Original subtitles

EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY

A FAMILY SERIES

IRMGARD AND ROLF

Interesting.

Not bad. - Really?

Not bad at all.

WESTHOVEN TOOL FACTORY

We've kept this quiet for a while now,

but you do of course understand that it will cause a stir when it comes out.

But it's going to the works council now.

It will be quite an adjustment for some. Westhoven is quite far out of town.

And that makes the site cheaper.

Your travel time will change significantly as well, won't it?

Come in.

- Yes, I - - Yes?

Bertram.

- That can't be true. - Would I lie to you?

- No, but... - But you just said it's not true.

I didn't say it's not true.

I said it can't be true. - But it is true.

“Westhoven machine facility, tool factory.”

I can read, can't I? - No one doubts that.

Anyone doubt Manfred can read? - Stop the stupid jokes. This is serious.

- Where is Westhoven? - In the west, of course.

But that should've been...

They should've told us that long ago, all the same.

Should've. All the same.

You're acting as if you know nothing at all.

Vvesthoven. I might just lose my mind.

Well, in my case, if it's true -

Westhoven is very conveniently located.

Well, in that case -

If it's convenient for you, why are we getting worked up?

Seriously now. They have to at least notify the works council of that.

They'll be sure to do that.

When nothing can be done about it, no later.

Westhoven.

Did you say Westhoven? - Yes. Do I have a speech defect?

- Let me talk to her. - She's with a customer.

- I don't care. Let me speak to her. - He's having a fit. Calm him.

- I'm not having a fit at all. - Darling?

Please tell your friend I'm not having a fit at all.

I'm to tell you he's not having a fit at all. Is that all?

Have you signed the apartment contract?

Oh, that. Of course. I did it this morning.

Great.

Yeah, it wasn't so easy with that guy. I had to really talk him into it.

Oh, well, I'm a good talker.

But he still insisted on a five-year contract.

But I thought, “Oh, well, five years isn't forever.”

And it does have an extra bedroom and -

They're moving the tool factory to Westhoven.

Great. And more than one child, I mean -

What did you say?

They're moving our plant to Westhoven.

To Westhoven?

Hold on.

- That's on the other side of town! - That's What I'm saying.

I really can't rely on you at all. Not one bit. Bye!

Of course a contract's a contract.

Yes, I know that.

I was just asking. You never know, do you?

Thanks.

Nothing doing.

Shit!

- Nothing's official yet, but - - What do you mean “official”?

From what we've seen, and you should know this better than us,

this move will happen.

Exactly. They don't make a model for nothing.

They had it made for a reason.

That's right. No buts or any such thing about it.

It'll happen. Period. - Still.

We can't do anything until it's been officially announced.

And anyway, what can we do?

Well, if I may say something. This move has disadvantages for some people.

Our commute times will be much longer.

It makes a difference if I need 15 minutes or an hour.

I'll say.

Some of us will have to find new apartments.

If I need an hour to get to work and an hour to get back, that's two hours a day.

That'd be totally nuts. And I won't get a place as cheap as mine.

Or I buy a car, which costs money too. - It's the same for me.

Or worse. I'm paying off my house. I can give it away if this move happens.

My journey will be 90 minutes.

But what should I do? What? Should I go complain?

Maybe.

Maybe we really should complain.

Everyone has adapted their life according to their place of work.

I mean...

I could've gone to Müller-Scherz, for example.

But I went to Sticking because of its location.

It's as simple as that.

And what good will it do us to complain?

If the move has already been decided, it won't do us any good.

There are limits. They'll laugh like crazy if I go to them.

They'll say, “We're sorry about your travel time,

but this is about the economic situation.

The site issue is purely economic.

Human factors must unfortunately take a back seat.”

Can't you demand they supply you with cars or provide new apartments?

That'd be nice, but hopeless. That will never happen.

I don't get this whole thing at all, to be honest.

I mean, they expect you to work there for them.

That's right, isn't it? - Sure.

Without us, they'd be in a fix.

Well, then.

Then they should offer you something

in return for you working in a place you don't want to work in.

Offer us what?

- There's plenty you don't like at work. - I'll say.

Then you make a list of the things you'd like to have changed.

Then say, “Okay, we'll go there.

Then it's worth accepting the inconveniences.”

And maybe we can still demand certain benefits as well.

I think we can make demands too.

- And how do we do that? - How do we do what?

Well, the list and all.

I don't know that either. How do you do something like that?

What is it we're unhappy with?

The toilets, for example, or...

I think it's best we each sit down at home, think it over, and write something down.

Yes, everyone thinks of something, and then we make a list.

And we go from there.

In any case, this will be interesting.

Well...

- Pardon? - I said, “Well.” “Well” is all I said.

Right.

Do you think we'll really achieve anything?

I mean, that they'll accept our demands.

Possibly. Anything's possible.

I mean, we've learned that we have more power than we think, right?

Yeah. It seems that way.

Nonetheless, I think...

it has to end somewhere.

Okay, it has to end somewhere, sure.

But, I mean, you have to find out just where it ends -

where and why.

Come here.

Should we start arranging things now, or not?

