have set times to be home?
Don't be sassy.
Your mother has to keep your food warm.
- Then let her complain.
- She's too meek to do that.
As if you had a clue.
Good evening.
- Same to you.
So tell me, Dad says...
keeping food warm for me
is hard work for you.
That's not true in the least.
Any chance you get
to stab me in the back.
It's really not hard
to keep that bit of food warm, Wolf.
If you want to sabotage my parenting,
fine, he's your son.
And I am very pleased with him.
You're undermining my authority.
Honestly? Well, I'm sorry about that.
No, really.
We could basically get rid of our phone.
All we get are calls for your son.
And I pay the bill every month.
Well, Grandma?
I'll come in half an hour or so.
What did you cook?
Oh, stuffed cabbage rolls.
No, Grandma, I'm looking forward to it.
See you soon, okay?
Grandma just invited me over for dinner.
I'd best go now.
What did I say?
You'll eat what's on your plate too.
I made cabbage rolls especially for you.
Everything that happens around here
happens just for you!
Your son gets to eat standing up.
- Well, if he's in a rush.
- Just look at that upbringing.
- Bye.
- You only want people here to quarrel with.
- Come off it.
It's why you get so mad
when no one's here.
Yeah, yeah.
It's true.
I can't eat another bite.
Why's that? You've only eaten one.
I made you two, and you'll eat two.
They taste really good.
Anyhow...
- What do you think is in them?
Onions and bacon and...
Why do you look so pained?
Go ahead and dig right in. I have more.
Thanks, Grandma.
That's really sweet of you.
But I really am full now.
Right.
What do you want?
Why should I want something?
You did make cabbage rolls
especially for me.
You must want something.
It's really mean of you
to think that of me.
Gregor, am I like that?
I'm not that scheming.
- Yes, you are.
- Gregor.
Yes, but scheming in a very lovable way.
- Stabbing me in the back.
- Well?
Well? Well...
Well... Do you want another schnapps?
- No, Grandma, I don't.
I want to know what you're up to.
- Fine.
Then take a look at the doors,
the windows, and the border.
Grandma, Grandma...
I don't see anything.
Everything's tip-top.
- Hey, now.
A blind man can see
they need a fresh coat of paint.
A blind man
with wooden glasses can see that.
Well, in that case...
I'm off to Marion's.
I bet she made cabbage rolls too.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Guess what I made especially for you -
cabbage rolls.
No.
No.
No!No!No!
Time to eat now.
Making your cabbage rolls is hard work.
- Mine?
- Didn't you say it was your favorite dish?
That's over. I'll never eat them again.
Never again.
- Calm down.
- Maybe he's gone soft.
- What?
- In the head.
- In the head?
- Who knows?
- Okay, I'll eat your cabbage rolls.
- No one's forcing you to eat them.
- I want to eat them.
I'll eat them
till they come out of my ears.
Out of my ears. You got that?
- Yes, yes.
- They're hiring a foreman from outside.
- And Franz?
Yes, he was pretty dejected about it.
But we cheered him up.
But why from the outside?
Someone internal will know a lot more.
Apparently,
management has had experience.
That's pretty rough for Franz.
First he takes the stupid classes
and then that ship sails on him.
That ship hasn't sailed yet.
He's still got us.
We'll let them know what we think.
I can't wait to see how they react.
Right.
That's it.
I can't eat another bite.
Bringing in an outsider -
can they even do that?
He won't know the place at all,
to start with.
We'll see if they can do that.
Jochen.
- Yes?
- I'll go to bed for 50 pfennig.
We're not making any deals today.
I ate too much for that.
It's no laughing matter.
In the course of the evening, I've eaten...
seven cabbage rolls.
Your brother can stay put
because nothing worth 50 pfennig
is going to happen.
Then I'll just go.
As if I have to depend on you.
I simply explained the facts
to Mr. Miltenberger.
Management wants to fill the foreman's
position with someone from the outside.
That has proven beneficial elsewhere.
We have trained psychologists on this.
They are absolutely incorruptible.
As I'm sure you know.
Yes, those are the facts.
I can't tell you any more than that.
But the workforce greatly desires
Mr. Miltenberger to be the foreman.
Mr. Miltenberger
isn't even qualified to be a foreman.
He's about to take his foreman's exam.
That exam must first be passed,
as I'm sure you know.
Then let's assume he passes the exam.
But that's by no means guaranteed.
By no means.
Let's just assume.
What would the situation be then?
- It's just a question.
- We can still ask questions.
Of course you can ask questions.
Workers who think for themselves.
What more could one hope for?
One gets the feeling
you do hope for something more.
Now then, how would things stand
if Mr. Miltenberger got his certificate?
Then the situation would be different.
But still, management's precept that -
- What exactly is a precept?
- It is a specified policy or a -
- Okay, and beyond that?
There's a specified policy to hire
outside people to fill upper-level posts.
We very much desire
Mr. Miltenberger to be the foreman.
If you get what I mean.
All right, then...
If Mr. Miltenberger passes his exam,
count on me
putting in a good word for him.
And...
we will wait and see if he passes.
Thanks.
Personnel office, please.
- And?
- The chances are looking pretty good.
He'll put in a word for you
and see if you pass the exam.
And do you think he means what he says?
I believe he's shitting his pants,
if I'm not entirely mistaken.
We can pressure him
into meaning what he says.
Right?
I hope you're right.
I'm just asking if you can place the ad
with a box number
and not the company name.
Not possible?
All right, that's fine too.
Of course, they're pretty lonely
now that Grandma's gone.
They'll get used to it.
- You don't know my dad. He needs action.
It makes him sick
when no one's around to annoy him.
That's Jochen.
- Where were you?
- Playing soccer.
Wait. Read this.
I marked something for you.
-“Market-leading company”...
- Heavy stuff, man.
Ain't that the truth. What a bastard.
- He agreed that they'd wait, right?
- Of course. Of course he agreed.
Should we let Franz -
- It could crush him.
But if he learns about it later,
then it might give him a shock.
Really tough call.
Tell him and he may quit now. If he learns
later, he may be mad we didn't tell him.
- Maybe they won't find anyone.
- The wish is father to the thought.
That jerk says
he'll wait till after Franz's exam,
then places an ad for a foreman
the same day.
We have to tell Franz, don't we?
- Of course you have to. That's clear.
- It's not though.
- But he has to know where he stands.
I agree.
We can't let him hold on to false hope.
What do you mean false hope?
What'll we do if he quits?
- You can't let him quit.
- That's easy for you to say.
You know him better.
Think of something. I'll be right back.
- Hey.
- Hey, what?
How are you?
All right.
Are you happy?
What is happiness?
It's when...
I don't know. I'm not happy.
Me neither.
Is everything okay with your husband?
Harald is the way he is.
There are lots of things
I didn't know beforehand.
You get used to things.
No. No, you don't.
And I definitely don't.
What are you going to do?
Wait.
First I'm going to wait a bit, and then -
- Then?
- I don't know.
- Oh, well.
And you?
Are you still sad?
Should I be?
Yes, I'm still sad.
I'm very fond of you.
- Well?
- Okay.
We'll tell him.
- I'll come.
- I'll drive you. Get the paper.
- Oh, yeah.
- Come on. I'll drive you home.
- Okay.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Hello.
- Jochen? What do you want?
- Oh, I - I just wanted to stop by.
- That's a lie. Somethings up.
But come and sit down first.
- This is Marion.
- I think we've seen each other before.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Would you like a coffee or tea?
- Thanks, but we'll be going again soon.
- So, what is it?
- Well...
Oh, well. You're a sensible guy.
Well.
Then I can pack it in.
That's just what you shouldn't do.
We're showing you this so you know
what we're up against, not so you give up.
We'll confront the supervisor on Monday.
And if the worse comes to the worst...
we have ways and means.
So you think the others will join in
for my sake?
Not for your sake, for our sake.
Maybe you're right.
Maybe I should say, “Now for sure”...
and see what comes of it.
We'll be going then.
Right on.
- Oh.
- Yes?
Leave the paper here for me.
I'll hang it over the mirror
so that I don't lose steam.
- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
Do you think it's worth it -
always fighting and fighting?
If we win.
Sure.
All right, who's going?
Let's draw lots.
Drawing lots is childish.
Who doesn't want to go?
- Me.
Well, well.
And you?
- Not really.
All right, then.
Giuseppe?
- I don't mind.
But it won't do any good.
- Someone finally speaks the truth.
- Shut up.
You shut up.
You're to go to Inspection.
- Me?
- Of course. Or am I looking elsewhere?
Asking is no crime.
All right.
Then let's go.
- Okay.
I'll smash your face in
one of these days.
Yeah? Go on ahead then. I not scared.
That grin of yours will disappear
and so will that stupid head of yours.
- Yes?
- I was told to come.
From Toolmaking. Rolf Schwein.
That's right. Schwein as in “swine.”
Give it here.
Well then, what is this?
I made it. ls something not right with it?
Oh, it's good work.
I see no fault with it.
- Well then.
- Except. . .
- Except?
Except that it isn't right.
- I hear it isn't right, and I think...
- You're to calculate, not think.
And to do it correctly.
The angle was calculated incorrectly.
- Well, l...
Yes?
I didn't calculate it.
The foreman calculated it.
- Which foreman?
- Miltenberger, Franz.
That is most interesting.
Most interesting indeed.
Right, you can go.
I'm telling you, gentlemen,
that ad was an accident.
Purely an accident.
You don't believe me.
That advertisement was placed
before our conversation.
And I tried to cancel it.
Really, but -
Yes?
That is very interesting.
It has been proven without a doubt that
Mr. Miltenberger calculated the angle?
Yes.
Thank you, in any case.
Certainly. That goes without saying.
Well. This is a sad affair.
Mr. Miltenberger incorrectly calculated
an angle for Mr. Schwein.
I repeat, he calculated it incorrectly.
You'll have to admit that someone
who makes mistakes of that kind
is not suited for such a position.
Under no circumstances whatsoever.
I have always been of that opinion.
A worker should remain what he is.
Now you see what it leads to otherwise.
I've really showed enough goodwill.
You have to admit that.
If he were duly qualified,
I would certainly have promoted
Mr. Miltenberger any day.
Sorry, fellas.
It just wasn't meant to be.
Thank you for your help.
- He's pretty down, huh?
