All language subtitles for Mother Kusters Goes To Heaven English

MOTHER KÜSTERS GOES TO HEAVEN

1,500.

Last week it was 1,600.

I'm getting slower.

I'm not getting any younger.

I must put some sausages
in the stew.

Father is sick of your salads.

No wonder he keeps grousing!

If you knew how much poison
there is in meat and sausages!

Nothing but chemicals!

I know what a healthy diet consists of.

Dad likes his meat, Helene,
and he works for what he likes.

People just don't know
what's good for them.

But go ahead.
It's yourselves you're harming.

One man's meat
is another man's poison.

Dad wants
what he's always been used to.

You can't change him, Helene.

And why should you?

He's healthy.

You won't make
a vegetarian out of Dad.

I don't want to, Mom.

But people should know
what they're eating.

Ernst can tell you all you about
the chemicals in sausages nowadays.

Nothing but chemicals
and preservatives!

Yes, yes.

Franz was telling me
about Finland.

It rains all the time, he said,

and it's incredibly cold…

especially now in spring.

But we've booked, Ernst!

Besides, heat's no good in my condition.
I need a mild climate.

And anyway, better cold than hot.

Anyway, it's quiet there
and that's the main thing.

The whole year
I stand in the cold-store,

and I have to spend
my vacation at the North Pole!

It's stupid!

You must think of our child,
Ernst.

I know why we're going
to Finland.

If you don't think,
I have to think for two.

Do you think your Ernst would be
so strong if he didn't eat meat,

just your salads?

Don't worry, Mom. I'll be OK.

I just meant,
because of the climate…

How often have I told you
you should retrain for another job?

Then you wouldn't have to stand
in that cold-store.

It's unhealthy, anyway.

Ernst always wanted
to be a butcher.

You have to be able to change your life.
Everyone knows that.

We are interrupting our program
for a special news flash.

Frankfurt.

At a chemical plant near Frankfurt,

a mentally deranged worker

beat his personnel manager to death

and then committed suicide
on a machine in the production hall.

The cause of this terrible tragedy
is still unclear.

The police are continuing
their investigations.

And now,
we return to our music program.

The things that happen nowadays!

What's keeping Dad?

It's past six.

He'll come. He always has.

Well…

"At a chemical plant," they said.

Is a tire factory a chemical plant?

Sure it's a chemical plant.
Everything's chemicals nowadays.

Where do you think all the dirt
and pollution come from?

That'll be Dad.
He must have forgotten his keys.

I, uh…

I don't have much time.

There's something
I have to tell you, Emma.

Something terrible has happened.

To Hermann?

Yes, he's…

He killed himself.
At the plant.

He's dead?

Yes, but…

there's worse to come.

Before that…

Before that, he killed someone.
Beat him to death.

The boss's son, Dr. Berthold.

At the chemical plant.

Hermann must have heard something
about mass layoffs…

and he just blew a fuse.

Telephone for you, dear.
I think it's your mother.

Come.

I told her not to phone
during working hours.

Hennecke hates it.

She said it's important, dear.
She's all worked up.

OK, I'll go.

Hello, Mom!

Corinna?

Sorry to phone you, but…

Mother, you know that…

Yes, but listen…

it's about Dad.

- You must come right away.
- What's happened?

Corinna!

Dad's dead.

He killed himself.

And there's something else.

Oh, Mother… don't cry!

You mustn't cry.

Just a moment.

Something's happened to my father.

Mom, take care of yourself!

Don't get upset!

I'll come as soon as I can.

My Hermann.

I couldn't even see him.

And you know what they're saying?

That he's a murderer.

A murderer, Corinna!

Mom, I'll come.

I'll come right away.

OK?

I have to talk to you.
Give me a drink!

You leave us in the lurch…

and I'm fool enough
to reward you for it.

Well… what's up?

It was my mother.

Dad's dead.
He's killed himself.

And there was something else, too.
I don't remember.

But I have to go.

My sweetheart's
getting sentimental in her old age.

Have another whiskey

and forget the whole thing.

Who has a family nowadays?

Who, I ask you.

And at your age!

You're as free as a bird.

Have another drink
before your next number.

Then we'll go home
and fuck like rabbits…

and tomorrow,
everything will be forgotten.

You're crazy, Gustav.

I couldn't sing a note now.

After all,
it's art I'm creating.

Oh, yes… art!

Art and life…

And fresh rolls in the morning,
and whiskey in the evening…

Darling, drink your milk
and forget the bogeyman.

I can't.

I've always kept
in contact with my mother.

She stood by me
as best she could.

I can't let her down now.

You're too soft for this business.

Just too soft.

Yes, I suppose I am.

I'll get changed and clear out.

"And cleft
the bond of love in twain…

"with one stroke of the whip."

Who's that by?

By me.

The poetry of business life.

Bye, Gustav!

Beat it!

How could it have happened?

My God, I have no idea.

When did you hear about it?

Turn your head this way!

Please don't!

That's no way
to photograph a lady.

Can't you see the state I'm in?

Have some understanding!

What impression
did your father make lately?

I don't know.

The same as always.
Perfectly normal.

Did he make any remarks to you?

Remarks?

We didn't talk much, you know?

I don't want
to be recognized in the photos.

You're damaging my career.

What if my colleagues
recognize me?

Did your father-in-law
suffer from depressions?

No. He never talked
about himself.

- What was your relationship like?
- I don't know.

We just talked
about everyday things.

- Yes.
- Did your father complain about his work?

Dad?

He never complained.

He'd been doing
this job for over twenty years.

Sometimes he looked tired.

But all he said was,
"I'm not the youngest anymore."

Weren't there ever family quarrels?

I mean, living on top
of each other like this…

That's only natural.

It happens in all families.

But never for long,
and never seriously.

Did he often pick quarrels?

Dad never picked a quarrel.

He avoided conflict where he could.

He was the quiet sort.

What about your childhood?

Did he never beat you?

Sure…

I got my share of whacks.
You know how it is.

Did he ever give you
a real hiding?

Maybe.

- Yes, probably.
- What made him do that?

No, I haven't the faintest idea.

Any idea how this thing
could have happened?

No.

I wasn't there.

I can only think he went crazy.

Simply crazy.

Things like that happen.

Excuse me, Mrs. Küsters.

I don't want to bother you.

I can imagine how you feel.

But maybe you could
answer a few questions.

I don't want to distress you,
but it's my job to report on this case.

You knew your husband best.

You're the one who's most likely
to know the truth.

And that's all I'm interested in…

the truth.

Yes, I understand.

You have to write about it.

But today?

What can I possibly say today?

My head's all empty.

It's all empty.

Oh, well!

It's not always easy
for us either.

But…

if it isn't possible today,

maybe I could come
some other time?