I don't know. The mattress is enough for me now. And you?

Me?

I'm with you.

What more could I want?

All right then, number one - improving the cafeteria food.

Two - a more effective ventilation system.

Three - a pay phone solely for our department.

Four- a new type of locker with two sections,

one for work clothes and one for other clothes.

Five - better upkeep of the toilets.

Six - a coffee vending machine and soda vending machines.

Seven - a small cold-water pool to soak in after showering.

Eight - new work clothes every six months paid for by the company.

That's everything pertaining to the workplace.

Plus four items concerning new apartments and transportation.

One - the company should procure new apartments for those who want them

in the districts around Westhoven.

Two - it should pay building subsidy fees or advance rent payments.

Three - for an interim period of six months,

affected workers should be paid for 30 minutes of their work commute each way.

Four - a bus service from the city center to and from Westhoven should be set up.

That's it.

Should we give this to the works council for them to pass on?

Well...

It's quite a lot.

But, to tell the truth, it's not really anything at all.

Exactly.

The first eight items are basically givens.

And, as demands, they're pretty childish.

But I couldn't think of anything else.

It sure is strange.

There are lots of things that don't suit us.

That means I'm never actually really happy. What about you guys?

- Probably no one is. - Exactly, probably no one.

But when you try to think of specific things that would make you happier,

you can't think of anything but trifles, like a toilet.

Honest. I tried really hard.

I thought and thought about it, but -

I can't think of anything either.

Something isn't right.

It's like a part of your brain shuts down.

We're all too mixed up in it.

Probably.

The way things are is so ingrained in us

that we can't imagine things being any other way.

- Did you think of something? - No.

But I did look and find letter. - What letter?

From workmate in Italy. I'll try translating.

- When foreigners are allowed to think. - Shut it.

“And then, on fifth day of strike,

after we stayed in plant the whole time

and only stood around and talked,

we then got bored at some point or other.

We then began to work.

We did what we wanted.

And after few hours,

we had many more results than when everything organized.

We worked, we were having fun,

and the outcome was more than when commanded.”

What?

You look at me like idiot. Did I do something wrong?

No way.

That's the idea of the decade. That's the idea of the century.

By the way, we've now made a list of nine demands.

We'll try to push them through. - What are they?

Well,

little things like toilets and stuff, but that's just one part of it.

And we want a say in how the machines are arranged in relation to each other

and which machines we buy,

because we have experience that engineers don't have.

And then -

And this is the decisive point.

We want to organize our work ourselves.

- What's that? - You heard right.

We want to organize our own work. - That's a joke.

It's no joke at all. On the contrary.

Experiences in America and Italy have shown

that workers who are allowed to work at their own pace actually produce more.

More. Do you understand?

There's one more thing.

If we produce faster than production-planning estimates...

then we want a cut of the additional profit.

You're all nuts. You'll never manage that. Never.

Why ever not? It sounds quite sensible.

Grandma, please. How would you know what works in a factory?

Now just think about it.

Let's say you want to chop wood.

Someone comes to you and tells you how to chop the wood and when to chop it.

You won't feel like doing it, and you'll do it grudgingly.

But if you're allowed to chop the wood how you want and whenever you want,

you'll start chopping merrily away and do it faster.

Am I right? Or am I wrong?

That's about right.

Now just think about it. Why does production planning even exist?

Why do you think? Because it's necessary.

That's your error - thinking everything that exists is necessary.

That's not true. On the contrary.

It's late. I have to go.

- Where is it you're going? - Oh, you know.

- Oh, it's a secret. - Not exactly, but...

- But you'd rather not talk about it. - That's right.

Bye. - Bye.

Come on, I'll see you out.

Well, you'll never manage it.

- You're being negative. - I'm not. I'm realistic.

- Probably because you've stopped thinking. - I think way more than you.

You couldn't even reason out what we were just saying.

You have no idea. No idea about a thing.

Like you even have an idea what I have an idea about.

Gregor!

Bring me a shot too.

Honey, how do you know I'm having a shot?

Cheers!

To my ideas.

Well, I...

Management has just given me the task of informing you

that our machine factory will be moving to Westhoven.

The works council knows and will talk to you.

To Westhoven? Is that right?

Yes.

I don't know anything more myself right now.

But I'd ask you to let the workers know.

All right then.

- And what is this supposed to mean? - Well...

There are things between heaven and earth...

Yes, it appears there are.

Right.

Here we go.

Right. I think I've got them all.

I can't wait to see how he reacts.

- You can say that again. - Twenty-one. Everyone.

Who's going? - I don't mind going.

Me either. Right then, let's go.

Come in.

All right, we -

We...

If the toolmaking plant is going to move to Westhoven, we have -

- We have - - Yes.

- Nine demands. - Yes, we have.

Well.

Then let me hear them,

your nine demands.

Yes, all right. Number one.

Yes.

I'm guessing this is a bad joke, if I'm not entirely mistaken.

You're entirely mistaken.

It's no joke. And it's certainly not a bad one.

We ask that this list be passed along. - Please, gentlemen.

You're making total fools of yourselves.