- You would be too.
Probably.
Maybe...
Maybe I should've taken the blame.
- Don't take it so hard.
Something else
would've happened eventually.
He has problems with math.
Maybe it's better this way.
We basically made fools of ourselves.
First we run our mouths, then this.
That's ridiculous.
We made a mistake,
and to err is human.
I don't know,
but I wouldn't give up just yet.
- What are you saying?
- I think -
Franz should carry on anyway.
- You can forget it. He's crushed as it is.
Still.
I think it's wrong.
Mathematics.
He can learn it.
- Do you want to talk to him?
- I don't believe in it. It's over.
- I don't know.
You're nuts. You can go too far.
On the other hand,
we could make life hell for the new guy
until Franz passes the exam.
Jochen's right. Giving up is no good.
The way he runs his mouth.
If you're going to go, then please do.
I'll join in.
Later. At the moment, I'm fed up with it.
Me too.
Everyone's fed up right now.
But if you want to try, I'll join in. Later.
You can all kiss my ass.
I don't give a shit who's foreman.
But Still...
Maybe I should've taken the blame.
Shit.
It's a constant to-and-fro.
Just shows you
how tough our kind have it.
Maybe it's really not enough.
He's no idiot.
Mathematics.
He can learn that.
- If you have to keep begging him...
- I'm not begging. I'm encouraging him.
The fact it's necessary
doesn't have to do with him.
It has to do with the circumstances.
It's not easy for anyone who wants
to rise above the station he's been put in.
He said he wanted to die.
He feels so ashamed, he said.
He's never been so ashamed in his life.
It's no reason to be ashamed.
You don't know him.
He takes everything so seriously.
He takes everything to heart.
That's why we're here.
Look.
We all want to have him as foreman.
- Don't cry. Please.
- He never should've got it in his head.
It's destroying him.
Believe me.
It's completely destroying him.
He was so proud
that everyone was sticking by him.
Now all he feels is ashamed.
He's so hurt.
Where is he?
Over in the bar on the corner.
I don't know.
Maybe you should just forget it all.
Yeah.
No one really knows
what's right and what's wrong.
I think he'll manage it.
Honestly.
Do you really think so?
I'm quite sure. Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
You know what I am?
Of course you do.
A failure is what I am.
“Cobbler, stick to your last.”
I learned that when I was little.
But I had forgotten it.
Now it's come to my mind again.
But that's how it is.
Little guys should stay little.
- But -
- No. I'm right. I am.
I should've known long ago.
I'll never manage it.
My head just doesn't work like it should.
It can't retain everything.
Sometimes
there's just a real wall in there.
It just conks out.
Long ago.
I should've known that long ago.
Well, what don't you understand? Huh?
Mathematics.
Mathematics, that's where it stops.
Another round.
But you can learn that.
If you can't get something into your head,
it can't be learned.
It can only cause despair.
Pretty high-and-mighty words, huh?
Well, I'm in pretty high spirits.
I'm drowning my dreams in drink.
I want to wake up tomorrow
and never think another thought
that exceeds my limits.
Thanks. Cheers.
Cheers.
Aren't you drinking?
No.
I think what you're saying is stupid.
Thanks. That'll be because I am stupid.
You're not stupid. On the contrary.
Oh, yes, I am stupid.
- Not at all.
- Of course I'm stupid.
And I want to stay stupid. Another round.
And anyway,
what's stupid about what I'm saying?
It's not stupid at all.
There's nothing stupid about it.
I'm stupid,
but what I'm saying isn't stupid.
Right. Then you're not stupid.
True.
I'm not.
Somehow that doesn't work out right.
I - I am stupid.
But if I say that I'm stupid,
then I'm not stupid.
That doesn't work out.
And there it is again. I can't work it out.
And since I can't work it out, I'm stupid.
Cheers.
You see?
Now you have to drink two of them at once.
Did you see that?
I did the math.
One and one... makes two.
I did the math correctly.
You see?
And since you -
since you did the math correctly...
you have to go to school.
School? What is that?
School is...
where stupid little kids go
so they leave less stupid
than they were before.
You are drunk.
Tipsy.
No more, no less.
And the thing with school is -
- So I did understand it right.
I should keep going to school.
Of course I'll keep going.
I'll keep going to school
until I can't add one plus one anymore.
That won't take much longer.
Definitely not.
Another round.
And why should I keep going to school?
Because -
Because then you'll have
your foreman's certificate
by the time
we've driven the new foreman away.
That makes sense.
What do you plan on doing?
You guys are crazy.
Cheers.
Do you - Do you think I'm drunk?
No idea.
But I am drunk.
I'm as drunk as a skunk.
And so I will have forgotten everything
we've talked about by tomorrow.
By tomorrow and forever after.
The tab.
I'll pay it all.
And make sure
you don't get the math wrong.
If you get the math wrong,
you're in the wrong.
Blue night
Oh, blue night over the harbor
In the distance, the wind and sea roar
And the ships lie still in slumber
Having journeyed from far, far away
And from a ship's lantern comes a glow
Shining on two lovers
Who cannot find their way home
Then she whispers
"Dearest, I would sail with you
Out to sea come morning”
But he had to sail out on the wide sea
Blue night
Oh, blue night -
I'm home.
Now tell me,
why are you so drunk?
You drank a lot less than I did.
- I'm not drunk at all.
- Yes, you are drunk.
I drank much less.
And just watch
how I can still walk straight.
Watch this.
Did you see that?
I can still walk straight.
Do you think he'll continue?
No idea.
If he hasn't forgotten everything
by tomorrow.
Listen.
Are you as drunk as I am?
I don't know how drunk you are,
but I'm pretty darn wasted.
Boy, I don't wish the head I have
on any of you.
Went a bit overboard, eh?
The way you talked at me the whole time,
I had to.
You did all the talking.
I hope you retained a bit of it.
I retained one thing -
that one and one makes two.
Not bad.
That's got to be worth something, right?
Yes. It's definitely
the beginning of something.
I just don't remember what.
Hey, look.
Good morning, gentlemen.
I'd like to introduce Mr. Friedrich.
Mr. Friedrich is your new foreman.
Hello. I'm happy to be here. I -
I hope we can work well as a team.
As you know,
such people are quite wary at first.
But they'll come round.
Believe me, they'll come round.
Come here.
Huff)'-
There's coffee, cake, and cream.
You're so quiet, Grandma.
ls something wrong?
Something wrong, Grandma?
- You got troubles?
- Just look at yourselves.
There's more paint on your faces
than on the doors and windows.
You plastered your forehead
instead of the holes in the wall.
I'm no - I'm not a professional.
Painters are professionals.
They train for three years first.
- Yeah.
And they cost lots and lots of money.
- They do a lovely job. Like new, right?
- Yes, like new. There's truth to that.
Fine. I'll get painters in
if you're too stupid to do it.
- Yes, I agree. We're too stupid.
- Much too stupid.
If there were a world record for stupidity,
then we would break it.
Well, I had fun. I'll gladly keep going.
For God's sake, you stay put.
Eat your cake.
Honestly, painting the way you lot do.
I can do that too.
Good morning.
Pardon me, but are the threads finished?
- What was that?
- Are the threads already finished?
- Do you know what he means?
- Not a clue.
Do you know what he's talking about?
I don't understand.
He speaks so quietly, don't you think?
Did you at least get the drawing?
Or not?
- No understand.
Drawings, plans. Nothing?
I understand. A package.
No package. Mama sick.
No, but really.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
That'll do. Thank you.
I think you yourselves
know what needs doing, right?
I don't think it's entirely fair.
He has it hard enough.
If we wait until he's settled in,
we won't get anywhere.
Who gives a shit
if things are tough for him, or whatever?
It's a matter of principle, right?
Principle? What's that?
It's when you do something
you've thought over and decided it's right.
Principle.
We'll be the fools in the end anyway.
We have to perform no matter what.
In any case, I'm having fun doing it.
That's just it.
It's just for fun. It won't lead anywhere.
- I don't know.
Why can't having fun get you anywhere?
- It's unfair.
We mock him and he can't get a foothold.
- We don't want him to get a foothold.
That's just what this is about.
I'll say it again.
In the end, we'll be the fools.
He just needs to report us. Then what?
He won't report us.
He's not the type.
He wants to deal with us on his own.
It appeals to him.
- Progress with your foreman?
- It's coming along.
- Pretty young lad.
- A beginner.
- That makes it easier.
- We're discussing it now.
- Franz says it's unfair.
- The boy has no chance.
He's far too green to deal with this.
- That's not our problem.
We want to achieve something,
so all means are justified.
There are far too many unknowns.
We can't even be sure I'll pass the exam.
- Nonsense.
Fine, okay. Let's assume I pass it.
It's still not certain he'll quit.
Even if he does quit,
it's in no way certain they'll hire me.
That's the risk we take.
Those are the risks we take.
What is that - risk?
When you act boldly
yet know you can lose something.
Risk.
Well, I don't feel like losing anything.
They'll sack us for this.
- You think?
- Never.
- Easy for you to say. You're on the outside.
I don”t think they'll do that.
But we could put it to a nice little vote.
Who is for the old plan?
- I'm not allowed to vote, right?
- We have to vote on that first.
- All right.
Who votes for allowing Manfred to vote?
Right. That's a no.
Who's for continuing with the old plan?
Who's against it?
I abstain, but we'll continue.
Fair enough.
Firstly, I can tell you
that I am very satisfied,
all in all.
Thanks.
But the performance of the second group
has dropped off significantly.
You know, the thread mechanism.
I know that group.
I've had enough trouble with them myself.
They get downright outlandish ideas
in their heads.
I don't know, but in this case...
I think I have to take the blame.
- But -
Yes.
I haven't struck the right chord with them
or found the right way of dealing with them.
But I'm certain -
that is, I hope that I'll succeed
in doing that soon enough.
At least -
- Okay, perhaps you're right.
We'll find out soon enough.
I'm eager to see what happens.
- Since you're here...
- Yes?
Order 20 new grindstones.
- What?
- Grindstones.
- I get it. Grindstones.
- Ask for the order number.
Okay.
The new foreman
says to order 20 grindstones.
You look for number.
- What kind?
- He must mean the small ones.
Look at him.
He has an idea.
- That's right.
I have an idea.
Right.
Now go to the front and submit this order.