Say tomorrow?

At ten?

It's your job, I suppose.

Alright, then, come.

Thanks.

See you tomorrow.

Chin up, Mrs. Küsters!

Chin up!

It's strange.

People live
side by side for years

and hardly know each other.

And you know
what will come of it?

What our dear colleagues
will make of it?

One trumped-up story
after another.

I can see it now —
"Was the factory killer insane?"

"The man who beat his son,
beat his boss to death!"

That's how they'll present it.

Of course they will.

There's a grain of truth in it, after all…
That can't be denied.

If they make a sensation out of it,
that's their business.

I'll tackle it quite differently.

I'll stick to the truth.
I want to find the true cause.

If only I knew how to get through
to the old woman!

How it affects her.

Will it change her awareness…?

That's what I'd like to know.

- Karl?
- Hmm?

Isn't the method exactly the same?

The method may be the same,
Marianne.

It's the results that count.

OK, Mrs. Küsters!

A bit closer to the stove!

And now… stir!

Yes. That's good.

Tell me, was your husband satisfied
with your cooking?

Or did he sometimes complain?

Hermann was a quiet man.

He never complained.

If he didn't like something,
he said so.

You knew where you were.

He was fair.

He was always fair.

There! That was fine.

Now let's take one
of you working.

Would you sit down there?

Go on talking, Mrs. Küsters.
I'm listening.

I suppose your husband
liked a drink now and then?

Of course.
Every man does.

With the other workers.

Sure, he liked a drink.

And when he came home drunk?
What happened then?

He was never drunk…

at least not so drunk
that he couldn't stand upright.

He never drank much.

He would go straight to bed
and fall asleep.

And were there ever any quarrels?

Quarrels?

I used to laugh
when he couldn't walk straight,

and I'd say, "You old boozer!"

Then he'd say, "Leave me alone.

"I feel awful.
I'm going to bed."

And he was off.

And now,
one of you making the bed.

If you think so.

No, no.
Don't hold the blanket so high!

It's covering your face.

How was your husband
with the kids?

That's such a long time ago.

Thirty years or more.

But one thing I do know.

He was far too good.
They could get away with anything.

Sure, he hit the roof sometimes.

But he was younger then.

He'd smack them
or give them a hiding.

Well…

To tell you the truth,

I got one or two myself

when I upset him.

But later he calmed down.

He became very quiet.

There! That about wraps it up.

Just a shot in the sitting room.

Maybe one of you
holding a picture of your husband?

A recent one.
I'm sure you have one.

This is the last picture of him.

Taken three weeks ago at the zoo.

On Sundays,
we often went to the zoo…

On Sunday.

If you'd just turn towards me.

Yes.

And the photo this way…

Yes, that's good.

Tell me…

Your husband
wasn't so young anymore.

The work must have
been pretty hard for him.

Did he never complain?

Was he dissatisfied
with his bosses?

My husband never complained.

Maybe he'd say,
"It was tough today."

But that was all.

He accepted his superiors.

I didn't ask often, either.

We just lived our lives,
day in, day out,

without asking each other much.

Maybe I should have
asked him more.

Perhaps he had troubles.

He just bottled it all up.

He was such a kind-hearted man.

He didn't do it for himself.
He did it for the others

who were in the same situation.

For those

who would have been laid off, too.

He was too good for this world.

That's what Max said,
his foreman.

I have an idea.

We'll show them!
A shot of you at the factory gate…

- What do you say?
- At the factory gate? I don't know.

- Mrs. Küsters? A telegram for you.
- Thanks.

A telegram from my daughter.

She's arriving at the airport at 12.

- I have to pick her up.
- You have a daughter? I didn't know that!

She doesn't work here.
She's away a lot.

Corinna's a singer, you know.

A singer?
That's interesting!

I'll take you to the airport.

At 12, you said?
I can manage that.

Well… thanks.
I'll just get ready.

Lufthansa requests all passengers
booked on flight LH801 to Bremen

to proceed to gate A21.

Mom!

My name's Niemeyer.
I'm a reporter.

Corinna Coren.

Can I drive you back to town?

I'm reporting
on your father's case.

Did his death
come as a great shock to you?

Yes. It took me
completely by surprise.

I'm on tour right now, you know?

Yes. It's terrible.

We reporters are said
to be a hard-boiled bunch,

but it's not true.

These things really
touch us to the quick.

There were so many people
in the apartment.

The papers are probably
full of it.

It's a good job
I haven't read them yet.

They're bound to say
nasty things about your father.

And he was such a good man.

Say he was a good man!

Yes, Mom, he was a good man.

I'll do my utmost…

to report as objectively as possible.

I promise you…

I'll do all I can.

That's good.

Thanks.

I told you
what my husband was really like.

I told you.

Yes.

May I invite you to lunch?

You must be hungry.

Yes, I am.

Pretty hungry.

It'll be easier to talk, too.

And there's a lot
I'd like to find out from you.

You can find out everything.

Everything you want to know.

Thanks a lot.

But Corinna,
I have so much to do.

Later, Mother, later.

What interests me the most,
Miss Coren, is your childhood.

My childhood?

I never had a proper childhood.

We were very badly off.

We had nothing in those days.

But, dear,

we always looked after you.

Yes, Mom, sure.

But compared to nowadays…!

How could you have afforded it?

You…

left home at an early age?

What do you call early?

After high school.

I wanted to go to university.

And your father wasn't supportive?

My Dad?

He couldn't see why a girl
should go to university.

Ernst wasn't interested,
and that left me.

But he never put obstacles
in your way, Corinna.

You were free
to do what you wanted.

Dad didn't like students, Mother.
You know that as well as I do.

You never really studied anyway.

Yes…
Things turned out differently.

I became a singer.

So your mother told me.

How did that come about?

It was fate.

I just sing.

And I write my own lyrics, too.

Really?

Yes.

- Excuse me a moment.
- Certainly.

Don't be offended by her.
She's always been a bit strange.

Not at all. I'm not offended.

On the contrary!

I'd like to speak to the editor
working on the factory murder case.

I'm the daughter.

Hello?

My name's Coren.

Corinna Coren…
that's my stage name.

My real name is Küsters.

Yes, I'm a singer.

I'm sure you've heard
of my record.

It was a big hit:

"Men?
Who Cares About Them?"

Yes, of course
I'm willing to talk to you.

With pleasure.

I thought you'd be interested.

Any time.

- How about this evening at eight?
- If you like…

Yes, I would like.

- Where's my mother?
- She went to wash her hands.

Miss… the check, please!

We can't cancel the vacation,
Mom.

There's money tied up in it.
We saved up the whole year.

You can't go away now,
after what happened to Dad!

You can't just go off!

He's not even been buried yet!

You can't just run away

and leave me… all alone.