The first items may be negotiable. I'm sure the works council has begun that.

But this? I mean -

This can only be a joke.

You will pass it on. The works council already has it.

The men upstairs will get it from the council too.

And, believe us,

we'll make sure this “joke,” as you call it,

is seriously discussed.

We'll make very sure of that.

And...

I think you know what I mean.

Yes, and tell them... we mean this very seriously.

Interesting, don't you think?

Very interesting.

Didn't you recently say these were good men?

Yes, I said that.

But this here, this is a joke.

Really.

A joke? You think so?

I see it entirely differently. That is, a little bit differently.

People will bite off a bit more than they can chew, but only a bit more.

That's what everyone who wants something does.

But, in principle -

It may be warranted. - You can't be serious.

Oh, yes, I can.

Look.

The workers are asking for the right

to independently organize the work process

in relation to a given work contract.

It is easy to imagine...

that the workers, along with their colleagues,

know more about the work than we do, as people who are on the outside.

It's certainly true that self-organization of the work process

can lead to better results than a purely top-down model.

And that's what they're banking on - on savings, on additional profit.

They want 50 percent of that.

That means they're banking on the added profit.

They see to their accounts. I see to the company's.

If both sides win, what can be the harm?

I'll have someone go over the numbers.

At any rate, it is very interesting.

Thank you.

No need.

What's wrong with him?

God, you're insensitive.

- What am I? -Insensitive.

That sounds like an insult.

It is.

He's lovesick.

What's that?

It's when you love somebody, yet nothing comes of it.

Who is it he loves?

Your sister.

That old story.

Maybe he should just ask for her hand.

- Maybe he lacks the courage to do that. - Then you go encourage him.

- If you help me out. - Who, me?

Well, you know...

I...

- Coward. - Yes, that's the right word.

Besides, as a woman, you...

You know what, I think I'll go to the toilet.

Well, I don't know about kids. I'm not real big on them.

No? Well, I can't understand that at all.

Really? I think little babies are so sweet.

Really? They're always so ugly.

That's not true at all. On the contrary, they're so sweet.

If you say so.

- So, comrade, what's up? - Are you nuts?

I need to have a man-to-man with you.

I keep looking at you and thinking...

“You need to have a talk with him.

A heart-to-heart.”

I see you've lost your mind. But go on, continue.

- You're in love, aren't you? - No.

How do you know that?

I'm just sensitive.

- Oh, yeah? - Yep.

And?

- And what? - You came here to say something.

Men are a bit more direct. And you're a man, right?

I sure am.

Well, I'd go up to the woman I adore, and I would say...

I'd say...

What would I say?

You'd say, “Will you be my wife?”

- How do you know that? - I'm just sensitive.

Hey, man. Now that's exactly it.

I go to her and say...

What was it again? -“Will you be my wife?”

Right. Bye.

- Hey. - Yeah?

Here. Maybe this will help a little.

Thanks.

- Hey. - What?

- I said, “Hey.” - Hey?

- Where are you off to? - Will you be my wife?

- No. - Why ever not?

I can feed you, I'm pleasant to be with, I'm understanding, and -

Oh, you idiot.

Yes, you're sensitive.

That's the whole trick.

- Good evening. I'm a bit late. Sorry. - It doesn't matter.

I feel it in my bones. Something will happen today.

- You're nuts. - Don't bad-mouth my bones.

They're all right. - And did you have a dream about this?

No, actually not.

- But I did. - What's that?

Honest.

I dreamt everything turned out well. - What did I say? My bones.

You're all crazy. That's what I say.

Hello, Foreman. - Hello.

We're to go see Dr. Bertram. The reps and I are to see him.

- Who? - You, Jochen, and I.

You're the reps, right?

Yes, well...

I mean, maybe - - Maybe what?

You know. Right to Dr. Bertram?

- What about your bones? - Sure, they -

They're feeling pretty good, but... - Come on. Don't make such a fuss.

What's the worst that can happen? - Yes, what can happen?

It might just happen that -

That can't happen.

Nothing can happen.

Yes.

I assume you wrote this list.

Well...

Actually...

We all came up with it together.

All of us thought of something. Using our heads, you know?

That's right. We all thought it up.

Yes, and it was me who wrote it down.

Yes.

When I look at your list of demands,

I see it breaks down into two parts, strictly speaking.

- Strictly speaking, yes. - And, concerning the first pan...

management and the works council should sit down and discuss it calmly.

But...

the second part...

I'd like to deal with that myself. I find it very interesting.

Pardon?

Yes, extremely so. Were you expecting something else?

In all honesty, yes.

We expected lots of resistance and that...

That we'd have to fight for it.

- That's what we thought. - Well.

It won't be necessary for you to fight for it.

As a matter of fact, I am convinced that a majority of your plan is doable.

I'd even propose that we try out some aspects of it

here in the old toolmaking facility.

If that's in your interest. - In our interest?

That would be fantastic. Fantastic.

Oh, man! - Now don't start crying tears of joy.

I mean...

you have your own reasons.

Of course. I wouldn't take up the issue if I didn't have my own reasons.

Well then...