Say it's from the foreman.
You got that?
- Yes, I got it all.
- What's with the idiotic grin?
- Not idiotic. I had an idea.
- What kind of an idea?
- A good idea. Not idiotic.
- Having troubles?
- I'm all right.
- Pretty tough getting your footing here, eh?
- Yes, you can say that again.
I imagined it completely differently.
- How do you mean?
I g
Whatever.
- Tell me. It really does interest me.
Well, you know, I had these ideas
on how to do some things better.
Like how the workers
relate to their work, for example.
I thought it'd be possible
to develop a kind of trust
between the work groups and the foreman.
But it's a jungle here.
There's no getting anywhere.
Everything's so set in stone,
so impenetrable and -
Maybe none of it is worth it at all.
I don't understand that.
Why shouldn't it be worth it?
The people here
won't let me approach them.
I have no chance to even talk to them.
This one guy keeps coming to me
stirring up hate against the Greek.
That guy should be given the boot.
It can really make you feel miserable,
you know?
It disgusts me so.
And these are people you hope
to create something with, with whom -
Oh, why should I even bother?
There.
Now you're stocked for the next ten years.
- Yes, we like to be prepared.
- No offense.
So, who's responsible for this nonsense?
We won't use that many
in the next five years.
Well?
Maybe one of you gentlemen has an idea.
Yes, well...
Actually,
the order came from your foreman.
He gave the order yesterday.
I mean, we wondered about it too, but...
An order is an order, you know.
We've learned that now.
- Learned what?
To follow orders.
That's what you really want from us.
Or am I mistaken?
And what a foreman orders -
Plus the fact...
I mean, he is your foreman.
Well, then...
After all...
Well, well.
What is it you want?
Pardon me,
but I see it as my duty to tell the truth.
- I'm listening.
- Well, the order.
Jochen told me it wasn't from the foreman.
It was one of the ltalian's nasty tricks.
He concocted it
to get one over on Friedrich.
Interesting.
Indeed.
That is very interesting.
- Come into my office, Mr. Giuliano.
- Me? Why?
Because I'm going to talk to you,
then send you to pick up
your walking papers.
Whoa there.
You need a reason to do that.
Or am I wrong?
No, Mr. Epp, you're not wrong.
But there is reason and a grave one.
Jokes like this one have no place here.
Pardon me,
but am I allowed to know what's going on?
Certainly. You certainly are.
Mr. Giuliano wanted to play a joke on us,
on you in particular.
A very costly joke.
He ordered these grindstones.
So he could blame it on you,
as I've just learned.
I'm sorry, but what you learned is wrong.
The order did come from me. I -
I got the order code number wrong.
I'm sorry about that.
Please come with me.
Out!
By the way, he's not such a bad guy.
Who?
Ffledfich.
Honestly.
His ideas are okay.
What kind of ideas?
Ideas about how to improve
how workers relate to their work.
We've discussed that a few times.
- Yes, we have.
I heard a conversation
between him and Gross.
He took all the blame
for the drop in your group's performance.
Why?
And the thing with the grindstones.
Do you get it?
I have no clue.
Maybe he's an idealist.
That kind of thing exists.
What do you think we should do now?
Yeah, if I only knew.
Well.
If that's how it is, then...
- Did you think about it the whole time?
No.
I got sidetracked in between.
Fair enough.
Then you should persuade him
to help Franz with the math.
Yeah?
I don't know.
Why should he do that?
Out of pure philanthropy?
That's pretty far out.
He'd have to be pretty stupid.
He'd be undermining his own position,
helping others become foremen.
No.
No one can possibly be that idealistic.
Come in.
Are you finished?
- Pretty debauched, your brother.
- I'm no better or worse than my parenting.
Parenting? Who's parenting you?
No one here is doing that.
But I want to be parented.
- Okay. Done your homework?
- I'll do it tomorrow during Religion.
That'll get you a beating.
That's parenting.
- Yeah?
- Sure, what do you think?
- Maybe I'd rather not be parented.
- Think it over.
Okay, I'll do that.
- And if you pay him?
- That's not the issue.
He could pay someone else.
Franz can't afford to pay anyone,
and it'd have to be someone he trusted
for it to do any good.
That's the main issue,
whether he can even get along with him.
- You could try.
- Boy, you have problems in bed.
It's different in the movies I've seen.
- True.
I can imagine movies are realistic
and we're nuts.
I'd almost say so.
What are you talking about?
Oh, man.
We have a foreman we don't want
and a guy we want who can't do math.
I see.
Your sister says the foreman
should help the other guy become one.
She's nuts.
He can be happy that he's foreman
and the other guy isn't.
See? Your brother says I'm right.
But maybe the guy who's foreman
doesn't want to be foreman
as badly as the guy who isn't.
Possible, but we can't be sure.
And what else would he do?
You just have to ask him.
Boy, oh, boy. If you kids didn't have me...
Your brother's asleep.
Yes, he's a healthy boy.
- I think he's all right too.
- But Rudiger is a pretty nasty devil.
- Yes.
- He needs the daylight beaten out of him.
Nah.
He's beaten himself up plenty.
You're right there too.
But now to you, Franz.
Do you think
we should tell him everything?
About you and the exam and all?
- Don't ask me.
I already said what I thought last time.
- And you guys?
- Maybe we should try it.
- If you're sure he's all right, then yes.
- Maybe it would be better that way.
- And you?
- I no understand.
Maybe one way, maybe the other.
I no understand.
So where's the problem?
Mathematics.
I have a hole in my head.
- I know that.
I had a hard time in math. I know it well.
- Really?
- Yes. But it'll come.
There are techniques.
I'd like to go over them with you.
If you'd like.
Thanks a lot.
- Of course, gladly. Why not?
You know, I didn't actually want
to be a foreman at all.
It just happened.
I thought once I got into a plant,
it'd go quicker than if I waited around.
- What is it you have in mind?
- Me?
I want to be a trainer. That's all.
- That's totally different.
- That's right.
I have high hopes for that.
It suits me better too.
Being a foreman requires -
I don't know, more severity or...
You're really stuck in the middle.
You're accountable to those on top,
and you have to give orders
to your subordinates.
And you have to do that without kissing up
to those above or kicking those below.
I think you could do that.
You could find a way to do that that's...
I think you'd be a really good foreman.
I really do.
A round.
I think this new policy of bringing
in foremen from the outside is crappy too.
It'd be far smarter
to give insiders a chance to train.
They know how things work
and are qualified.
For them, it's just about authority.
That needs doing away with.
There's natural authority.
It's objective and justified.
There's nothing wrong with that,
but this way...
Oh, well, cheers.
It's terrible. The kids always want candy.
- More cake, Grandma?
- No, thank you.
If I want another piece, I'll ask.
- More coffee?
No, thanks, I've got some.
And the responsibility -
How about lying down, having a rest?
Why? I feel perfectly perky.
- After working so hard all week.
- Oh, it's nothing.
I do enjoy doing it.
It's not a strain on me.
Well, anyway.
Should I play some music? Very softly.
What? You got a problem?
- You sure are funny.
Why am I funny?
The way you're fawning over me.
Are you nuts?
Are you a bit crazy or something?
I don't think that's nice, Grandma.
I'm seeing to your welfare
and you ask me if I'm a little off.
Come now. Don't make a scene.
You didn't see to my welfare for 21 years.
- Now, Grandma -
- That's not true.
Wolf always -
- Yes.
Well? Well? What was it he always did?
Your Wolf? Huh?
See? Nothing comes to mind.
- Maybe I've changed.
- Yeah.
- I don't believe that.
Listen, if I were here
for just one whole day,
then you'd know what the score is.
Quarreling from morning to evening.
No,no,no.
Now, my Gregor -
-“My Gregor, my Gregor.”
What about your Gregor?
Just hearing it - “My Gregor.”
Your Gregor?
He doesn't deserve you one bit.
He has no clue whatsoever.
Not a clue.
Why, Wolfgang. You're jealous.
Now that is sweet of you.
- Jealous? Me?
I'm not jealous in the least.
Not at all. I'm just saying what I think.
Where is your Gregor anyway?
He lets you go out alone, on a Sunday.
That's how he is.
- Gregor's looking after some kids.
- Some kids.
- Yes, to allow their parents a bit of peace.
I'll see him at six o'clock.
What time is it? Oh! I have to go.
I have to go now.
- Go? Why do you have to go?
Stay a bit longer. You just got here.
She just got here, right?
- I've been here four and a half hours.
Exactly. Four and a half hours is nothing.
Why go already?
Keep on talking. Don't get up.
Good-bye. Take care, Wolfi.
- We'll come with you, Grandma.
- Okay.
Bye, Mama. Bye, Dad.
- Bye.
- Good-bye.
- Adieu.
- Bye.
Really.
I don't get it anymore.
Well, actually I feel sorry for him.
Really.
I understand him very well.
The house was always full,
and suddenly there's no one there
for him to quarrel with.
And quarreling with Kathe is impossible.
She doesn't think of anything at all.
He has to rely entirely
on his own imagination.
He's never learned how to do that.
He'll sort himself out.
I'm not so sure about that.
I think we'll have
to think something up for him.
At his core, he's a good fellow.
At his core.
- Yes, he certainly is.
Although...
In those 21 years, he sure did badger me.
But you sure did enjoy it.
You think?
Well...
You could be right there.
I really am quite concerned about him.
But I just can't think of anything.
- That really surprises me.
- What?
- That you can't think of anything.
- Honestly.
What should I do?
If I can't think of anything, then I can't.
- Terrible.
- What?
Oh, right.
So that's how it is.
You're making fun of me.
Now you just wait, just wait.
I've arrived.
But I don't deserve that from you.
I wonder if he's already here.
Oh, yes, there he is. Gregor!
And I forbade him to drink without me.
Hey, wait.
- Bye, Grandma. We're off.
Yes. I'm coming. I'm coming.
Yes, yes, yes.
I'm absolutely certain
she'll think of something soon.
Very soon.
Hang on.
Hang on.
I've got it.
- What?
- The idea.
- What idea do you mean?
The idea - what I've been
thinking about all this time.
How should I know
what you've been thinking?
What do you mean? Didn't I tell you
what I was thinking about?
No. For half an hour,
you've sat there spinning your hat.
Your expression was so dramatic.
I thought you wanted to change our lives.