I'm carrying a new life
inside me.

I have to think of that.

And staying here
won't bring Dad back.

I daren't risk a miscarriage,
the doctor said.

It's all too much for me anyway.

- Don't you understand?
- Yes… I understand you.

But Ernst, you can't leave
your mother alone with all this…

We have to think of the baby, Mom.
You must understand.

Have you lost all sense
of decency?

Mom, we'll be back.

There's no alternative.

Helene's nerves
are worn to a frazzle.

It's alright, my boy.

Go and help Helene pack.

Please!

- What's up here?
- Mom's sore because we're leaving.

No one can understand that.

It's easy for you to talk.

You don't care about us.
You come only on special occasions.

I was earning money.

I was singing.

Singing?
You call that singing?

- I earn my money, too.
- Shut up, dammit!

It's true!
All this commotion here!

My life's ruined.
My picture's in all the papers!

But you don't care!

- About what?
- About this business with Father.

I don't care?
Why am I here, then?

God only knows.

I wonder what goes on
in that brain of yours.

Look who's talking!

How did it actually happen,
this business with Dad?

No idea!

Max Lüders said
there was talk of layoffs and so on.

And that Dad wanted to inquire.

That's all anyone knows.

It probably led to an argument,
and then… it happened.

Strange.

Dad was such a quiet type.

Oh, that'll be for me.

Bye!

Helene!

- Yes?
- Helene, maybe we should stay.

Because of Mom and so on.

No, Ernst, we're going.

Or I'll go alone. But then…!

I just meant…
because of Mother.

She's not the youngest anymore.

Who's side are you on?

Mine or theirs?

Make up your mind!

O Lord, who in Thy mercy
forgiveth all sinners,

forgive Thy servant Hermann.

Deliver him from
the sufferings of purgatory.

Lead him, like all Thy children,
to the light of salvation

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Miss Coren,
what are your plans for the future?

I have no firm plans.

Will you continue to sing?

Of course.
I'm at the start of my career.

I see no reason to break it off.

Will your father's actions
help or hinder your career?

I'd prefer not to answer that.

But this business has made you known
to a wider audience.

I will pursue
my career as an artist.

Will you be performing
here in Frankfurt?

I've had various offers,
which I'm looking into.

I may well perform here.

Hello, Mrs. Küsters!

Your daughter has left already.

Can we help you in any way?

Can we take you back to town?

Why don't you come
and have coffee with us?

You could probably use it.

- It'll do you good.
- Come along!

I hope…
you've found some peace of mind.

It was really a bit much for you.

All that drama.

It has been awful
these past few days.

For years nothing happens,

and then, overnight…

everything
comes crashing down on you.

Yes, my dear Mrs. Küsters,

it can't be easy for you, but…

How should I put it?

There's a lesson in it
for all of us to learn.

Lesson? What is there left
for you to learn?

You know everything,
have everything…

Having something
doesn't mean you know everything.

We know so little.

And what we have,

Marianne inherited.

The house and…

Oh, I see.

What we can learn
from this affair is…

that it's not so simple,

the business with your husband…

and his being "out of his mind",
as they say in the papers.

That's not the real reason.

One must look
for other explanations.

What your husband did is,
in a sense…

revolutionary.

Revolutionary?

No, not my Hermann.

He was always a quiet man.

There was never any of that.

Of course.

I said "in a sense".

One must realize that murder
doesn't solve any problems.

Your husband tried
to solve his problem…

but by the wrong means.

He could have done it better

by seeking
a solution on another plane.

But his problem…

is the problem of all workers.

Only when they are
strong and united

can changes occur
that will be of benefit…

to the whole of society.

A lone act…

especially a killing,
doesn't help.

The working classes must unite
and use the best means available

to achieve socialism.

Hermann never said
he was oppressed

or exploited.

He always said,
"That's the way it is in the world.

"There have to be masters…
and servants."

Yes, because he wasn't aware
that these conditions can be changed…

if everyone joins forces
and fights together.

Then he'd have known there don't have to be
servants and masters.

But that we must seek
to give everyone an equal share

of what we all produce together.

You see…

throughout the country…

in all the factories,
there are people working,

making things
that are sold for money.

But who pockets the money?

The workers are fobbed off
with a tiny share of the profits.

The lion's share goes
to the business owners.

To the capitalists.

And that is unjust.

It has to be changed.

Surely you agree?

But not everyone
can have the same.

The people at the top
have more responsibility.

That's where you're wrong.

You see,

when there's a crisis,
as we have now,

the capitalists
push the burden onto the workers.

Look at the situation now.

We've seen it time and again.

Whenever there's a crisis
in the capitalist system,

it's not the owner who's fired,

or the manager.

No! They start at the bottom.
The workers are the first to go.

They're put on short time.

Fringe benefits are cut.
Taxes are raised.

That's what we're
experiencing now.

And your husband
refused to accept it.

In the wrong way, admittedly,
as my husband said.

But… driven by a feeling
that something had to be done.

And he could have been helped

if he had had
the right people on his side.

Your husband
must have been sensitive

to the mood of crisis
among the workers.

For…

there's one thing I do know:

He didn't kill that man
just to liberate himself.

He wanted to help the others, too.

Oh, thank you, thank you.

You put that so nicely.

That's certainly how it was.

Hermann always
stuck his neck out for others.

He defended everyone and said
you have to see the good in people.

Yes.

That's the kind of thing
my Hermann said.

Not so long ago he said,

"Now they'll be laying
some of us off.

"The foreign workers
will be the first to go,

"and it hits them hardest."

He always thought
of other people,

and of himself last.

Well…

Your husband had the right idea,
but went about it in the wrong way.

If he'd been one of us

he'd have had people

who could
have explained things to him.

One of you?

I don't understand.

Yes, Mrs. Küsters…
We are Communists.

We are members of
the German Communist Party.

But my Hermann
was never a Communist.

He was always against them.
He said they're troublemakers

who ruin everything,

who are out to destroy
everything we've built up.

Yes…

that's what people
are told about us.

We are depicted…

as villains
and enemies of the state.

And why?

Because we say…

what everyone's thinking anyway.

Because we uncover
the abuses inherent in the system.

And certain people
don't like that —

the parties, the government,
big industry.

A lot of our comrades suffer
for being party members.

They're kept out
of certain professions,

prevented from working
or becoming civil servants.

Just imagine…

a person's not allowed to work,
because he thinks differently!

We just want to help people see
the conditions they're living in.

That's all.

But we're doing alright.

People are content
with what they have.

Well…

Maybe it's all way above my head.

Well, I'd better be going.

I'm sure you have better things
to do than talk to an old woman.

And I still have
so much to take care of.

Thanks for having me.
It made me feel better.

It's good to talk to people.
Really good!

Don't cry, please!