I propose you discuss specifics with your colleagues,

and then we'll go ahead and jump in at the deep end.

Of course.

And thanks a lot.

- Thank you. - No need to thank me.

Really.

Just to be clear, my attitude has nothing to do with sentiment.

I have my interests, you have yours. That's it.

Good-bye.

Good-bye. - Good-bye.

I'd have to travel across the entire city.

- Or buy a car. - Sure, if that's all.

- Saving helps. - It's just about okay for me.

And I have to - Just wait.

- No more cycling to work. - A motorcycle.

- You have the best ideas. - I know.

Are there schools and kindergartens out there?

No clue. But I do know there's a cemetery.

Then we're all taken care of, right?

It's way too far from the station.

- You can't do without it, huh? - No. Why?

The trains are already too full. They'll have more space without you.

Thanks a lot.

- Do you know what you'll do? - No idea. My wife wants to stay in the city.

I can either commute for two hours every day or get a divorce.

- It's probably less painful. - What?

- A divorce, of course. - But I love my wife.

Sure, don't we all?

Still, this whole thing is pretty shitty.

Well?

- No. - Yes.

- What? - What “what”?

I mean, what happened?

- Want to? - You go ahead.

Right then, Dr. Bertram thinks our plan is... interesting.

- Very interesting. - That's right.

Very interesting.

And Dr. Bertram thinks we should try it out here in this workplace.

- Try out what? - Organizing our own work and such.

- That can't be true. - But it is.

- Oh, man! - That's what I said.

- What? - Oh, man!

Well, then...

I believe this is a chance, a real chance.

When I imagine -

I can't even really imagine it.

Doing what's necessary instead of what's dictated.

Doing what I think is necessary.

Somethings finally happening. This makes a difference.

Actually,

somehow it's crazy.

Hey. We have to drink to that.

- You know what? - No, but you're sure to tell me.

That's true. The best place for us is your parents' apartment.

It's a bit too big perhaps.

One, two, three...

four rooms.

Oh, well. - And the kitchen is pretty large.

Yes, a kitchen-living area. It's basically another room.

And the bathroom.

And we can rearrange it.

I love you. - Love you more.

- Of course, we'd have to get housemates. - Pardon?

We'll rent out two rooms. That's socially minded.

Socially minded?

To whom?

To lrmgard, for example.

Over my dead body.

Why? She's really been okay recently.

Come on.

Pretty, pretty please.

And the other to Rolf. - That's pimping.

- Why? - Because it is.

What a stupid word. It'll be good for them.

If it's good for them, it's pimping.

- Are you nuts? - Of course.

Hey, hold on.

I just thought of something. - What's that?

- My parents might want to keep the place. - Do you really think so?

I didn't think of that at all. Strange.

There's always some problem or other.

We have to persuade them. - You know how stubborn Dad is.

We'll have to be clever about it.

You know what, Dad,

it would really be much more convenient for us - for Marion and me.

You two can live anywhere.

I thought you could take our place. It's plenty big.

Plus, it's 50 marks cheaper.

After all, 50 marks is nothing to scoff at.

Yes, yes. Fifty marks, mind.

You're stubborn! You're so stubborn!

Oh, it's you. I was practicing, you know, because we...

We want to trade apartments with Jochen's parents.

Good idea, right? - Yes, if they agree.

It's sensible, my dear fellow.

- Your sister has a lover. - No.

- Yes. - How's that?

She's a grown woman.

What does that mean? Who's grown up?

- If you put it that way... - See.

I've watched him pick her up twice.

- What? You spied on them? -“Spied on them.”

I saw them just by chance.

Or almost by chance.

I mean, I didn't spy on them. I just saw them.

And...

What kind of guy is he? - What do I know?

Just some guy. He looks like -

He looks like any old guy. He wears a suit and tie and...

Tough luck for me. That's just how it is. - What do you think?

Me?

No idea. What should I think?

We have to go to your parents' anyway. We can check out what's up with Monika.

Today?

Why so soon?

Coward?

- I am a coward. - True.

Okay, I'm not a coward. Let's go. Your wish is my command.

Strange. Every man reacts to being called a coward.

Your daughter's dolling herself up again.

- So? - She's tying up the bathroom.

- I'm nearly done, Dad. - You've been saying that for half an hour.

- What do you need it for? - To wash my hands.

- But only whenever someone's in there. - That's slanderous.

- You can wash them in the kitchen. - He's in there now.

The hard soap in the kitchen damages my skin.

- Silly. - You know nothing about personal care.

- But you do? - More than you.

So tell me, what's with her anyway? - Who?

- Your daughter. - Why?

Because“.

She keeps primping-

- Ask. You're not usually so tactful. - That's an insult. You're her mother.

- Monika. - Yes?

Your father wonders why you keep primping.

Tell him I wouldn't ask him why he wears French briefs.

Your daughter! Yet another example.

And I only have one pair of French underpants.

Grandma gave them to me.

Tell her that.

I'm to tell you he only has one pair of French underpants

and that Grandma gave them to him.

Now she's not listening.

I'm supposed to ask you if you were listening.

Yes.

Come on.

Yeah.