That just shows I'm getting old.
Now I need a whole half hour
for such a simple idea.
Do you have a pencil and paper?
- Yes.
Paper .
- Write this down.
- Just a moment.
Right.
A quarrelsome,
insufferable married man -
Not so fast.
...seeks a grandma - comma -
who is an expert at quarreling - period.
Poor girl, you're in a bad way.
Oh, well. It can happen to anyone.
Keep writing.
Expenses and board included.
Exclamation mark.
What is it I see in your face?
- Pity, my dear. Pity.
- And what do you see in mine?
- I don't know. Pity?
That's right. Because you're a bit stupid,
and you don't understand a thing.
- Not true. I sometimes -
- Yes. That's true.
Sometimes you understand a heck of a lot.
- Thanks.
- Right. Now then.
Now think about it nice and hard.
Two more shots!
- Darling.
Yes? I'm listening.
- I can't think of it.
- Because you -
Now I've got it.
God, you're clever. Cheers.
- Really?
- Yes.
- You've really got it?
- Yes.
You see?
You really aren't as stupid as you look.
Right then. Cheers.
You really are something.
You know -
You know, sometimes I get the feeling
that you're poking fun at me.
Me poke fun at you?
I'd never do that. Never. Would I?
Two more shots.
Yes, the sine bar. What is it used for?
To set exact clamping device angles and -
- And to check angles.
- Yes. It consists -
- The sine bar?
- Yes.
It consists of a bar
and two rollers of the same diameter.
The line between their centers
must be parallel -
- To the bar's edge.
- Exactly.
And the distance between the center points
has to be known.
Right.
And you calculate which gauge blocks
to use with the sine rule.
The distance
between the rollers' centers -
- My head's spinning.
-...is the hypotenuse.
The vertical distance between the rollers
is the opposite leg
needed to determine the angle.
“The opposite leg”?
What an exam this will be.
Right. Let's do a test problem.
We're looking for the height,
We know that the length, is 100
and that the height, is 20
and that the angle, “a”, is 24.5 degrees.
- I can look up the sine for alpha.
- Yes. Here it is.
The sine of 24.5 degrees
is equal to 0.4147.
The formula is sin(a) = H - h / L.
So we're looking for
“H” equals
(sin(a) times “L”)
“ha.
Now calculate it.
(0.414? times 100)
equals 4147
plus 20.
6147.
- Yes, you got it. And the decimal point?
- It goes here.
61.47 millimeters.
- Correct.
How's it going?
The hole is being filled in.
What hole?
My hole.
The one in my head.
- Oh, that.
- When is the exam anyway?
- On the 13th.
Don't tell me it's Friday the 13th?
Oh, man. I didn't think about that.
Oh, Shit!
You've already failed.
Why?
Are you all superstitious?
- Of course. Aren't you?
- Sure, but...
- There you are.
At least we'll know what to blame it on.
That's worth something.
- Friday the 13th - that's a good day.
- Yeah?
You think?
- Boy, you sure are lucky.
- Why's that? Out with it.
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
That means there's an opening for Ernst.
- No.
- Yes.
Man, that's crazy.
Hey, Jochen.
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
- No.
- Yes.
- G6tz from Training has given his notice.
- No way.
He did. Manfred just told me.
- What is it?
- G6tz from Training has given his notice.
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
- Really?
- I'm pretty sure.
Have you heard?
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
- No.
- Oh, yes. I'm absolutely sure of it.
Jochen, did you hear that?
Gtitz from Training has given his notice.
- No.
- Yes.
That's once-in-a-lifetime kind of luck,
that is.
Why are you laughing
like a couple of idiots?
No offense.
I have to take my exam
on Friday the 13th of all days.
You see, that was my goal all along.
Being a trainer was -
I understand you, Mr. Friedrich.
I understand you very well.
It's easier to deal with young people.
It may even be more fun, but -
Believe me, that's not it.
I don't want to have it easier.
That's my professional aim.
I wrote that on the questionnaire.
I didn't just get the idea today.
Why, of course not, Mr. Friedrich.
Of course not.
I saw that questionnaire.
I know that. Of course I know that.
Then you'll certainly understand my wish.
Understand it?
It's not a question of understanding it.
Of course I understand you.
But, look,
strategically,
that would be extremely unwise.
Another new foreman in this sector -
that can only cause turmoil
among the workers.
They won't know
whether they're coming or going.
And you're getting along with them
brilliantly now.
Yes, the last few days I've been thinking,
“Great fellow, that Friedrich.”
You simply have more to offer.
Engineering school is just a step above -
Well, you know that yourself.
I heard Franz Miltenberger
is taking his exam.
Oh, please don't get started with him.
He's entirely unqualified,
entirely unsuitable.
He can't even calculate angles accurately.
All the same, I'll send
an official application to Personnel.
And I hope you're mistaken about Franz -
about Mr. Miltenberger.
I hope that for you.
Good-bye.
That's 273 -
273 half-baked grandmothers.
And yours is number 274.
She isn't mine, as you've pointed out.
Listen to this.
“Dear Bad-Tempered Woman,
You can quarrel with me till you're
blue in the face, as I am deaf.”
That's just what Grandma
isn't looking for.
The grandma Grandma is looking for
must be...
Yeah, how must she be?
That grandma must be just like Grandma.
Why is your grandma
looking for a grandma?
- May I interrupt?
- I have no time now.
- Grandma -
- I'm your boss, Miss Erlkénig.
Mr. Zeitler.
Please forgive me. I...
- Carry on.
- Thank you.
So why?
She's looking for a grandma
for Jochen's father, who's lonely.
Why would he be lonely?
I mean, he's married.
Yes, but he got used to having Grandma
around to constantly squabble with.
What's the date today?
- Friday the 13th.
Thanks. Friday the 13th.
We have to cross our fingers.
Cross our fingers? Why?
- Because it's Friday the 13th.
- Oh, we've heard that before.
Oh, poor girl, you can't know.
Franz has his foreman's exam.
Franz who?
Boy, you're stupid.
I've told you the story nine times.
Okay, for the tenth time.
Since Ernst got the job as trainer,
it is almost certain
Franz will be foreman if he passes.
Oh, that's the story you mean.
I have vague memories of it.
Although I really do have to wonder,
my dear,
about the things
you concern yourself with.
I really do have to wonder.
- Then you have a thrilling pastime.
FRIDAY 13
Half past 4:00.
All the same.
Hey.
It seems -
Why so...
Did - Did something go wrong?
Yeah, well...
I passed the exam.
Yeah, right.
What did you say?
Did you hear that?
I did it.
Right. Let me see that slip of paper.
Here.
Off to battle.
- Can I help you, gentlemen?
- Yes, well...
Well...
After careful consideration,
we have concluded that we do want
Mr. Miltenberger as foreman.
- I'm in no mood for jokes today.
- Neither are we, believe me.
Please. I thought we cleared up
this issue for good.
We did, we did. What was it he said?
“I'd hire Mr. Miltenberger right now
if he were duly qualified.”
- That's right. That's what he said.
- Precisely.
You have a good memory.
But there's no need for that,
as I would tell you the same thing today.
I'd hire Mr. Miltenberger right now
if he were duly qualified.
Right. Now I'd like to get back to work.
Yes...
Then“.
I'll have to show you this.
Well, this...
This decision
must ultimately come from the top.
I can certainly
put in a good word for him.
At the least.
- At the least?
At the least, you can tell them
that is our express wish.
It is very much our wish,
if you get what we mean.
- You keep threatening me. That -
- What threat?
Did you threaten him?
Threaten you with what?
What could we threaten you with?
Do you know of anything?
Not a clue.
I can't think of anything.
Perhaps you know of something?
What? No.
Of course not.
Of course you didn't threaten me. I -
You really did misunderstand us.
All we said was that it is... our wish.
Very much so. That's all.
FOREMAN'S
EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
I don't want that grandma!
You must be crazy!
Dragging some grandma in here!
What do you think I am?
We just want what's best for you,
my dear Wolfi.
What's best for me?
Did you really say “what's best for me”?
Oh, please.
That's your mother. Your mother!
Damn it all.
- Calm down.
- I don't want to!
- Don't shout.
- What do you think I am?
- Stop shouting.
Out now. Get the hell out of here.
I can't stand the sight of you!
Don't be afraid. He's always like that.
He's a real bull. Think nothing of it.
I had to put up with that man
for 21 years.
Please, Mother, go now.
I don't think he wants just any grandma.
It's a question of familiarity.
All right. But be sure of one thing.
We only wanted what's best for you.
- Yes.
- No more and no less.
Please come along. It's not that bad.
He thinks nothing of it himself, you know.
Come now, don't you want
to give it another try with her?
You'll just be angry again later.
- I'm not angry.
I don't want this grandma
or any other grandma.
I don't want any grandma at all. Now out!
Come now, he doesn't mean that at all.
He's really such a nice man.
You know what?
Your mother's nuts.
And so I have to thank all of you.
Because without you,
I still wouldn't know
that one and one makes two.
That is, I might know that,
but I wouldn't know any more than that.
And so I'd like to thank you all.
And - And, aside from that,
there were so many things
I wanted to say to you, but I forgot what.
Because I have too many numbers
in my head now.
Now - Now one hole
has made way for another hole.
It's... strange just how many holes
there are in the world.
And then there are the kind
that you can fall into.
You're not even really listening to me.
Fine.
That's fine.
Then you'll never find out
what it is that I have to tell you.
Never.
You'll never find out.
Never.
FRANZ AND ERNST
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
FRANZ AND ERNST
Cheers.
Now tell us what he said.
He said he wanted to be completely honest.
“Completely honest,” he said.
Even if I had a foreman's certificate,
management wants to fill the position
with someone from the outside, he said.
They've had better experiences doing that,
he said.
He feels the same.
- He's nuts, I'd say.
- And he can't decide that? Or what?
What do you mean by “decide”?
Of course he can't decide.
He's just implementing
a directive from above, he said.
Shit that is. Right?
Franz good foreman. Definitely.
Forget it. It's all right.
It'll be the right way.
- What do you mean “the right way”?
Giving up
because of the bullshit he tells you?
What do you mean “bullshit”?
He knows the score.
- We know the score too.
- We sure do. I think the same.
He does know the score.
That's clear.
But all he knows
is what they think up top.
He has no clue what we want.
