Original subtitles

EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY

A FAMILY SERIES

GRANDMA AND GREGOR

Well, I have a 365 mark pension.

And yours is 720 marks, right?

Together, that makes a total of 1,085 marks.

So that means that I have 542.50 marks, and so do you.

Sorry, but I don't think that's right.

I have 720 marks, and you just have 365.

- You're being petty. - No, I think that's true.

If you're already thinking like that, then we're starting under a bad star.

You're nuts.

Of course. Would I have got mixed up with you if I weren't?

So, how much do we want to pay for rent?

You act like you're asking me, but you've long decided what we want to pay.

Absolutely. You're always right.

Right, the national average is 20 percent of a person's net income.

For us, that would be 217 marks.

Yes, we'll pay 217 marks and not a penny more.

Right, after you.

Yes.

Lovely apartment, isn't it? - Yes, very lovely.

- It's actually worth more. - Worth more, yes.

You can see that yourselves. But given the fact -

But given the fact

that a train passes by here roughly every ten minutes,

I'll give you the apartment for 365 marks, excluding heating.

365 marks?

Excluding heating?

Yes, I was certain you'd think me crazy.

But I am kindly accounting for the fact that trains regularly pass here.

I think I've been very socially minded in determining the rent.

Very socially minded.

Socially minded? You really have a screw loose.

This apartment isn't worth more than 165.

That's right. 165 and not a penny more.

165?

No.

That's funny.

That's the best joke I've heard in a long time.

It's not a joke.

It's no joke at all.

The apartment isn't worth any more. Not a single penny.

But I am prepared to make you an offer.

A pretty generous offer at that.

Right, Gregor? - Yes, very generous.

I'm going to offer you 217 marks.

Now you're floored, aren't you? 217 marks. What do you say to that?

217?

217?

Out.

Out! Out! Out!

Come on, Gregor. Quickly.

Insanity is contagious.

217.

The world is a jungle, Gregor.

A jungle.

A jungle, that's right.

But, even so...

But even so?

Yes, well, haggling makes no sense, because“.

Only the stupidest calves choose their own butchers.

The things you come up with.

Boy,oh,boy.

I'm intelligent. That's all.

What we need is a strategy.

- A what? - A strategy.

Haven't you ever heard of strategy? - Yeah, sure, but...

If fairness and confidence don't work, then only strategy can help.

I've got it. Oh, no. No, no.

No,no,no.

It was no good.

- Yes? - I've got it.

- What? - A strategy.

A strategy for what?

Gregor. Are you trying to vex me?

- No. - Then please don't act like such a dope.

Come here. It's really very simple. Now listen.

We simply have to bad-mouth the apartment we're looking to rent,

really make it sound miserable, run it right down

so the landlord immediately feels ashamed to rent it out at all

and ends up giving it to us cheaper.

You're brilliant.

There you go. I have always been of that opinion.

- This apartment sure is loud. - Loud?

Yes, all the noise from the road.

You just have to close the windows.

It's also very badly laid out.

Badly laid out? I beg your pardon.

The rooms are extremely well laid out.

Now, now. That's an opinion I can't share.

And the central heating? It is very pleasant for old people.

Pardon?

Did you just say “old people”?

Who is it you're referring to?

Is it us you mean?

Now, young lady, you have to think before you speak.

That really does help immensely.

Besides, central heating is unhealthy.

If you don't know that, I'll have to tell you.

It dries the air out.

I mean, really. Doesn't she even know that?

- Anything else? - Well, since you're asking.

I think the apartment is ugly, unhealthy,and loud.

- Right. - But we'd be willing to take it for 217.

Right, Gregor? - Yes, we'd be willing to.

- Do you know what I'm going to do now? - No, but I'm sure you'll tell us.

This takes the cake.

You get out of here. Get out now. - Come on, Gregor.

Where should we go?

A homeless shelter. That's where you belong.

People who get worked up die younger.

“Ugly, unhealthy, and loud.”

- That wasn't a good idea. - No.

Not a good idea at all.

A really bad idea that was. - Yes.

Pretty bad, yes. - Although...

The concept itself wasn't all that bad.

The concept doesn't work.

Yes, that's just it.

The concept was good, but it doesn't work.

Yes.

- Can you think of a better idea perhaps? - No.

Because you never have any ideas.

Oh, my dear little Gregor.

Where would you be without me?

You don't need to be sad. You do have me.

Precisely.

How much money have we spent on tram tickets today?

- Why? - Why?

Add it up, then you'll know.

Well, first I took it to your place.

That was - No, I think I had a round-trip ticket. No.

How much is -

Don't strain your brain.