Nice day today, isn't it? - Yeah, it's all right.

No, no.

I really think it's nice.

All right.

- Some more cake? - No, thanks.

Thank you.

Strange, the kids of today, huh?

- Which kids? - Well, your kids.

Oh. Yes.

All right now, talk.

You want something.

You know, actually -

Do you want to do it? - Me? Sorry, they're your parents.

My parents?

Oh, yes, that's right. Of course.

Now then.

Here it is.

We...

I mean...

The plant is moving, and so we...

So we went and bought a map of the city.

Marion and I did.

And, well, we drew some lines on it.

Lines.

From the newspaper building to Westhoven.

Just a straight line.

And guess what's right in the middle - between the publisher's and Westhoven.

Huh? Just guess.

Now hold on. I don't get any of this. What am I supposed to guess?

What's right in between her workplace and Westhoven.

Why should I?

Why?

Well, you know, just for the fun of it.

Now, children, in all seriousness.

You want something from me. - Of course we do.

We want this apartment. - What?

Because it's right in between the newspaper and Westhoven,

and that's convenient for us.

Now tell me, how long have I been living here?

Hold on.

Twenty - Twenty-seven years?

That's right.

Twenty-seven years.

And why do you think that is?

Well? Why?

Because I like it here. That's why.

Twenty-seven years!

And the little brat just blurts out, “I want your apartment.”

I've lived here nearly my entire life.

Nearly my entire life.

Do you know what that means? Do you understand that at all?

Of course we do, Dad.

But now that the kids and Grandma are gone,

we thought the apartment might be too big for you.

It really is a bit big, Wolf. We've discussed it a few times.

Don't you remember?

What did I say?

You said you wanted to stay because Grandmas coming back.

She's definitely not coming back, Dad.

- And how can you know that? How? - Because I know Grandma.

And me? I've known her longer than you. Much longer.

I know her better. And now that she has Gregor...

Don't make me laugh. Gregor is a joke.

Grandma isn't coming back, Wolf.

Ah! You're in on it with them. I see.

This is all a done deal.

Well, in that case... - You know that's not true, Dad.

Do you want to stick us in a homeless shelter?

As if you haven't given that a thought yet.

If I know you, it's already planned out.

We thought you could move into our apartment. Simple as that.

It's a really nice place.

The location is just so terribly inconvenient for Jochen.

We could have a look at it, Wolf. It won't cost us anything.

Nothing at all. Honest.

Thanks.

- He drank the whole bottle. Look. - God, he must have alcohol poisoning.

- He's lovesick. - Lovesick?

Yes, because of Monika.

- Who is this guy she's with anyway? - Am I my daughter's keeper?

- Thank you, Dad. - What for?

For agreeing to trade apartments with us.

Good-bye.

- Who's that? - No one worth mentioning.

- Seriously? - Honest.

Is he drunk?

Completely sloshed.

Lovesick. - Oh.

- Leave me alone with her. - Okay, if you say so.

Bye. - Take care.

- So who is that guy? - Why?

- Because I'm your brother. - That's news to me.

- Seriously. - Okay, it's none of your business.

Well, because...

Okay, what business is it of mine? Bye.

Well? What do you think?

- About what? - About trading apartments.

Oh, it's simply too big for us, this apartment.

I really don't get your problem.

Why do you always have to cling to everything? Seriously.

- Well? - Well, what?

- Well, well. - Okay, boom.

- Boom what? - Boom, boom. Simple as that.

The number of the pending order is Z-27/33521.

The total volume - Did you get that? - Yes.

The total volume of work hours has been estimated at 2,600.

I'll also give you a list with estimates for material use, machine run times,

outsourced services, and so on.

Everything has been calculated and signed off on by Mr. Gross.

Completion of the order and planning of the production steps are in your hands.

- In our group's hands? - Or in your group's.

As you wish.

As per work regulations, obviously.

Obviously.

Should you finish the job in fewer hours than estimated,

management has agreed to pay out half of the hours saved as a bonus payment.

- To the group? - To the group. Certainly.

- Thanks, in any case. - No need to thank me, and...

I wish you lots of luck.

After all...

All right. Good-bye.

To be honest with you, I still think this is all a mad experiment.

If it were, do you think it would have been approved? No way.

It has been calculated very exactly.

If they are faster, we've achieved the company aim.

Or do you have a different opinion?

About the company's aim. - Of course not.

But if they're slower - - It'll cost us a few thousand marks max.

You know that yourself. And then you'd have your peace.

That is what you want, isn't it?

Then the group would be sapped of its spirit.

They would feel this small.

I promise you that.

I myself would think that a shame.

Imagine if we manage it 100 hours faster. That'd be -

- Think about how we can do it differently. - Still, money can be a decisive stimulus.

And a slap to the back of the head enhances brainpower.

In any case, I don't know just how we should organize the work.

I'm drawing a total blank again. - It'll come to us.

Sometimes I think all we're good for is being told what we should do.

You're nuts. You have to strain your brain.

It's obvious we would hit a wall at the beginning. How should we know?

We've never learned to organize our work. - Must use heads. Good.