- None at all.
Exactly.
But that means
we have to let him know what we want.
So it's that easy?
You guys really live on the moon.
No one said it'd be easy.
All we're saying
is that we have an opinion.
If someone doesn't know it,
then we have to let them know about it.
That's it.
- I don't know.
Soon I won't believe in anything.
- We'll see.
In any case, keep attending the course.
- If you say so.
-lt'd be silly not to.
- Be careful you aren't making a mistake.
- To err is human.
Cheers.
Seven glasses of Kölsch!
A bit quiet here, huh?
What do you mean “quiet”?
Just quiet.
Here, in the apartment.
It's nice that it's quiet
when you come home from work.
I don't know.
You'll just have to get used to it.
Our distinguished son!
He's home already.
What? Do I have set times to be home?
Don't be sassy.
Your mother has to keep your food warm.
- Then let her complain.
- She's too meek to do that.
As if you had a clue.
Good evening.
- Same to you.
So tell me, Dad says...
keeping food warm for me
is hard work for you.
That's not true in the least.
Any chance you get
to stab me in the back.
It's really not hard
to keep that bit of food warm, Wolf.
If you want to sabotage my parenting,
fine, he's your son.
And I am very pleased with him.
You're undermining my authority.
Honestly? Well, I'm sorry about that.
No, really.
We could basically get rid of our phone.
All we get are calls for your son.
And I pay the bill every month.
Well, Grandma?
I'll come in half an hour or so.
What did you cook?
Oh, stuffed cabbage rolls.
No, Grandma, I'm looking forward to it.
See you soon, okay?
Grandma just invited me over for dinner.
I'd best go now.
What did I say?
You'll eat what's on your plate too.
I made cabbage rolls especially for you.
Everything that happens around here
happens just for you!
Your son gets to eat standing up.
- Well, if he's in a rush.
- Just look at that upbringing.
- Bye.
- You only want people here to quarrel with.
- Come off it.
It's why you get so mad
when no one's here.
Yeah, yeah.
It's true.
I can't eat another bite.
Why's that? You've only eaten one.
I made you two, and you'll eat two.
They taste really good.
Anyhow...
- What do you think is in them?
Onions and bacon and...
Why do you look so pained?
Go ahead and dig right in. I have more.
Thanks, Grandma.
That's really sweet of you.
But I really am full now.
Right.
What do you want?
Why should I want something?
You did make cabbage rolls
especially for me.
You must want something.
It's really mean of you
to think that of me.
Gregor, am I like that?
I'm not that scheming.
- Yes, you are.
- Gregor.
Yes, but scheming in a very lovable way.
- Stabbing me in the back.
- Well?
Well? Well...
Well... Do you want another schnapps?
- No, Grandma, I don't.
I want to know what you're up to.
- Fine.
Then take a look at the doors,
the windows, and the border.
Grandma, Grandma...
I don't see anything.
Everything's tip-top.
- Hey, now.
A blind man can see
they need a fresh coat of paint.
A blind man
with wooden glasses can see that.
Well, in that case...
I'm off to Marion's.
I bet she made cabbage rolls too.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Guess what I made especially for you -
cabbage rolls.
No.
No.
No!No!No!
Time to eat now.
Making your cabbage rolls is hard work.
- Mine?
- Didn't you say it was your favorite dish?
That's over. I'll never eat them again.
Never again.
- Calm down.
- Maybe he's gone soft.
- What?
- In the head.
- In the head?
- Who knows?
- Okay, I'll eat your cabbage rolls.
- No one's forcing you to eat them.
- I want to eat them.
I'll eat them
till they come out of my ears.
Out of my ears. You got that?
- Yes, yes.
- They're hiring a foreman from outside.
- And Franz?
Yes, he was pretty dejected about it.
But we cheered him up.
But why from the outside?
Someone internal will know a lot more.
Apparently,
management has had experience.
That's pretty rough for Franz.
First he takes the stupid classes
and then that ship sails on him.
That ship hasn't sailed yet.
He's still got us.
We'll let them know what we think.
I can't wait to see how they react.
Right.
That's it.
I can't eat another bite.
Bringing in an outsider -
can they even do that?
He won't know the place at all,
to start with.
We'll see if they can do that.
Jochen.
- Yes?
- I'll go to bed for 50 pfennig.
We're not making any deals today.
I ate too much for that.
It's no laughing matter.
In the course of the evening, I've eaten...
seven cabbage rolls.
Your brother can stay put
because nothing worth 50 pfennig
is going to happen.
Then I'll just go.
As if I have to depend on you.
I simply explained the facts
to Mr. Miltenberger.
Management wants to fill the foreman's
position with someone from the outside.
That has proven beneficial elsewhere.
We have trained psychologists on this.
They are absolutely incorruptible.
As I'm sure you know.
Yes, those are the facts.
I can't tell you any more than that.
But the workforce greatly desires
Mr. Miltenberger to be the foreman.
Mr. Miltenberger
isn't even qualified to be a foreman.
He's about to take his foreman's exam.
That exam must first be passed,
as I'm sure you know.
Then let's assume he passes the exam.
But that's by no means guaranteed.
By no means.
Let's just assume.
What would the situation be then?
- It's just a question.
- We can still ask questions.
Of course you can ask questions.
Workers who think for themselves.
What more could one hope for?
One gets the feeling
you do hope for something more.
Now then, how would things stand
if Mr. Miltenberger got his certificate?
Then the situation would be different.
But still, management's precept that -
- What exactly is a precept?
- It is a specified policy or a -
- Okay, and beyond that?
There's a specified policy to hire
outside people to fill upper-level posts.
We very much desire
Mr. Miltenberger to be the foreman.
If you get what I mean.
All right, then...
If Mr. Miltenberger passes his exam,
count on me
putting in a good word for him.
And...
we will wait and see if he passes.
Thanks.
Personnel office, please.
- And?
- The chances are looking pretty good.
He'll put in a word for you
and see if you pass the exam.
And do you think he means what he says?
I believe he's shitting his pants,
if I'm not entirely mistaken.
We can pressure him
into meaning what he says.
Right?
I hope you're right.
I'm just asking if you can place the ad
with a box number
and not the company name.
Not possible?
All right, that's fine too.
Of course, they're pretty lonely
now that Grandma's gone.
They'll get used to it.
- You don't know my dad. He needs action.
It makes him sick
when no one's around to annoy him.
That's Jochen.
- Where were you?
- Playing soccer.
Wait. Read this.
I marked something for you.
-“Market-leading company”...
- Heavy stuff, man.
Ain't that the truth. What a bastard.
- He agreed that they'd wait, right?
- Of course. Of course he agreed.
Should we let Franz -
- It could crush him.
But if he learns about it later,
then it might give him a shock.
Really tough call.
Tell him and he may quit now. If he learns
later, he may be mad we didn't tell him.
- Maybe they won't find anyone.
- The wish is father to the thought.
That jerk says
he'll wait till after Franz's exam,
then places an ad for a foreman
the same day.
We have to tell Franz, don't we?
- Of course you have to. That's clear.
- It's not though.
- But he has to know where he stands.
I agree.
We can't let him hold on to false hope.
What do you mean false hope?
What'll we do if he quits?
- You can't let him quit.
- That's easy for you to say.
You know him better.
Think of something. I'll be right back.
- Hey.
- Hey, what?
How are you?
All right.
Are you happy?
What is happiness?
It's when...
I don't know. I'm not happy.
Me neither.
Is everything okay with your husband?
Harald is the way he is.
There are lots of things
I didn't know beforehand.
You get used to things.
No. No, you don't.
And I definitely don't.
What are you going to do?
Wait.
First I'm going to wait a bit, and then -
- Then?
- I don't know.
- Oh, well.
And you?
Are you still sad?
Should I be?
Yes, I'm still sad.
I'm very fond of you.
- Well?
- Okay.
We'll tell him.
- I'll come.
- I'll drive you. Get the paper.
- Oh, yeah.
- Come on. I'll drive you home.
- Okay.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Hello.
- Jochen? What do you want?
- Oh, I - I just wanted to stop by.
- That's a lie. Somethings up.
But come and sit down first.
- This is Marion.
- I think we've seen each other before.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Would you like a coffee or tea?
- Thanks, but we'll be going again soon.
- So, what is it?
- Well...
Oh, well. You're a sensible guy.
Well.
Then I can pack it in.
That's just what you shouldn't do.
We're showing you this so you know
what we're up against, not so you give up.
We'll confront the supervisor on Monday.
And if the worse comes to the worst...
we have ways and means.
So you think the others will join in
for my sake?
Not for your sake, for our sake.
Maybe you're right.
Maybe I should say, “Now for sure”...
and see what comes of it.
We'll be going then.
Right on.
- Oh.
- Yes?
Leave the paper here for me.
I'll hang it over the mirror
so that I don't lose steam.
- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
Do you think it's worth it -
always fighting and fighting?
If we win.
Sure.
All right, who's going?
Let's draw lots.
Drawing lots is childish.
Who doesn't want to go?
- Me.
Well, well.
And you?
- Not really.
All right, then.
Giuseppe?
- I don't mind.
But it won't do any good.
- Someone finally speaks the truth.
- Shut up.
You shut up.
You're to go to Inspection.
- Me?
- Of course. Or am I looking elsewhere?
Asking is no crime.
All right.
Then let's go.
- Okay.
I'll smash your face in
one of these days.
Yeah? Go on ahead then. I not scared.
That grin of yours will disappear
and so will that stupid head of yours.
- Yes?
- I was told to come.
From Toolmaking. Rolf Schwein.
That's right. Schwein as in “swine.”
Give it here.
Well then, what is this?
I made it. ls something not right with it?
Oh, it's good work.
I see no fault with it.
- Well then.
- Except. . .
- Except?
Except that it isn't right.
- I hear it isn't right, and I think...
- You're to calculate, not think.
And to do it correctly.
The angle was calculated incorrectly.
- Well, l...
Yes?
I didn't calculate it.
The foreman calculated it.
- Which foreman?
- Miltenberger, Franz.
That is most interesting.
Most interesting indeed.
Right, you can go.
I'm telling you, gentlemen,
that ad was an accident.
Purely an accident.
You don't believe me.
That advertisement was placed
before our conversation.
And I tried to cancel it.
Really, but -
Yes?
That is very interesting.