We spent a grand total of 14.20.

14.20?

- And? - And what?

And what?

And? And? And? - And? And? And? And?

- What is it I'm getting at? - I don't know what you're...

- That's too much. - Of course it's too much.

You could've said that right off.

I didn't know what you wanted me to say.

Now, Gregor, you still have to learn that.

You always have to say what you think, okay?

And not what you think I want to hear.

All right? - Okay, I'm listening.

Okay, listen here.

Right, we spent too much money on the tram.

What can we do about that? - Very simple. Walk.

Gregor.

Now then, you have to think before you speak.

If the tram costs too much, then we have to make it cheaper.

- Oh, that's what you mean. - Yes, that's what I mean.

And, in any case, it would be proper if the tram cost nothing.

Nothing. That's nothing we can hope for.

Why should that be? I pay my taxes.

You don't pay any taxes.

Yes, but other people do.

Yes, that's true.

So what can we do given that fact? Well? Well?

We'll found an association, an association for people in need.

Bravo. Bravo, Gregor.

Very good. You see? My intelligence is rubbing off on you.

I'll get you jump-started. Wait and see.

All right then, we'll found an association.

We'll call it “The Association for the Abolition of Public Tram Fares.”

APTF.

- Sounds good, doesn't it? - It sounds good, yes.

- Abolition of Public Tram Fares. - APTF, yes.

APTF. Yes, that'll do. - Right?

And from half past 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon,

we spent 23.50 traveling around on the tram.

- Nice if you can afford it. - That's just it. No one can afford that.

No one.

Where did you go?

Here and there, wherever we needed to go.

Maybe you should've worked out a plan.

You really don't get it, Kathe. How can you plan an apartment hunt?

You're not even looking for an apartment.

The wish is father to the thought.

Oh, God. How glad we'll be when you're gone.

Leave him be, Kathe. Keep calm.

Stick by your husband and you'll be happier.

Yes, that's been proven over the years.

That's sensible.

Come here, little one.

Maybe at least you'll understand me.

If something is too expensive, then you have to fight it.

- You in particular, Grandma. - Yes, me too, for example. Imagine that.

- How do you plan to fight it? - The best solution would be to walk.

No.

Because that's no life. That's a compromise.

I'll just say it. I want to found an association.

- Oh? - Yes.

That's right. The Association for the Abolition of Public Tram Fares.

That already exists, Grandma.

- What? Really? - Yes.

It has a slightly different name, but it already exists.

Our Grandma has a fabulous idea - 20 years after the fact.

Do you know what you are? A dried-up, senile old man.

NOW, that -

I don't have to put up with that in my own home.

Not in my own home!

Hey, come here.

Is that true?

Not the “senile old man” thing. I know that's true.

I mean the thing with the association.

Really? - Yes.

Well, then...

- You know, Grandma is really all right. - She called me a senile old man.

A senile old man. Me. - Yes, but she doesn't mean it like that.

Grandma always means what she says.

Oh, don't drink, Wolf.

How can I not drink with that mother-in-law?

Look, you're actually fond of her, right?

I could kill her. She always knows better.

She always has to chime in.

You're just scared she'll really find a new place.

You're nuts.

Do you really think so?

I have to go.

- To see Marion? - Of course.

On an empty stomach, damn it.

I'm sorry, Grandma.

- Want it? - No.

Well, say hello to her from me. Bye.

Bye.

Congrats, Dad.

That was big of you. - Yeah.

- Bye, Mama. - You have to eat.

- My mouth is full. - Okay, then beat it.

Come on now. Grandma forgave you long ago.

Are you happy?

- What is happiness? - Well, it's when...

When you have all you want.

We always want something.

What do you want?

I don't know. Something or other.

I want to see a striptease. - What?

Am I talking Chinese? I want to see a striptease.

- You want to see a striptease? - Yes.

No.

Stuffed shirt, stuffed shirt, stuffed shirt.

Listen, it costs a lot of money. You have to... order a bottle of bubbly.

Can you read?

BEER AND SCHNAPPS 2.50

Not bad.

Who wants to be a stuffed shirt? - You see?

“Stuffed shirt.”

I don't want to bother you anymore.

Spoilsport.

I love you, Marion.

Oh, Jochen.

I felt so jealous.

Really jealous.

Because -

Because -

Because I love you.

I not understand.

Curves on the sides?

- Then go see the foreman. - The foreman?

Franz. Who else?

- Long time with no foreman. - They'll find a tyrant.

- Franz trained. - But quit.

- You toil all day, then study. - Foreman.

There's no foreman around here. What is it?

I not understand. Curves on the sides?