Of course they won't manage it.

How can they?

Having to change overnight how they've done things for years?

But that doesn't change the fact that the idea itself is a good one.

Who knows? Maybe things are better the way they were.

Now they have to work more.

They have to think, on top of everything else.

But that's just it, silly. Boy, you sure are slow on the uptake.

They want to think.

Listen, knowing what you're doing

is better than not knowing and just doing something.

You think?

Well.

Perhaps.

For my Rolf, that's definitely true, because he's intelligent.

- And the others are stupid, or what? - No,no.

But, you know, my Rolf, he says such clever things.

He's just so lovely. But you can't understand that.

- Of course not. - That's why I can't explain it to you.

But, you know, I have a feeling that my Rolf is destined for greater things.

Yes, state minister-president at the least.

That'd be lovely. My Rolf should become a very important man,

a man everyone looks up to and reveres.

Now let me tell you something.

Rolf won't be any greater than anyone else, because he already is someone.

He has a job, he's nice, you like him.

Why do you have to make him into something great?

Be happy with what you have.

You just don't understand me.

I do understand you.

Everyone who's in love has that -

the desire to see the one they love attain greatness.

But, you know, in principle I think -

In principle, we can be happy that the person we love isn't someone great...

that he isn't all high and mighty...

because then he's much closer to you.

Then you're something great together because you love each other, and...

Tell me.

Do you want to move in with us?

What was that?

We'll probably get Jochen's parents' place.

And since it's too big for the two of us, we thought we could give it a try.

And if you're into it, then -

Pardon me, but I've been waiting for half an hour now.

For 27 minutes, to be exact.

Your discussion was very interesting indeed, but I really have to go.

Monika needs money.

- That's only human. - But she needs lots of money.

3,000 marks.

That's superhuman. Oh, my.

What exactly do you need the money for?

Won”; “n” -

Listen, my love, if I'm to lend you 3,000 marks,

then I at least have to know what for.

Right, Gregor?

- Yes, you need to know that. Oh, yes. - You see, he agrees.

Well I - I cut out an advertisement from the newspaper.

It was about entering a business venture, a highly profitable one, you see.

And so I wrote to them.

Then I got a letter back and met the man, and now I need another 3,000 marks.

I had 4,000 marks myself.

And my father lent me 3,000 marks.

And now I need another 3,000, because, well...

I need 10,000 to join in the venture.

Right.

And what kind of a business venture is it?

Just with automated machines and stuff.

And this man, could we meet him?

Yeah, sure. Why not?

Then here's my proposal.

We meet the man, and I get an idea of the whole affair myself.

Gregor has a bit of money saved up that he'll lend you then.

You'll lend it to her, won't you, Gregor?

You can count on me. He'll lend it to you.

Thanks, Grandma.

Thanks, Gregor.

Come on, Sylvie.

- Bye, Manni. - Bye.

Hey.

- Yeah? - Is this your second spring, or what?

Third, my darling. My third spring.

So, are you going to go get the screw, or not?

He's not getting you the screw, Rudiger.

Not now, not tomorrow, and not the day after tomorrow either.

Why not, if I may ask?

Because Giuseppe isn't here to do your dirty work anymore.

Because now Giuseppe has his task

and you have yours.

And because he is now just as important as you and me.

All I can do is laugh at that.

Just as important as me? That filthy little Italian swine?

You idiots!

Nothing but shit for brains, the both of you.

Don't you get it? Things are totally different now.

We're behind on the order. Behind, got it?

Partly because of your constant squabbling.

What a joke. Because of us.

It's no joke, Rudiger. On the contrary.

The old system could take such spats because it was all elaborately organized.

But our system isn't as precisely organized as that.

It's very sensitive and human, if you understand what I mean.

But it can't take as much as the other system.

And that's why it's better.

But if you're too stupid to get that,

if things go on like this,

we'll be stuck with the old system again.

Very quickly, quicker than you can bat an eye.

You see, with these 10,000 marks,

you just buy a share in the car wash business venture.

You don't buy it alone.

What that does is lessen the risk.

Though I must add that there is no risk involved at all.

Look.

As this shows, you'll get your money back in two and a third years.

And then, for seven and two thirds years,

you'll profit from an investment you've long since recouped.

We calculated that if just every taxi comes to the car wash once every week -

and I can assure you they'll come more than that -

then, from the 10,000 marks you invested and have long since recouped,

believe it or not, you'll earn a whopping 34,000 marks.

That is a 3,000 percent return on investment.

No better or more secure investment exists in all of West Germany.

- You must be beating off the investors. - We are, we are.

I can confirm that. - No wonder.

Because - How much? A 3,000 percent return on investment.

Yes, our shares are going like hotcakes.

Deutsche Bank must have most of them in its - let me think - portefeuille.

In...

Yes.

As I said, there's great interest everywhere we go.

And Commerzbank.

And Dresdner Bank.

Yeah.

I must tell you,

we have as yet held off from approaching the big banks

to promote the accumulation of wealth among disadvantaged classes.

That is to say, the idea of the social market economy -

Tell me.

Do you yourself believe what you're saying?