It has been proven without a doubt that
Mr. Miltenberger calculated the angle?
Yes.
Thank you, in any case.
Certainly. That goes without saying.
Well. This is a sad affair.
Mr. Miltenberger incorrectly calculated
an angle for Mr. Schwein.
I repeat, he calculated it incorrectly.
You'll have to admit that someone
who makes mistakes of that kind
is not suited for such a position.
Under no circumstances whatsoever.
I have always been of that opinion.
A worker should remain what he is.
Now you see what it leads to otherwise.
I've really showed enough goodwill.
You have to admit that.
If he were duly qualified,
I would certainly have promoted
Mr. Miltenberger any day.
Sorry, fellas.
It just wasn't meant to be.
Thank you for your help.
- He's pretty down, huh?
- You would be too.
Probably.
Maybe...
Maybe I should've taken the blame.
- Don't take it so hard.
Something else
would've happened eventually.
He has problems with math.
Maybe it's better this way.
We basically made fools of ourselves.
First we run our mouths, then this.
That's ridiculous.
We made a mistake,
and to err is human.
I don't know,
but I wouldn't give up just yet.
- What are you saying?
- I think -
Franz should carry on anyway.
- You can forget it. He's crushed as it is.
Still.
I think it's wrong.
Mathematics.
He can learn it.
- Do you want to talk to him?
- I don't believe in it. It's over.
- I don't know.
You're nuts. You can go too far.
On the other hand,
we could make life hell for the new guy
until Franz passes the exam.
Jochen's right. Giving up is no good.
The way he runs his mouth.
If you're going to go, then please do.
I'll join in.
Later. At the moment, I'm fed up with it.
Me too.
Everyone's fed up right now.
But if you want to try, I'll join in. Later.
You can all kiss my ass.
I don't give a shit who's foreman.
But Still...
Maybe I should've taken the blame.
Shit.
It's a constant to-and-fro.
Just shows you
how tough our kind have it.
Maybe it's really not enough.
He's no idiot.
Mathematics.
He can learn that.
- If you have to keep begging him...
- I'm not begging. I'm encouraging him.
The fact it's necessary
doesn't have to do with him.
It has to do with the circumstances.
It's not easy for anyone who wants
to rise above the station he's been put in.
He said he wanted to die.
He feels so ashamed, he said.
He's never been so ashamed in his life.
It's no reason to be ashamed.
You don't know him.
He takes everything so seriously.
He takes everything to heart.
That's why we're here.
Look.
We all want to have him as foreman.
- Don't cry. Please.
- He never should've got it in his head.
It's destroying him.
Believe me.
It's completely destroying him.
He was so proud
that everyone was sticking by him.
Now all he feels is ashamed.
He's so hurt.
Where is he?
Over in the bar on the corner.
I don't know.
Maybe you should just forget it all.
Yeah.
No one really knows
what's right and what's wrong.
I think he'll manage it.
Honestly.
Do you really think so?
I'm quite sure. Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
You know what I am?
Of course you do.
A failure is what I am.
“Cobbler, stick to your last.”
I learned that when I was little.
But I had forgotten it.
Now it's come to my mind again.
But that's how it is.
Little guys should stay little.
- But -
- No. I'm right. I am.
I should've known long ago.
I'll never manage it.
My head just doesn't work like it should.
It can't retain everything.
Sometimes
there's just a real wall in there.
It just conks out.
Long ago.
I should've known that long ago.
Well, what don't you understand? Huh?
Mathematics.
Mathematics, that's where it stops.
Another round.
But you can learn that.
If you can't get something into your head,
it can't be learned.
It can only cause despair.
Pretty high-and-mighty words, huh?
Well, I'm in pretty high spirits.
I'm drowning my dreams in drink.
I want to wake up tomorrow
and never think another thought
that exceeds my limits.
Thanks. Cheers.
Cheers.
Aren't you drinking?
No.
I think what you're saying is stupid.
Thanks. That'll be because I am stupid.
You're not stupid. On the contrary.
Oh, yes, I am stupid.
- Not at all.
- Of course I'm stupid.
And I want to stay stupid. Another round.
And anyway,
what's stupid about what I'm saying?
It's not stupid at all.
There's nothing stupid about it.
I'm stupid,
but what I'm saying isn't stupid.
Right. Then you're not stupid.
True.
I'm not.
Somehow that doesn't work out right.
I - I am stupid.
But if I say that I'm stupid,
then I'm not stupid.
That doesn't work out.
And there it is again. I can't work it out.
And since I can't work it out, I'm stupid.
Cheers.
You see?
Now you have to drink two of them at once.
Did you see that?
I did the math.
One and one... makes two.
I did the math correctly.
You see?
And since you -
since you did the math correctly...
you have to go to school.
School? What is that?
School is...
where stupid little kids go
so they leave less stupid
than they were before.
You are drunk.
Tipsy.
No more, no less.
And the thing with school is -
- So I did understand it right.
I should keep going to school.
Of course I'll keep going.
I'll keep going to school
until I can't add one plus one anymore.
That won't take much longer.
Definitely not.
Another round.
And why should I keep going to school?
Because -
Because then you'll have
your foreman's certificate
by the time
we've driven the new foreman away.
That makes sense.
What do you plan on doing?
You guys are crazy.
Cheers.
Do you - Do you think I'm drunk?
No idea.
But I am drunk.
I'm as drunk as a skunk.
And so I will have forgotten everything
we've talked about by tomorrow.
By tomorrow and forever after.
The tab.
I'll pay it all.
And make sure
you don't get the math wrong.
If you get the math wrong,
you're in the wrong.
Blue night
Oh, blue night over the harbor
In the distance, the wind and sea roar
And the ships lie still in slumber
Having journeyed from far, far away
And from a ship's lantern comes a glow
Shining on two lovers
Who cannot find their way home
Then she whispers
"Dearest, I would sail with you
Out to sea come morning”
But he had to sail out on the wide sea
Blue night
Oh, blue night -
I'm home.
Now tell me,
why are you so drunk?
You drank a lot less than I did.
- I'm not drunk at all.
- Yes, you are drunk.
I drank much less.
And just watch
how I can still walk straight.
Watch this.
Did you see that?
I can still walk straight.
Do you think he'll continue?
No idea.
If he hasn't forgotten everything
by tomorrow.
Listen.
Are you as drunk as I am?
I don't know how drunk you are,
but I'm pretty darn wasted.
Boy, I don't wish the head I have
on any of you.
Went a bit overboard, eh?
The way you talked at me the whole time,
I had to.
You did all the talking.
I hope you retained a bit of it.
I retained one thing -
that one and one makes two.
Not bad.
That's got to be worth something, right?
Yes. It's definitely
the beginning of something.
I just don't remember what.
Hey, look.
Good morning, gentlemen.
I'd like to introduce Mr. Friedrich.
Mr. Friedrich is your new foreman.
Hello. I'm happy to be here. I -
I hope we can work well as a team.
As you know,
such people are quite wary at first.
But they'll come round.
Believe me, they'll come round.
Come here.
Huff)'-
There's coffee, cake, and cream.
You're so quiet, Grandma.
ls something wrong?
Something wrong, Grandma?
- You got troubles?
- Just look at yourselves.
There's more paint on your faces
than on the doors and windows.
You plastered your forehead
instead of the holes in the wall.
I'm no - I'm not a professional.
Painters are professionals.
They train for three years first.
- Yeah.
And they cost lots and lots of money.
- They do a lovely job. Like new, right?
- Yes, like new. There's truth to that.
Fine. I'll get painters in
if you're too stupid to do it.
- Yes, I agree. We're too stupid.
- Much too stupid.
If there were a world record for stupidity,
then we would break it.
Well, I had fun. I'll gladly keep going.
For God's sake, you stay put.
Eat your cake.
Honestly, painting the way you lot do.
I can do that too.
Good morning.
Pardon me, but are the threads finished?
- What was that?
- Are the threads already finished?
- Do you know what he means?
- Not a clue.
Do you know what he's talking about?
I don't understand.
He speaks so quietly, don't you think?
Did you at least get the drawing?
Or not?
- No understand.
Drawings, plans. Nothing?
I understand. A package.
No package. Mama sick.
No, but really.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
Will the threads at least be finished today?
Pass it on.
That'll do. Thank you.
I think you yourselves
know what needs doing, right?
I don't think it's entirely fair.
He has it hard enough.
If we wait until he's settled in,
we won't get anywhere.
Who gives a shit
if things are tough for him, or whatever?
It's a matter of principle, right?
Principle? What's that?
It's when you do something
you've thought over and decided it's right.
Principle.
We'll be the fools in the end anyway.
We have to perform no matter what.
In any case, I'm having fun doing it.
That's just it.
It's just for fun. It won't lead anywhere.
- I don't know.
Why can't having fun get you anywhere?
- It's unfair.
We mock him and he can't get a foothold.
- We don't want him to get a foothold.
That's just what this is about.
I'll say it again.
In the end, we'll be the fools.
He just needs to report us. Then what?
He won't report us.
He's not the type.
He wants to deal with us on his own.
It appeals to him.
- Progress with your foreman?
- It's coming along.
- Pretty young lad.
- A beginner.
- That makes it easier.
- We're discussing it now.
- Franz says it's unfair.
- The boy has no chance.
He's far too green to deal with this.
- That's not our problem.
We want to achieve something,
so all means are justified.
There are far too many unknowns.
We can't even be sure I'll pass the exam.
- Nonsense.
Fine, okay. Let's assume I pass it.
It's still not certain he'll quit.
Even if he does quit,
it's in no way certain they'll hire me.
That's the risk we take.
Those are the risks we take.
What is that - risk?
When you act boldly
yet know you can lose something.
Risk.
Well, I don't feel like losing anything.
They'll sack us for this.
- You think?
- Never.
- Easy for you to say. You're on the outside.
I don”t think they'll do that.
But we could put it to a nice little vote.
Who is for the old plan?
- I'm not allowed to vote, right?
- We have to vote on that first.
- All right.
Who votes for allowing Manfred to vote?
Right. That's a no.
Who's for continuing with the old plan?
Who's against it?
I abstain, but we'll continue.
Fair enough.
Firstly, I can tell you
that I am very satisfied,
all in all.
Thanks.
But the performance of the second group
has dropped off significantly.
You know, the thread mechanism.