You're welcome here anytime.

And if you ever feel lost
or have any questions,

give us a call.

We'll always be there for you.

Come whenever you like.

Thank you. I thank you
from the bottom of my heart.

I called him.

We're going there this evening.

Benno's all hot for you.

Anyway, they have a lovely place
full of precious things.

Really posh!

I thought they were millionaires.

- When they said they were Communists…
- Thank you.

… I was flabbergasted.

I always thought
Communists were dirt poor.

There are Communists
and Communists.

Like everywhere else
in the world.

There are poor ones
and rich ones…

even among Communists.

It's the same in East Germany.

The party bosses

have their villas and can buy
exotic fruits, and the others…

don't have enough bread.

And even that…

is rationed.

Dad wasn't crazy at all
to do what he did, they said.

He saw no other way out.

The Communists
could have helped him.

Mom, don't fall for that!

It's way above your head.

Leave that to others.

They're decent people,
friendly and attentive.

They looked after me.

And I'm grateful
for every kind word.

They're armchair Communists.

I know dozens
of that sort from Munich.

They blather on about revolution

and what should be done
for the workers,

but most of them
don't know a genuine worker.

They should go to the factories
and do something…

But that's
a different kettle of fish.

Don't be so hard on them.
These people are different.

They're educated and not snobbish.
I noticed that right away.

Stay away from people like that.
They're up to no good, Mom.

OK?

At least they talked to me

and took care of me.

Karl?

Yes?

Aren't we expecting
too much of her?

Of whom?

Mother Küsters, Karl.

Who have we been talking about?

Sorry,
my thoughts were elsewhere.

I think
we're asking too much of her.

She was still shaken by the funeral,
and then…

all those theories…

No, Marianne.
It was perfectly alright.

I watched her closely.

She listened intently…

and took a lot of it in.

And don't forget,
she's lonely,

so she's glad…

to be able to talk to someone.

She can't expect
much from her family.

Old people tend to be mistrustful, Karl.

I think we scared her off.

She has always been warned
about Communists,

and now…

She'll keep well out of our way.

She'll come back to us one day.

I'm sure.

In principle,
anyone can perform here…

as long as they have

some musical ability.

I'm not interested
in political beliefs.

The main thing is
that the people who come here listen…

and drink.

And not too little, either!

But you have a certain aura,
as one can see.

And you sing, too?

But…

It doesn't matter
whether you can or not.

Really?

- I thought…
- You thought!

Thinking…!

Thinking!
Who thinks nowadays?

And people who sing
certainly don't think.

Thank God!

Am I right or am I right?

Both…

But…

Philosophy…

Don't touch it, Jörg!

That won't buy you a meal.

I write my own lyrics.

Oh, that doesn't matter.

Beggars can't be choosers.

But I did choose!

That's what they all think.

And they're all fooling themselves.

OK, when do you want to start?

I don't know…

Maybe…

She wants to start
as soon as possible.

I see.

I see.

Then let's say Saturday.

At least it'll be jam-packed.

The first show around eleven,
the second at one.

Is that alright?

Sure it's alright! They're
the only rights we have here.

I must get back to work.

Cooking the books,
if you get my drift.

Well then… all the best.

Goodbye!

- Oh, uh…
- Yes?

The ads with your name?

You know what I mean.

That business with your father…

Will that be OK?

Yes, yes.

That's OK with me.

"How could
a seemingly quiet worker

"turn into a bloodthirsty monster?

"Was Hermann K. really the man
his co-workers and bosses knew?

"A glance at his private life reveals

"who Hermann K. really was.

"Outwardly,
a nice, friendly guy,

"always ready to help,

"what was he like at home
with his family?

"A tyrant
with an uncontrollable temper.

"A drunkard,
feared by his family.

"His haggard, worn out,
prematurely aged wife —

"what must she have endured
from this man?

"But still
she defends him to the last.

"'He was kind-hearted,
always nice and quiet

"'and helpful to everyone.'

"But even she is forced to admit
that he drank

"and was often violent,

"and that she was sometimes
on the receiving end.

"Her son speaks more frankly.

"'He often gave me a good hiding,
sometimes for no reason.

"'He could really lay into you
when he wanted to.'

"But the clearest picture
of Hermann K.

"comes from his daughter.

"She calls herself Corinna Coren

"and looks to be making a career
for herself as a singer.

"Describing her youth, she says,

"'My father never showed
any understanding for me.

"'I wanted to go to university,
but he wouldn't let me.

"'So I left home.

"'I wanted to stand
on my own two feet

"'I went to university,
but my father was always against it.'"

What do you say to that?

What should I say?

What that man wrote!

Well, Mother…

that's how things are.

He said he wouldn't write
anything bad about Dad,

and now this!

It's all invented!
A pack of lies!

It's his job to create sensations.

Everyone has to make a living.

People forget it as soon
as they've read it.

Who really knew Father anyway?

You knew him. I knew him.
And you know very well it's not true.

As well as I do.

And you even defend that person.

You don't care about Dad.

You, his own daughter,
carrying on with a man like that!

He's done a lot for me.

He has connections, and…

I have to look out for myself.
And Father's dead.

Yes, Dad's dead.

But I'm alive.

I'm still alive, Corinna,
and I swear to you

that one day
I'll call them to account.

One day!
Mark your old mother's words!

I owe it to Dad.

My dear Mrs. Küsters,

I received the letter
you so kindly sent me.

We've considered the matter closely
in the works council

and even at a board meeting.

We all understand your grief,

and we realize what a terrible blow
it was for you.

But we concluded that we cannot
accede to your request.

Let me explain briefly.

A works pension is paid

only when an employee is killed
in an industrial accident.

In your husband's case,
there was no accident.

He was himself to blame.

Added to which
he killed Dr. Berthold,

causing serious harm publicly
to the firm and the staff.

The publicity has seriously
affected industrial relations.

I can assure you,
you have no legal claim.

The secretary of the chemical
workers' union confirmed that.

As you can see,
I've explored all possibilities.

Well… I am very sorry.

You needn't be sorry.

You needn't be sorry at all.

I have my two hands.

I'll manage.

Well, thanks a lot, Mr…?

- Holzapfel.
- … Holzapfel.

But… what are you doing?
Why…?

I'm moving out, Mother.

But why?
There's enough room here.

Don't worry about me.
I'll manage.

Don't you like it here?

Of course I like it.

But I don't
get along with Helene, and…

Helene! This is my home,
not Helene's.

Now everyone's deserting me.

I'll come to visit, Mother.

But I also need to be alone.

Everyone needs that.

Everyone needs a place
of their own.

I understand you.

Don't cry, Mother.
I don't like it when you cry.

Please don't cry!

You're moving in
with that man, aren't you?

Mom! It's my life.