Grandma.

What is it? I'm allowed to ask, right? It's interesting.

Now then, do you yourself believe that?

Of course I do.

I've purchased shares myself.

Two, in fact. Why are you asking that anyway?

Yes, because I am pretty sure that you don't believe it yourself.

If you are, let's just say, even the slightest bit intelligent.

Grandma, please.

And why shouldn't I believe it myself?

You really must have proof to make such accusations.

Now, think about it yourself.

If this business deal is really as big you say,

do you really think someone would let us little people in on such a big gimmick.

You don't believe that.

That would really be a bit stupid of the folks with money.

They could get in on it themselves, yet don't? Why?

Perhaps because they're so noble-minded?

No, no, my good fellow.

This is all a scam. That's right, a huge scam.

That's obvious.

Now, you'll know this phrase in your game.

A screw job is what it is, a royal screw job.

You said you were bringing your grandma along.

Your grandma, you said.

This woman here is not a grandma, she's a -

She's not a grandma.

A grandma.

Why shouldn't I be a grandma?

Because I'm not dotty?

It would've been so nice.

Financial security for Sylvie, for her to study perhaps.

Or something like that.

Oh, Grandma.

That's right, go ahead and cry.

It doesn't matter.

Better for you to cry earlier rather than later,

when all of my dear Gregor's money is out the window.

Thursday, June 7, 16:22 hours. I hereby report completion of the order.

It seems Final Inspection had no issues either.

- How much did we save? -187 hours and 38 minutes.

- That makes? - Let them calculate that.

That's why we have a deal. - Yes, we've done our part.

- The game's about to start. - Let's hurry.

I'll go report.

At ease!

I just wanted to report.

The order has been completed.

In 187 hours and 38 minutes less than the time allotted.

Thank you, Foreman.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Yes, get Dr. Bertram, please.

Hello? Yes.

They're finished.

In 187 hours less time.

187 hours and 38 minutes, to be exact.

You see how mistaken one can be.

I'm happy for the boys...

and for the company.

Good-bye.

Now listen to me, please.

Everyone involved gets the same cut.

- What? Including the cleaning ladies? - Of course. Or did you clean?

Yes, but they get paid anyway.

Well, so do you.

- I disagree. - Nonsense.

Then the janitor, office workers, drivers, Sticking itself would get a cut.

- It does. It gets half. - That's right.

What?

You could do that if it were for the whole plant. Later maybe.

We're the only ones who did extra work, so the money's just for us.

Okay, I totally agree. Who votes to keep the money in our group?

Who votes against that?

Very good. And you? - Me?

I abstain. I really have no idea.

- But we already have at least - - What's the point? You won the vote.

- Keep going, it's more useful. - Okay.

How is the money being divvied up? According to what scale?

- What do you mean? - It's simple.

Let's say you're in Wage Bracket 7 and Rolf is in Bracket 5.

Do you get more than Rolf, or what?

- Why should I? - The scale isn't without reason.

Of course it's not without reason. But it is pretty random.

So the migrant worker, Giuseppe Macaroni,

gets the same as Franz Miltenberger, the foreman?

- Yes, that's just what it means. - That's nonsense.

He worked, didn't he?

- Sure, but he gets paid for that. - And you do too.

But I get paid more. It's complete idiocy.

My work is obviously worth more than - - No. It isn't.

If Giuseppe hadn't done his work, then you'd have to help do it.

And if you didn't do that, someone did it for you.

Why me? The company.

No,you. Because we split up the work ourselves.

Then we should've said at the start

that we - our group - would do without Giuseppe.

We didn't do that, so he earned his share - an equal share.

But he only did the work he'd have done anyway.

But he did it in our division.

And what goes on in our division, how we go about our work,

we decided that ourselves this time.

We want to do that. We're still doing it.

I don't get it. Honest.

I mean, sure he did his work, but we all did that.

Everyone should get a share, but in proportion to their bracket.

- That's immoral. - It's not in any way a matter of morals.

It's something totally different.

It's like this.

Wage bracket classification is one thing.

We have no control over that because management determines it.

And, anyway, the wage level in general

is based on the situation on the job market,

what the unions negotiate and who knows what else.

But the last ten weeks were different, because we were in control of everything.

We all put in the same effort, so we should all get the same money.

I put in only modest effort.

Honestly, I'm tired and want to go home. Who's for everyone getting an equal share?

Okay, that's the majority.

You were against it just now. Are you nuts?

- I understood. - You're so intelligent.

Calculate how much each of us would get if it stays as agreed.

Well, I still don't understand.

Some are slower, some are faster. Not all people are created equal.

Anyone can make wisecracks.

I just thought of something.

I've been thinking a lot the whole time.

Management said 2,600 hours, right?

We were faster, right?

But management is happy with 2,600 hours.

Why does management get half if we are faster?

- Doing this to me. - It'll do you good.

You sassy so-and-so.

- Lots to go? - Just dishes.

Thank God. Come on, let him past.

Yes, there.

- So? Having fun? - It could be heavier.

Boy,oh,boy.

Do you understand why men always have to complain?

Sure, they have a built-in mechanism.