I know that group.
I've had enough trouble with them myself.
They get downright outlandish ideas
in their heads.
I don't know, but in this case...
I think I have to take the blame.
- But -
Yes.
I haven't struck the right chord with them
or found the right way of dealing with them.
But I'm certain -
that is, I hope that I'll succeed
in doing that soon enough.
At least -
- Okay, perhaps you're right.
We'll find out soon enough.
I'm eager to see what happens.
- Since you're here...
- Yes?
Order 20 new grindstones.
- What?
- Grindstones.
- I get it. Grindstones.
- Ask for the order number.
Okay.
The new foreman
says to order 20 grindstones.
You look for number.
- What kind?
- He must mean the small ones.
Look at him.
He has an idea.
- That's right.
I have an idea.
Right.
Now go to the front and submit this order.
Say it's from the foreman.
You got that?
- Yes, I got it all.
- What's with the idiotic grin?
- Not idiotic. I had an idea.
- What kind of an idea?
- A good idea. Not idiotic.
- Having troubles?
- I'm all right.
- Pretty tough getting your footing here, eh?
- Yes, you can say that again.
I imagined it completely differently.
- How do you mean?
I g
Whatever.
- Tell me. It really does interest me.
Well, you know, I had these ideas
on how to do some things better.
Like how the workers
relate to their work, for example.
I thought it'd be possible
to develop a kind of trust
between the work groups and the foreman.
But it's a jungle here.
There's no getting anywhere.
Everything's so set in stone,
so impenetrable and -
Maybe none of it is worth it at all.
I don't understand that.
Why shouldn't it be worth it?
The people here
won't let me approach them.
I have no chance to even talk to them.
This one guy keeps coming to me
stirring up hate against the Greek.
That guy should be given the boot.
It can really make you feel miserable,
you know?
It disgusts me so.
And these are people you hope
to create something with, with whom -
Oh, why should I even bother?
There.
Now you're stocked for the next ten years.
- Yes, we like to be prepared.
- No offense.
So, who's responsible for this nonsense?
We won't use that many
in the next five years.
Well?
Maybe one of you gentlemen has an idea.
Yes, well...
Actually,
the order came from your foreman.
He gave the order yesterday.
I mean, we wondered about it too, but...
An order is an order, you know.
We've learned that now.
- Learned what?
To follow orders.
That's what you really want from us.
Or am I mistaken?
And what a foreman orders -
Plus the fact...
I mean, he is your foreman.
Well, then...
After all...
Well, well.
What is it you want?
Pardon me,
but I see it as my duty to tell the truth.
- I'm listening.
- Well, the order.
Jochen told me it wasn't from the foreman.
It was one of the ltalian's nasty tricks.
He concocted it
to get one over on Friedrich.
Interesting.
Indeed.
That is very interesting.
- Come into my office, Mr. Giuliano.
- Me? Why?
Because I'm going to talk to you,
then send you to pick up
your walking papers.
Whoa there.
You need a reason to do that.
Or am I wrong?
No, Mr. Epp, you're not wrong.
But there is reason and a grave one.
Jokes like this one have no place here.
Pardon me,
but am I allowed to know what's going on?
Certainly. You certainly are.
Mr. Giuliano wanted to play a joke on us,
on you in particular.
A very costly joke.
He ordered these grindstones.
So he could blame it on you,
as I've just learned.
I'm sorry, but what you learned is wrong.
The order did come from me. I -
I got the order code number wrong.
I'm sorry about that.
Please come with me.
Out!
By the way, he's not such a bad guy.
Who?
Ffledfich.
Honestly.
His ideas are okay.
What kind of ideas?
Ideas about how to improve
how workers relate to their work.
We've discussed that a few times.
- Yes, we have.
I heard a conversation
between him and Gross.
He took all the blame
for the drop in your group's performance.
Why?
And the thing with the grindstones.
Do you get it?
I have no clue.
Maybe he's an idealist.
That kind of thing exists.
What do you think we should do now?
Yeah, if I only knew.
Well.
If that's how it is, then...
- Did you think about it the whole time?
No.
I got sidetracked in between.
Fair enough.
Then you should persuade him
to help Franz with the math.
Yeah?
I don't know.
Why should he do that?
Out of pure philanthropy?
That's pretty far out.
He'd have to be pretty stupid.
He'd be undermining his own position,
helping others become foremen.
No.
No one can possibly be that idealistic.
Come in.
Are you finished?
- Pretty debauched, your brother.
- I'm no better or worse than my parenting.
Parenting? Who's parenting you?
No one here is doing that.
But I want to be parented.
- Okay. Done your homework?
- I'll do it tomorrow during Religion.
That'll get you a beating.
That's parenting.
- Yeah?
- Sure, what do you think?
- Maybe I'd rather not be parented.
- Think it over.
Okay, I'll do that.
- And if you pay him?
- That's not the issue.
He could pay someone else.
Franz can't afford to pay anyone,
and it'd have to be someone he trusted
for it to do any good.
That's the main issue,
whether he can even get along with him.
- You could try.
- Boy, you have problems in bed.
It's different in the movies I've seen.
- True.
I can imagine movies are realistic
and we're nuts.
I'd almost say so.
What are you talking about?
Oh, man.
We have a foreman we don't want
and a guy we want who can't do math.
I see.
Your sister says the foreman
should help the other guy become one.
She's nuts.
He can be happy that he's foreman
and the other guy isn't.
See? Your brother says I'm right.
But maybe the guy who's foreman
doesn't want to be foreman
as badly as the guy who isn't.
Possible, but we can't be sure.
And what else would he do?
You just have to ask him.
Boy, oh, boy. If you kids didn't have me...
Your brother's asleep.
Yes, he's a healthy boy.
- I think he's all right too.
- But Rudiger is a pretty nasty devil.
- Yes.
- He needs the daylight beaten out of him.
Nah.
He's beaten himself up plenty.
You're right there too.
But now to you, Franz.
Do you think
we should tell him everything?
About you and the exam and all?
- Don't ask me.
I already said what I thought last time.
- And you guys?
- Maybe we should try it.
- If you're sure he's all right, then yes.
- Maybe it would be better that way.
- And you?
- I no understand.
Maybe one way, maybe the other.
I no understand.
So where's the problem?
Mathematics.
I have a hole in my head.
- I know that.
I had a hard time in math. I know it well.
- Really?
- Yes. But it'll come.
There are techniques.
I'd like to go over them with you.
If you'd like.
Thanks a lot.
- Of course, gladly. Why not?
You know, I didn't actually want
to be a foreman at all.
It just happened.
I thought once I got into a plant,
it'd go quicker than if I waited around.
- What is it you have in mind?
- Me?
I want to be a trainer. That's all.
- That's totally different.
- That's right.
I have high hopes for that.
It suits me better too.
Being a foreman requires -
I don't know, more severity or...
You're really stuck in the middle.
You're accountable to those on top,
and you have to give orders
to your subordinates.
And you have to do that without kissing up
to those above or kicking those below.
I think you could do that.
You could find a way to do that that's...
I think you'd be a really good foreman.
I really do.
A round.
I think this new policy of bringing
in foremen from the outside is crappy too.
It'd be far smarter
to give insiders a chance to train.
They know how things work
and are qualified.
For them, it's just about authority.
That needs doing away with.
There's natural authority.
It's objective and justified.
There's nothing wrong with that,
but this way...
Oh, well, cheers.
It's terrible. The kids always want candy.
- More cake, Grandma?
- No, thank you.
If I want another piece, I'll ask.
- More coffee?
No, thanks, I've got some.
And the responsibility -
How about lying down, having a rest?
Why? I feel perfectly perky.
- After working so hard all week.
- Oh, it's nothing.
I do enjoy doing it.
It's not a strain on me.
Well, anyway.
Should I play some music? Very softly.
What? You got a problem?
- You sure are funny.
Why am I funny?
The way you're fawning over me.
Are you nuts?
Are you a bit crazy or something?
I don't think that's nice, Grandma.
I'm seeing to your welfare
and you ask me if I'm a little off.
Come now. Don't make a scene.
You didn't see to my welfare for 21 years.
- Now, Grandma -
- That's not true.
Wolf always -
- Yes.
Well? Well? What was it he always did?
Your Wolf? Huh?
See? Nothing comes to mind.
- Maybe I've changed.
- Yeah.
- I don't believe that.
Listen, if I were here
for just one whole day,
then you'd know what the score is.
Quarreling from morning to evening.
No,no,no.
Now, my Gregor -
-“My Gregor, my Gregor.”
What about your Gregor?
Just hearing it - “My Gregor.”
Your Gregor?
He doesn't deserve you one bit.
He has no clue whatsoever.
Not a clue.
Why, Wolfgang. You're jealous.
Now that is sweet of you.
- Jealous? Me?
I'm not jealous in the least.
Not at all. I'm just saying what I think.
Where is your Gregor anyway?
He lets you go out alone, on a Sunday.
That's how he is.
- Gregor's looking after some kids.
- Some kids.
- Yes, to allow their parents a bit of peace.
I'll see him at six o'clock.
What time is it? Oh! I have to go.
I have to go now.
- Go? Why do you have to go?
Stay a bit longer. You just got here.
She just got here, right?
- I've been here four and a half hours.
Exactly. Four and a half hours is nothing.
Why go already?
Keep on talking. Don't get up.
Good-bye. Take care, Wolfi.
- We'll come with you, Grandma.
- Okay.
Bye, Mama. Bye, Dad.
- Bye.
- Good-bye.
- Adieu.
- Bye.
Really.
I don't get it anymore.
Well, actually I feel sorry for him.
Really.
I understand him very well.
The house was always full,
and suddenly there's no one there
for him to quarrel with.
And quarreling with Kathe is impossible.
She doesn't think of anything at all.
He has to rely entirely
on his own imagination.
He's never learned how to do that.
He'll sort himself out.
I'm not so sure about that.
I think we'll have
to think something up for him.
At his core, he's a good fellow.
At his core.
- Yes, he certainly is.
Although...
In those 21 years, he sure did badger me.
But you sure did enjoy it.
You think?
Well...
You could be right there.
I really am quite concerned about him.
But I just can't think of anything.
- That really surprises me.
- What?
- That you can't think of anything.
- Honestly.
What should I do?
If I can't think of anything, then I can't.
- Terrible.
- What?