I'm not the youngest anymore, and…

Ernst and Helene
will be back soon,

and you won't be alone anymore.

It's alright, my dear.

It's alright.

If you don't mind,
I'd like to come and see you.

I need to talk to someone.

My daughter's left, too.

Now I'm all alone.

We told you,
you're welcome anytime.

Mrs. Küsters.
She wants to come by.

We'd be delighted, Mrs. Küsters.

Yes…

I'll be right there.
It's not far.

Thanks. See you soon.

Come in, Mrs. Küsters!

- Hello.
- Hello.

I'll show you something,
and you can tell me what you think.

- I'll make you some coffee.
- Thanks.

This is my paper.

I've written an article that also
deals with your husband's case.

You know that dreadful story
they published in that magazine?

I want you to compare it
with what I wrote.

Yes, it was terrible.

Terrible!

When I read it,
everything was a blur.

I felt all dizzy.

And I trusted him!

The swine, the filthy swine!

He's not a human being,
that reporter, he's an animal.

He wanted
to write the truth, he said,

the truth about Hermann.

He was quiet and even-tempered,
my Hermann.

Now he's portrayed
as a drunkard and a bully…

and he can't defend
himself anymore.

Yes, your husband
must be rehabilitated.

His name cleared!

That's why
my husband wrote the article.

Read it yourself!

That's better… much better!

What you've written is true.

But who'll read it?

That's only read by…

Not very many yet,
but more every day.

And time, Mother Küsters,

time is on our side.

It would be good,

very good,
if lots of people read this

and not just the magazine story.

But that's how it is.

We're in God's hands.

No, Mother Küsters.

The way things are
is not God-given.

Things can be changed.

And any change…

can only be for the better.

- But God…
- God is God.

And life is life.

And people are responsible
for their own lives.

Well… I don't know.

Maybe you're right.

But what you wrote is good.

I thank you for it.

You don't have to thank me.

It was no more than my duty.

It didn't stop raining,
and it didn't get properly light.

You should have gone south.

It rains in the south, too.

He did nothing but complain
and was in a terrible mood.

With that weather!

There are lovely woods up there.

He was just too lazy
to go for a walk.

If you slave away all year,

you want a restful,
lazy vacation.

- I slave away all year, too.
- But sitting down.

Oh yes! Mother and son!
Stick together!

I'm not taking any more of this.

Always arguing, ganging up on me.

I'm moving out!

You can stay with your mother.
I'll manage.

But…

She doesn't mean it, Mom.
She's just sore about the vacation.

It didn't turn out
as she'd planned.

She doesn't like
being in the wrong.

And in her condition…!

I had children, too,
but I didn't behave like that.

Nobody's done anything to her.

I'm moving out.

That does it! I'll show you!

Hello,
I saw your ad in the paper.

You have a furnished apartment?

Yes, I'd be interested.

Is it quiet?

Oh, I see.

That's too bad. Goodbye!

- Ernst?
- Yes?

You planned this
during your vacation. Moving out.

But Mom!

Never mind!

It's alright.

- Hello?
- Yes, I'm looking for something furnished.

Three rooms if possible.

No?

Well, thanks anyway.

Goodbye!

All the same, I'll manage!

Me, too, Helene!

I'll manage, too.

Even if you all desert me,
it doesn't matter.

On the contrary,
it gives me strength.

I promised Dad into his grave
that I'd cherish his memory.

You two couldn't care less.

But I'm going to fight.

What kind of talk is that, Mom?

And what does it
have to do with Dad?

That's my business.

And now
I even ask you both to move out.

I ask you to.

But Mom…!

- Well, Helene? Have a good rest?
- Not bad.

To what do we owe
the honor of your visit?

I just want to pick up
some stuff I forgot.

Don't worry! I'm going again.

What's going on here?

No idea!

- Mom's just talking nonsense.
- I'm not talking nonsense!

Never mind, Mom, we're all nuts.

Maybe you are.
I've got my wits about me.

Mom keeps talking about fighting.

Do you know what it's all about?

Leave her!
She has her own notions.

Mom, today's
my first show in Frankfurt.

Want to come?
With Ernst and Helene?

- Thanks. I'd rather stay at home.
- Then you come with Ernst.

If you think so.
And if Ernst goes.

Great! See you tonight! Bye!

Singing!
Don't make me laugh!

Meine Damen und Herren,
ladies and gentlemen,

messieurs-dames,
señorinas and señoritas,

Señoras y caballeros.

You see,
I'm all international tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I have a sensation for you.

Something that's
never been seen before!

Ladies and gentlemen,

what I'm presenting tonight

is more than just a smash hit.

It's nothing less than a miracle!

A slip of a girl…

but with such a voice,

with so much power and drive…
so much strength,

she'll bring the house down.

You'll get
your money's worth tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I present to you…

I don't want to brag too much,
or I might disappoint you.

At fairs they used
to show the female torso

and the bearded lady.

Do you remember?

The lady with three breasts…

None of that
I can offer you tonight.

What I can offer
is something more…

An experience, a sensation.

Polish your glasses!
Loosen your ties!

That's right!
Very nice! Wonderful!

Ladies and gentlemen,
I present to you today,

here, at this hour,

the sensation!

Ladies and gentlemen,

I present to you
not the living female torso.

But I present to you…

the daughter
of the factory murderer!

Oh, my God!

How can they allow that?

Here she is!

Corinna Coren!

The streets, they stink

Of dirt and shit

My chances sink

Cos Fred has quit

The sun is low

He let me go

I'm digging my grave,
and no one says "no"

Says "no", says "no"

Men,
they forget us women so quick

That skin of theirs
is so damned thick

Women are women
from their heads to their toes

But sadly, with men
you're not clear how it goes

They brag about courage

They don't really have

Then they take their bow
without asking your leave

My Fred was alright

His kisses were sweet

When he lost all restraint
lying under my sheet

But a guy caught his eye

And he gave me the boot

What could I do
but part with the brute?

I want a new man

A real one with zest

Who knows a girl's worth

When she's giving her best

Men,
they forget us women so quick

That skin of theirs
is so damned thick

Women are women
from their heads to their toes

But sadly, with men
you're not clear how it goes

Come on, Mom! Let's go!

I checked out the place.

It's a perfect location.

Near the opera house
facing away from the street, and quiet.

Just what I've always wanted.

Then you were lucky.

Yes. The tram stops
just round the corner.

I can get to work in ten minutes.

The furniture's nothing special,

but it'll do for now.

We can add things as we go along,
or replace them.

And you know what?

And we can move in tomorrow!

Ernst, your wife's
in an awful hurry.

Don't be sad, Mom.
It's not far.

We can phone,
and you can come visit.

Chin up, my boy!
Don't worry about me!