- You have no idea how much you own. - No.

That's how I felt when I moved out.

Loads of stuff that could be trashed.

Maybe we should have a clearance sale.

- Long time no see. - I can do without.

Stay down there. You won't get past.

- Well, make space. - Be sensible.

I paid them to get this - - Move to the side.

Quiet. Make some space here.

Some people have absolutely no sense.

Right, let's go. Slowly.

- Can you manage? - Careful. Those are Grandma's.

She'll go nuts if they get broken. - I've secured them.

Don't break them.

Hey, be careful with that thing.

- He looks very peaceful. - He's very calm and collected.

- Help! - What?

- Oh, you girls are mean. - You're lazy.

I'm not lazy. I'm tired.

Men always have to talk back.

- Right, we're done. - So are the others.

Did you forget anything? - A move like this could kill a man.

- We don't do it every day. - Is that everything?

- Let's check. - Yes, let's go check.

- I'll get rid of this. - Let's check the bedroom. Right.

- It's empty in here. - Are we done, then?

- Yes. Take care. - Take care.

- Bye. - Thanks.Bye.

- Bye, everyone. - Bye.

Well.

So where do we start?

Know what came to me while I was lugging this stuff?

No.

But it can't be anything sensible.

Oh, yes, it can. I realized that you're the ones who got cheated.

How?

It's very simple. Look.

You were faster than the plant management requirements,

but you only get half of the money that was saved.

That's what Giuseppe said.

But they get that because they're running a business risk.

But the fact is that the business is making enough money already.

The company is happy if you work at the normal pace.

Why does it need to get something extra, to get even more, if it's happy as is,

just because you worked faster?

Well, that has to do with the risk.

I mean, we could have been slower too.

Sure.

But the company earns off you anyway.

How's that?

Think about it. In order to build a new factory, for example.

It takes money to do that.

Or am I wrong?

Of course the company earns money. What about it?

Okay, then.

How did it purchase the new plant? - Well, with money.

- With what money? -lts own money.

Okay.

But you can't go buy a new factory.

The company just has more.

And where from?

What do you mean “where from”?

Where from?

Where from?

Well...

That's a stupid question.

From selling the stuff. That's where it gets it.

But where does it get the stuff it sells? From you, because you made it.

Of course we made it, but -

I get paid for my work, after all.

But you can't buy a new factory.

You're right about that.

Why can the company buy a new factory and we can't?

Well, because it owns everything.

Yeah. That's what I wanted to hear. That's what I mean.

I don't have a problem with the company owning it.

I can't change that anyway.

And a new factory might be a necessity,

but the fact that the company buys it with the money that you've earned

and will own it and can do with it what it wishes

and you'll get nothing from it and that it will go on that way,

that's what's wrong.

It's no different at your newspaper.

I'm not saying it is.

I'm just saying that I've realized something.

I've realized that, when you work...

that you only work partially for yourself.

I've realized that.

No more, no less.

She didn't even say good-bye.

She just left.

And I...

I wanted to tell her I want to marry her and I love her.

You should have given it a try.

- Just given it a try. - Yes, yes.

You have no idea how cold she was to me,

like I was a stranger.

Even though I've never cared for anyone but her.

Never.

I'm sure she knows that.

She knows that very well.

- Let's drink some schnapps. - Yes, that -

For in schnapps there is truth,

and truth is the key to insight.

- And insight will lead to an idea. - Bravo.

There is no idea to be had. It's all over.

Now...

First off, nothing is ever totally and finally over.

Look at Gregor and me. We thought it was all over too.

But, in fact,

it had only just begun.

And, secondly - I can't think of what I wanted to say.

Oh, yes. And, secondly, I always have an idea.

Right.

- Here. - Thanks.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- I'll go. - Who could that be?

It's bound to be someone for you, darling.

- You see, he's a bit envious. - Envious?

Yes.

And jealous.

Because everyone likes me so much.

I mean, they like him, too, but everyone calls me “Grandma”

and they just call him “Gregor.”

And that upsets him.

Oh, my. Monika.

- Isn't Grandma here? - No. She has a visitor.

Who?

She's always got - Just go in here.

She always has lots of visitors. Go in here.

There.

Are you troubled? - Troubled?

I have problems. That's all. - What kind of problems?

With Manfred.

He didn't even say hello to me. He didn't even look at me once.

As if I meant nothing to him.

And today I wanted to tell him that I love him.

But he's so pig-headed. You can't even imagine it.

- Do you want a schnapps? - Yes, get me a schnapps.

Me?

Pardon me, Manfred.

Right.

Gregor and I...

we have something to discuss.

And it is something of an intimate nature.

But there is a lady in the other room...

and she would like to have a schnapps.

Perhaps you could be so kind as to take her this?

She is a very nice lady.

And maybe you could chat with her a bit.

You'll think of something.

What -

What are you doing here? - She's my grandma, not yours.

I don't want to steal her from you.

I... - Yes?

- I love you. - Well, in that case,

I'll have to move again, right?

They're kissing now.

You could be right.

You are always right.

Aren't I though?

IRMGARD AND ROLF

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.