Oh, right.
So that's how it is.
You're making fun of me.
Now you just wait, just wait.
I've arrived.
But I don't deserve that from you.
I wonder if he's already here.
Oh, yes, there he is. Gregor!
And I forbade him to drink without me.
Hey, wait.
- Bye, Grandma. We're off.
Yes. I'm coming. I'm coming.
Yes, yes, yes.
I'm absolutely certain
she'll think of something soon.
Very soon.
Hang on.
Hang on.
I've got it.
- What?
- The idea.
- What idea do you mean?
The idea - what I've been
thinking about all this time.
How should I know
what you've been thinking?
What do you mean? Didn't I tell you
what I was thinking about?
No. For half an hour,
you've sat there spinning your hat.
Your expression was so dramatic.
I thought you wanted to change our lives.
That just shows I'm getting old.
Now I need a whole half hour
for such a simple idea.
Do you have a pencil and paper?
- Yes.
Paper .
- Write this down.
- Just a moment.
Right.
A quarrelsome,
insufferable married man -
Not so fast.
...seeks a grandma - comma -
who is an expert at quarreling - period.
Poor girl, you're in a bad way.
Oh, well. It can happen to anyone.
Keep writing.
Expenses and board included.
Exclamation mark.
What is it I see in your face?
- Pity, my dear. Pity.
- And what do you see in mine?
- I don't know. Pity?
That's right. Because you're a bit stupid,
and you don't understand a thing.
- Not true. I sometimes -
- Yes. That's true.
Sometimes you understand a heck of a lot.
- Thanks.
- Right. Now then.
Now think about it nice and hard.
Two more shots!
- Darling.
Yes? I'm listening.
- I can't think of it.
- Because you -
Now I've got it.
God, you're clever. Cheers.
- Really?
- Yes.
- You've really got it?
- Yes.
You see?
You really aren't as stupid as you look.
Right then. Cheers.
You really are something.
You know -
You know, sometimes I get the feeling
that you're poking fun at me.
Me poke fun at you?
I'd never do that. Never. Would I?
Two more shots.
Yes, the sine bar. What is it used for?
To set exact clamping device angles and -
- And to check angles.
- Yes. It consists -
- The sine bar?
- Yes.
It consists of a bar
and two rollers of the same diameter.
The line between their centers
must be parallel -
- To the bar's edge.
- Exactly.
And the distance between the center points
has to be known.
Right.
And you calculate which gauge blocks
to use with the sine rule.
The distance
between the rollers' centers -
- My head's spinning.
-...is the hypotenuse.
The vertical distance between the rollers
is the opposite leg
needed to determine the angle.
“The opposite leg”?
What an exam this will be.
Right. Let's do a test problem.
We're looking for the height,
We know that the length, is 100
and that the height, is 20
and that the angle, “a”, is 24.5 degrees.
- I can look up the sine for alpha.
- Yes. Here it is.
The sine of 24.5 degrees
is equal to 0.4147.
The formula is sin(a) = H - h / L.
So we're looking for
“H” equals
(sin(a) times “L”)
“ha.
Now calculate it.
(0.414? times 100)
equals 4147
plus 20.
6147.
- Yes, you got it. And the decimal point?
- It goes here.
61.47 millimeters.
- Correct.
How's it going?
The hole is being filled in.
What hole?
My hole.
The one in my head.
- Oh, that.
- When is the exam anyway?
- On the 13th.
Don't tell me it's Friday the 13th?
Oh, man. I didn't think about that.
Oh, Shit!
You've already failed.
Why?
Are you all superstitious?
- Of course. Aren't you?
- Sure, but...
- There you are.
At least we'll know what to blame it on.
That's worth something.
- Friday the 13th - that's a good day.
- Yeah?
You think?
- Boy, you sure are lucky.
- Why's that? Out with it.
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
That means there's an opening for Ernst.
- No.
- Yes.
Man, that's crazy.
Hey, Jochen.
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
- No.
- Yes.
- G6tz from Training has given his notice.
- No way.
He did. Manfred just told me.
- What is it?
- G6tz from Training has given his notice.
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
- Really?
- I'm pretty sure.
Have you heard?
Giitz from Training has given his notice.
- No.
- Oh, yes. I'm absolutely sure of it.
Jochen, did you hear that?
Gtitz from Training has given his notice.
- No.
- Yes.
That's once-in-a-lifetime kind of luck,
that is.
Why are you laughing
like a couple of idiots?
No offense.
I have to take my exam
on Friday the 13th of all days.
You see, that was my goal all along.
Being a trainer was -
I understand you, Mr. Friedrich.
I understand you very well.
It's easier to deal with young people.
It may even be more fun, but -
Believe me, that's not it.
I don't want to have it easier.
That's my professional aim.
I wrote that on the questionnaire.
I didn't just get the idea today.
Why, of course not, Mr. Friedrich.
Of course not.
I saw that questionnaire.
I know that. Of course I know that.
Then you'll certainly understand my wish.
Understand it?
It's not a question of understanding it.
Of course I understand you.
But, look,
strategically,
that would be extremely unwise.
Another new foreman in this sector -
that can only cause turmoil
among the workers.
They won't know
whether they're coming or going.
And you're getting along with them
brilliantly now.
Yes, the last few days I've been thinking,
“Great fellow, that Friedrich.”
You simply have more to offer.
Engineering school is just a step above -
Well, you know that yourself.
I heard Franz Miltenberger
is taking his exam.
Oh, please don't get started with him.
He's entirely unqualified,
entirely unsuitable.
He can't even calculate angles accurately.
All the same, I'll send
an official application to Personnel.
And I hope you're mistaken about Franz -
about Mr. Miltenberger.
I hope that for you.
Good-bye.
That's 273 -
273 half-baked grandmothers.
And yours is number 274.
She isn't mine, as you've pointed out.
Listen to this.
“Dear Bad-Tempered Woman,
You can quarrel with me till you're
blue in the face, as I am deaf.”
That's just what Grandma
isn't looking for.
The grandma Grandma is looking for
must be...
Yeah, how must she be?
That grandma must be just like Grandma.
Why is your grandma
looking for a grandma?
- May I interrupt?
- I have no time now.
- Grandma -
- I'm your boss, Miss Erlkénig.
Mr. Zeitler.
Please forgive me. I...
- Carry on.
- Thank you.
So why?
She's looking for a grandma
for Jochen's father, who's lonely.
Why would he be lonely?
I mean, he's married.
Yes, but he got used to having Grandma
around to constantly squabble with.
What's the date today?
- Friday the 13th.
Thanks. Friday the 13th.
We have to cross our fingers.
Cross our fingers? Why?
- Because it's Friday the 13th.
- Oh, we've heard that before.
Oh, poor girl, you can't know.
Franz has his foreman's exam.
Franz who?
Boy, you're stupid.
I've told you the story nine times.
Okay, for the tenth time.
Since Ernst got the job as trainer,
it is almost certain
Franz will be foreman if he passes.
Oh, that's the story you mean.
I have vague memories of it.
Although I really do have to wonder,
my dear,
about the things
you concern yourself with.
I really do have to wonder.
- Then you have a thrilling pastime.
FRIDAY 13
Half past 4:00.
All the same.
Hey.
It seems -
Why so...
Did - Did something go wrong?
Yeah, well...
I passed the exam.
Yeah, right.
What did you say?
Did you hear that?
I did it.
Right. Let me see that slip of paper.
Here.
Off to battle.
- Can I help you, gentlemen?
- Yes, well...
Well...
After careful consideration,
we have concluded that we do want
Mr. Miltenberger as foreman.
- I'm in no mood for jokes today.
- Neither are we, believe me.
Please. I thought we cleared up
this issue for good.
We did, we did. What was it he said?
“I'd hire Mr. Miltenberger right now
if he were duly qualified.”
- That's right. That's what he said.
- Precisely.
You have a good memory.
But there's no need for that,
as I would tell you the same thing today.
I'd hire Mr. Miltenberger right now
if he were duly qualified.
Right. Now I'd like to get back to work.
Yes...
Then“.
I'll have to show you this.
Well, this...
This decision
must ultimately come from the top.
I can certainly
put in a good word for him.
At the least.
- At the least?
At the least, you can tell them
that is our express wish.
It is very much our wish,
if you get what we mean.
- You keep threatening me. That -
- What threat?
Did you threaten him?
Threaten you with what?
What could we threaten you with?
Do you know of anything?
Not a clue.
I can't think of anything.
Perhaps you know of something?
What? No.
Of course not.
Of course you didn't threaten me. I -
You really did misunderstand us.
All we said was that it is... our wish.
Very much so. That's all.
FOREMAN'S
EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
I don't want that grandma!
You must be crazy!
Dragging some grandma in here!
What do you think I am?
We just want what's best for you,
my dear Wolfi.
What's best for me?
Did you really say “what's best for me”?
Oh, please.
That's your mother. Your mother!
Damn it all.
- Calm down.
- I don't want to!
- Don't shout.
- What do you think I am?
- Stop shouting.
Out now. Get the hell out of here.
I can't stand the sight of you!
Don't be afraid. He's always like that.
He's a real bull. Think nothing of it.
I had to put up with that man
for 21 years.
Please, Mother, go now.
I don't think he wants just any grandma.
It's a question of familiarity.
All right. But be sure of one thing.
We only wanted what's best for you.
- Yes.
- No more and no less.
Please come along. It's not that bad.
He thinks nothing of it himself, you know.
Come now, don't you want
to give it another try with her?
You'll just be angry again later.
- I'm not angry.
I don't want this grandma
or any other grandma.
I don't want any grandma at all. Now out!
Come now, he doesn't mean that at all.
He's really such a nice man.
You know what?
Your mother's nuts.
And so I have to thank all of you.
Because without you,
I still wouldn't know
that one and one makes two.
That is, I might know that,
but I wouldn't know any more than that.
And so I'd like to thank you all.
And - And, aside from that,
there were so many things
I wanted to say to you, but I forgot what.
Because I have too many numbers
in my head now.
Now - Now one hole
has made way for another hole.
It's... strange just how many holes
there are in the world.
And then there are the kind
that you can fall into.
You're not even really listening to me.
Fine.
That's fine.
Then you'll never find out
what it is that I have to tell you.
Never.
You'll never find out.
Never.
FRANZ AND ERNST
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.