Come on, dear!
We have to pack!

Ernst!

Mrs. Küsters!

I was just walking past,
and I thought I'd ring.

I hope you don't mind?

On the contrary, Mrs. Küsters.
We're always glad to see you.

Would you like something to eat?

- I've just made some sandwiches.
- Thanks.

Come in!

It's all so hard for me.

When you have someone by your side
for 30 years,

you don't need to talk much.

And the worries
weigh only half as much.

Why don't you come to us
with your troubles?

The main thing
is to get them off your chest.

Yes. I feel so lonely,

so abandoned by everybody.

Since my husband's death

the whole family's broken apart.

My daughter was always
on the move,

but I thought,
now that she works in Frankfurt,

she could at least live with me.

Even if she does work
in that dive

and drags her father's name
through the mud.

And now my son
has moved out with his wife…

and I'm all alone
in that big apartment…

talking to myself.

- Good evening, Mr…
- Good evening, Mrs. Küsters!

I happened to be passing
and I thought I'd ring.

Yes, that's fine.

Why don't you come along with us?

We're meeting some comrades
for a glass of wine and a chat.

But I'm not prepared,
and I'm not dressed right.

Nonsense, Mrs. Küsters!

Things like that
are not important to us.

Outward appearances
don't count with us.

Well, alright…

If you don't mind…
I'll come.

Hello, Mom!

I thought I'd drop by.

That's nice. Come in!

How are things with you?

So-so.

How's the little one?

Good.
He screams like all babies.

That's how it is.

And how are you?

Oh, you know…

I'm alone a lot.

I'm sorry about that, Mom.

Nonsense!
You don't have to be sorry.

It's not all bad.

You have time to think
when you're alone.

Yes.

- You know, I've joined the Party.
- What party?

The German Communist Party.

But Mom…!

You needn't worry.

They're ordinary people.
They talk to me.

And they take me seriously.

Yes… they take me seriously.

I don't know much about politics,

but they try hard to explain it.

The business with Dad, too.

And why?

Out of the kindness
of their hearts?

Everybody's out for something.

Once you realize that,
everything becomes simpler.

I want them to be nice to me
and to talk to me,

and if they want something
from me…

that's only fair.

I don't dare tell Helene.
She'll throw a fit.

You don't have to tell her.

Just try to understand it
yourself.

I'll try.

They give me strength
when I sit here all alone,

with my thoughts eating away at me,
you understand?

Yes, Mom.
I understand you.

I keep thinking of Dad…

and what he did.

And slowly I begin to understand
why that happened with Dad

and all those around him.

And that helps me.

It's important.
You understand?

Sure, Mom. You know
what's important for you.

I don't blame you.

I'd better be going. Bye!

- My love to Helene and the baby!
- I'll tell them, Mom.

… for socialism
can neither be improvised

nor brought about
by a coup or a conspiracy.

It can only be the outcome of

the struggle of the working
classes and the people.

What the workers experience

in the present state of crisis

helps them develop
their class awareness

and prepares the ground
for the class struggle.

The more the Party identifies
itself with the working masses,

the closer this struggle will come.

We therefore demand…

the securing of jobs

by increasing
mass purchasing power.

We must put up resistance
in the factories, in municipalities,

on the streets
and in the squares.

We condemn the profiteers
and the big combines.

Stop the extortion
by multinational oil companies,

which exploit our people

and destroy jobs with price fixing!

It's not wages
that determine prices.

It's the monopolies.

No more short-time work
and factory closures!

We demand an end to mass layoffs!

Dismissals without the provision
of alternative employment

must be forbidden by law.

Our Party urges all workers,
employees…

union members, Social Democrats
and Young Socialists

to join forces in combating

those responsible
for the impending social crisis.

Not the farming people and workers
are our enemies.

We all have a common enemy
who robs and exploits us:

capitalism.

Nobody's safe
from sackings and price increases.

Let us act together.
Today rather than tomorrow.

Let us act now!

Thank you, Comrade Tillmann,
for your interesting remarks.

Today, we are able to illustrate
his theoretical analysis

with an authentic case.

I'd like to welcome Mother Küsters,

who joined our Party
a few weeks ago.

You all know the tragic case of her husband,
Hermann Küsters.

She has volunteered
to speak to you today.

Good evening, everyone!

This is the first time I've ever spoken
to so many people at once,

and I'm not as good a speaker
as the others.

But I can explain, I think…

why I joined this party
at my age.

I must confess,

it's not because of politics,
which I know too little about…

but because of the people
I've found among you.

And these people have told me

that we mustn't accept
everything as God-given.

Not everything is down to fate.

I believe them,
and that's why I'm here.

I have come to realize

there's a reason for everything,

for all the terrible things
that happen in the world.

I was married to my husband
for 40 years.

That's a long time,

but much too short as well.

Because, what did I do
all those years?

I did what was expected of me,

what is expected of every woman:

I had children,
kept house and so on.

And Hermann did
what was expected of him.

He went to work,

went to war…

And that was the way of things.

But is that life,
I ask myself now.

Is that really life?

Or did we just live

in the way
others wanted us to live?

Was that really our life?
I don't know.

Down in the valley,

all you see is the mountain.

But up on the mountain,

you can see many valleys
and mountains.

Forty years is a long time
for two people to be together.

I thought I knew him,

and I thought
there was no need to talk

because we knew everything
there was to know.

But that's not true.

It's not true at all.

We have no idea.

How my husband must have suffered
to have done what he did!

And I knew nothing about it.

Is that life?

Other people's problems,

that's what he talked about.

But we never really learned

how to live together,

or we weren't able
to get through to each other.

How desperate he must have been,
not knowing which way to turn!

He had nobody like you
to talk to…

who might have told him
what was right.

Things would have been
different then.

And he wouldn't
have been used after his death

to fill those magazines with lies.

My husband is no murderer.

And he's not crazy either.

He's a man who hit back…

because he was beaten
all his life.

Beaten… and trampled on.

If it's true
what I've heard here…

that one percent
of the population

owns 80 percent of all wealth,

then he tried in his own way

to fight this injustice.

The way he did it was wrong.

But I want to make
amends for that.

I, Emma Küsters,

will join you
in your struggle for justice today.

Hello!

Congratulations!

What you said was very good.

Really? I just said
what came to my mind.

Yes, that was right.

Everything else
in there is empty talk.

I don't know… I like it here.

Yes, because you think they care
about you, but you're wrong.

But…

You're for it with all your heart.

But them in there…!

Take a good look at those people!

Do you think they mean
all they say, like you?

Yes.

That's why I joined the Party.

Because they misled you.

They're all talk and no action.

And so it goes on for years,

until the goals
they once had are forgotten.

But they want to help me
clear my husband's name!

You really believe that?

Sure, I believe you believe it.

But those people don't give a shit
about your husband.

When you talk like that,
it makes me sad.

What you need, Mrs. Küsters,
is a striking action.

Something to make people sit up
and take notice.

To shake them out of their sleep.

Action?

What sort of an action?

We'd have to consider that.

But something
can certainly be done.

You can always do something.

If you ever need me…
my name's Knab.

Horst Knab.
I live at 24 Westendstrasse.

You never know.

Horst Knab, Westend…?

I don't understand a thing.

You impressed them tremendously,
Mrs. Küsters.

Did I? I'm glad.

It was great, what you said.
It really got under their skin.

I thought I'd just talk,
as if someone were sitting there,

listening sympathetically.

That's all there was to it.

The people were all very quiet…

and I wasn't afraid anymore.

Yes, we could tell
you weren't afraid anymore.

That was good.

When I went outside

to the ladies' room,

someone approached me.

He said such strange things.

He said I needed an action.

"An action."
That's what he said.

Knab's his name, Horst Knab.

Yes.

He's one of those
who want to destroy

instead of building things up.

They are people…

we can't even talk with anymore.

We have nothing
to do with them. They're…

anarchists, Mrs. Küsters.

They are our enemies.

I told him right away

I'd joined the Party

because I believe
it'll help me with Hermann and so on.

You can rest assured
we will not leave you in the lurch.

It's not much further.
Here we are.

Thanks for everything!

Good night!

Haven't you promised the woman
too much?

She's just waiting and waiting.

I thought something would happen.

I sit at home,

but nobody calls,
nobody comes by…

Why doesn't the Party
do anything?

We wanted to go to the factories

and tell people the truth
about my husband.

But nothing!

You must be patient,
Mrs. Küsters.

It's a slow process.

But not that slow!

People forget so quickly.

If we don't act now,
it'll just fade away.

But Mrs. Küsters…

we can't work miracles.

We promised to help you,
and we will.

But we must act now,
while it's still fresh in people's minds!

Why aren't you doing anything?

My dear Mrs. Küsters,
we are very busy.

We're in the middle
of an election campaign.

We need to gain new voters.

That's our main task right now.

We won't forget you,
but we have to put your case on hold.

There'll be time enough
after the campaign.

But I need it now!
Something has to happen now! Now!

You can't let me down like that.

No one's letting you down,

but we have more pressing
problems.

"The Party's right in any situation,
fighting lies and exploitation!"

Karl! Karl!

Your party's a bourgeois party,
Mrs. Küsters, that's all.

Well?

All parties are.

But your party's a small party.

The smaller the party,
the less power it has

and the less courage.

They certainly
didn't help with Hermann.

Because they can't.

It's obvious.

They stick to the constitution
and try to keep a low profile.

But they promised me!

They have to lie,
like all the others.

But we don't have to lie.
We're answerable only to ourselves.

We are free.

Maybe… But what can you do?
There are even fewer of you.

That's true.

But we make up for that with spirit.

We have more guts, Mrs. Küsters.

I was thinking. We could
just enter the editorial office

and demand
a retraction of the article.

We'd sit on the floor
and stay there…

until our demands are met.

You understand?

Four or five people… and you.

Yes, I see.

- And you think that would help?
- Of course it would help.

The whole nation would take notice.

You want everyone to think
about your husband, don't you?

Yes, I do.

But…

There's nothing to be afraid of.

It's the only way
to achieve anything in this case.

Believe me!

I'll think it over.

I have to think it over first.
Maybe you're right.

Another cup?

Yes, please! Thanks.

I promised my Hermann.

Into his grave, I promised him.

Into his grave…

We want to see Mr. Niemeyer.

Yes. What is it about?

We want to tell him personally.
It's important.

Do you know where Niemeyer is?

No idea.
You can see he's not here.

- Then we'll talk to the editor.
- That's easier said than done.

He's in a meeting.

Then get him out!
It's important!

We have important information.

Take it easy, young man!

I'll try, if you insist.

Dr. Linke?

There are some people here
who say they have important information.

No, he's not here.

- Take a seat! He won't be long.
- OK.

Well, what is it?
You have some information?

- My name is Küsters, Mr…?
- Linke.

Küsters?

- But that's…
- Exactly.

She's the wife of your
"factory murderer".

- My…?
- Sure!

Your factory murderer.

He's not ours, is he?

No, he's not our factory murderer.
He's yours.

And you're responsible
for this defamation.

To be quite frank,
I can't remember the details.

It was some months ago.

All the same,
for me it's right here.

Closer than anything.

And I want you to print
the truth about my husband.

- That's why we're here.
- My dear woman,

if we printed a retraction
every time someone complained,

where would we be?

Write a reader's letter.

Maybe we'll print that.

No! I can't wait any longer.

I want something to happen today!

I'm sorry, madam,
but I must ask you to leave.

You refuse?

I won't be blackmailed.

- Then…
- Then maybe this will persuade you!

But…

We declare the office occupied.

You are all our hostages.

Follow our instructions
and nothing will happen to you!

Against the wall!

And you! Call the guy
who wrote that article!

Yes?

What's up?

But that's…

Old Mrs. Küsters…?

Others, too?

What do they want?

I see.

Hostages?

Of course. I'll be right there!

- What's going on?
- I have to go to the office.

- Where?
- The editorial office.

Some anarchists
are up to something.

- To what?
- They've taken hostages.

Where?

At the editorial office, darling.

- What's that about my mother?
- Your mother?

You just said "old Mrs. Küsters."

Yes, darling…
Your mother's with them.

Mother?

I don't believe it!

It's ridiculous!

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Anyway, it has to do with my article.
That's why I have to go.

- Mother with anarchists?
- God! I don't know any details!

Why are you shouting?
What did I do?

I'm nervous.

I'm sorry.

I'll give you a call, OK?

Bye!

Mother and anarchists!

Can you hear me?

This is the Küsters Commando.

We have occupied the offices
of the "Illustrated".

We're holding three hostages
that we'll shoot

if our demands are not met.

We demand restitution
for Hermann Küsters.

He has been wronged.

This magazine portrayed him
as a brutal murderer and a madman,

which he was not.

He was a lone revolutionary.

In his honor,
we demand the release

of all political prisoners
in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Or people will die here!

Who's that?

The chief of police? About time!

We don't want any bloodshed.

We demand free passage
with our hostages in a Mercedes 600.

Bring the car here.
The doors must be open.

Have a Boeing 707 ready,

with a crew of four,
so we can leave the country.

We're taking two hostages.

You know our demands —

the release of all political prisoners
in the name of Hermann Küsters.

The decision on life or death
is in your hands.

Long live the revolution!

About time you got here!

You're crazy!

Mrs. Küsters, tell them
to stop their war games!

Shut your trap, you pig!
Up against the wall!

They're stark raving mad!

They're demanding the release
of all political prisoners in Germany.

They're either amateurs
or madmen.

Shut up!

Yes?

The car must be outside
in one hour, as stipulated.

All hostages but two
will be released.

Linke and Niemeyer
will remain in our hands

until our demands are met.

We want no police
within a radius of 200 meters.

I'm warning you, we can see
everything from up here.

All doors and windows
must be shut.

If our conditions are not met,
the first hostage will be shot.

OK… in one hour!

The escape car has driven up.

After some time, Mother Küsters
and the others come out with the hostages.

The girl has her weapon
trained on Niemeyer's head.

Knab is guarding Linke.

Mother Küsters accompanies them,
evidently bewildered.

Ernst sees his mother,
breaks through the police line,

and runs toward her.

Ernst: Mom, Mom!

Mother Küsters walks toward Ernst
as if in a trance.

Horst Knab, close-up.
Knab: Mrs. Küsters! Watch out!

Mother Küsters (medium-close).
A shot rings through the night.

Mother Küsters falls to the ground.

Knab shoots Linke dead.
Then he is hit, too.

Corinna approaches, kneels down,

takes her dead mother in her arms
and lets herself be photographed.

We want to speak to your
reporter Niemeyer urgently.

We have important information.

I'll see if he's here.

Don't worry. He'll be here.
But maybe he doesn't have the guts.

What do you mean?

What I say.

Is Niemeyer there?

- There are certain persons here…
- "Persons"?

Well, some people…

I beg your pardon?
He doesn't?

Oh, well. Too bad!

Yes. Thanks.

I'm sorry.
He's in a meeting at the moment.

Just phone again, my dear woman,

and say that among
the "persons" or "people",

or whatever you choose
to call us,

that Mother Küsters
is one of them.

- Understand?
- As you wish.

Sorry to disturb you,
but I should tell you

- there's a Mrs. Küsters…
- Mother Küsters.

Sorry!
Mother Küsters…

Hello? Hello?

Hello, Mrs. Küsters.
Why didn't you say it was you?

Because I'm not alone, Mr. Niemeyer.
I'm by no means alone.

We demand the retraction of your
obscene article, Mr. Niemeyer.

Hermann Küsters was not a brutal criminal,
as you portrayed him.

Hermann Küsters was…

a lone revolutionary.

That's your opinion,
my young friend.

But do you think

this will help the memory of your husband
in any way, Mrs. Küsters?

We're not here to have a discussion.
We're demanding something.

And we will fight to obtain our demands.
Tell that to your editor!

That swine Niemeyer!

In '68, the pig
was demonstrating with us.

- Now they're sitting on the floor?
- Yes.

It looks quite picturesque.

And this, this…
What did you say his name was?

- Knab.
- Knab, yes. Who is he?

Some washed-up anarchist.

Too scared
to pull something really big.

Then everything's OK.
I'll take a look at them.

Corinna!

Listen, darling!

Your mother's
up to her nonsense again.

She's staging a sit-down strike
here in the office.

They want me to retract the article,
or something.

Yes, with two inane anarchists.

Be a dear!
Get dressed and come over here!

You must make her see reason.

It's all so ridiculous.

No. That's the problem. I can't.

I have to interview that theater guy
who's resigned.

OK?

Thanks.

Look here, young man,
we're only the local office in Frankfurt.

The real decisions are made in Hamburg.
You know that very well.

Then call the police
and have us carried out!

What? All that bother?
With police and so on?

No. You'll get up on your own
when you're hungry.

And there's an end to it!

The appointment's at five.
See you tomorrow!

And what should I do?
I have to go now.

Just go home!

This will
sort itself out on its own.

But if they phone
America or something…?

They don't have contacts
with America.

Don't worry your head about that.

See you!

- Well, what do we do now?
- Wait and see what happens.

They're sure to take
some action against us.

It's the wrong method after all.

- Is it?
- Yes.

The only way to achieve anything
is to use force.

Guns, hostages, blackmail.

Oh, no! No, no!

That would be wrong.
Quite certainly.

And everyone would be against us,
and against Hermann as well.

But we would have achieved
something —

roused people, shaken them.

But not with violence and blackmail.

You see,
we do have much less power

than the other side, don't we?

- Goodbye!
- Good night!

Exactly that.

And because we have less power
but more humane ideas,

we may resort
to more desperate means.

I don't understand that.

No.

I can't understand that.

I'm clearing off.

The whole thing's futile.

I'm staying.

Mom!

Corinna!

How nice! Sit down!

Come on!

Mother,
what's all the palaver about?

Palaver?

I want your friend
to take back his filthy article.

And I'll stay sitting here
until he does.

No one cares about
whether you're sitting here or not.

You're just making yourself
look ridiculous.

To whom?
To these people here?

It's impossible to make myself
look ridiculous to them.

Not these people.

Mom!

Can you even remember
what Dad looked like?

Why do you ask?

But it's true.

Sometimes when I want to recall him,
my head's all empty.

And yet, I have nothing else
in my head but Hermann.

Have I?

I don't know, Mom.

I don't know.

Come on now!

No, Corinna. I'm staying here.

As you wish.

I'm going again. Bye, Mom!

- Corinna!
- Yes?

Are you successful
with your singing?

Yes, Mom. Thanks.

It's OK.

Bye!

Bye, Mom!

Good evening!

Good evening!

I heard you were sitting here.

But I have to lock up now.

Go ahead and lock up!

I can't lock up
as long as you're sitting here.

Then I can't help you.

Let me take you outside!

You can come back again tomorrow.

- Tomorrow?
- Yes!

Tomorrow, and the day after,
and every day.

But at night, you see,
at night, it's a problem for me,

because I can't go home then.

And this evening there's
"heaven and earth" for dinner

with blood sausage.

"Heaven and earth"?
Creamed potatoes and apples?

Yes, with blood sausage.

With blood sausage.

There's more than enough.

Maybe you'd care to join me?
Come along with me!

But what would your wife say?

My wife has been dead
a long time.

I live alone…

I'm alone a lot, you know.

I'm alone a lot, too.

There you are!
Then come along with me!

And we can consider

how to make sure the truth
is written about your husband.

How do you know that
about my husband?

Well… I read that article,
and I knew immediately

that it was a pack of lies.

Really?

- My God!
- Yes!

Come along!

We're going home

to eat "heaven and earth"
with blood sausage.

And to think out a plan.

"Heaven and earth!"

Mother Küsters Goes To Heaven
was shot in February/March 1975 in 1:1,37.

Staying true to the original,
the digital restoration and lighting of the film

was carried out by way of scanning
the original 35mm camera negative in 4K,

as well as by digitizing
the optical soundtrack negative.