Let me see.

Here? - Yes.

There's nothing to understand. Those are borders. Then the writing starts.

The supervisor says for you to come. He wants something or other.

- What could he want? - He doesn't confide in me.

Thanks.

- Tell him you trained as a foreman. - I didn't finish.

So what? In three months, you'd have finished.

The company should give you time off to do that.

Then they'd at least have a good foreman. - You think so?

Well, maybe you're right.

You bet I'm right.

Yes?

I'd like to thank you for your dedication.

The company will soon show its gratitude.

Secondly, I have to tell you it'll be a while before the new foreman takes over.

So we shall be relying on you until further notice.

Right. That's it.

Pardon me, I...

Yes?

Oh... nothing.

Nothing.

Good-bye. - Good-bye.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Do you know what you are?

You're a swine. That's right, I'm telling you like it is.

You're a swine and a parasite.

A bloodsucker.

A bloodsucker and a leech and a -

And a rat and - Just leave me be.

Everything - everything you do is despicable.

Stop grabbing me. - But he -

Who cares? 450 marks for an apartment, not including heating.

The nerve!

The nerve. Absolutely unbelievable.

Stop that. Don't grab me.

We're taking a taxi, Gregor. - A taxi?

- Yes. - A taxi?

Yes, a taxi. Are you hard of hearing?

No, no. We can treat ourselves to a taxi when we have a place.

Don't be so fainthearted. We'll take the most expensive taxi there is.

You're a swine! - Come now.

No, it's true. And what's true is true.

So what do you think of this?

Some people can always take a taxi, and some never can.

That's just how it is.

Really. No matter what happens, you always say, “That's just how it is.”

Well, things are how they are.

No, they're not. They're not that way at all.

What do you plan on doing about it?

One needs to be able to think better.

And one needs to know loads more.

Imagine all the things I'd do about it then.

No matter.

In any case, I think it's grand.

You just get in and take a cozy ride to where you're going.

- Yes, really grand. - Nice, huh?

Yes, very nice. - Riding around with you like this...

I hope someone sees us riding around in a taxi.

That'd be great.

Right, here we are.

Yes that's true. Here we are.

- That'll be 4.70. - Pardon?

- That's 4.70, please. - So much?

You know, if you had taken Kirchen Street right away

instead of going around the station unnecessarily

and then headed south instead of going through the old town,

it would've been at least two marks cheaper.

You have to let me decide that.

Oh, excuse me, but I am not of that opinion at all.

It is every taxi driver's duty to take the fastest, shortest, and cheapest route.

- Yes, it is. - Here are three marks.

That's 30 pfennig too much.

You know what?

Shove your damn three marks up your rear.

Oh, how nice. Thanks.

All right, Gregor, hurry up.

Let's get out.

Hurry, Gregor. Come on, hurry.

Go on, drive off. Get lost.

Right then, you see? We still have a taxi trip to spare.

You know what? Let's go grab a drink. - Yes.

- There you are. - Thank you.

What did he say? Where was I supposed to shove it?

- Up your rear. - Yes.

He was nice, wasn't he?

He was a good fellow.

No, it's -

No, it's good. It's a really good idea.

What we'll do is found a housing agency for old people.

- You sure are a funny one. - Why am I so funny?

We haven't found a place for ourselves,

and now you want to find them for others.

- Getting on with you is really tough. - Why?

- Because you're always resigned to things. - Do you think so?

Sometimes you have to be resigned to things.

Yes, yes, yes.

I'll talk to Marion.

Marion, she -

Gregor. - Yes?

- It's Harald's birthday. - So?

- Let's go there. - Oh, no. No, please no.

Why ever not?

I don't like being among strangers.

Gregor, you're cowardly.

Well, I always say that children need to be prepared for life.

And life isn't gentle.

It isn't friendly.

Life is exact. It requires reliability and conformity.

One must learn to accept things.

I want to prepare my daughter for that. Just that, nothing else.

That is my opinion exactly.

You know, this whole “soft parenting” movement

ultimately has to fail in reality.

However well thought out it might be, things just aren't that soft.

In reality, I mean.

- Or do you have a different opinion? - Me?

You know the answer already, Harald.

Yes, my family.

Home to some strange opinions.

- That'll be Grandma. - Grandma?

She's coming late, but she's coming.

Is everyone here?

You're all already gathered together.

And some new faces. - Good evening.

Good evening.

This is Gregor.

- Good evening. - Gregor is my lover.

Come, sit down, Gregor. Take a seat.

There.

Let's sit down.

You don't need to slide over. We don't bite.

I just wanted to make space for you. Right?

Of course, Grandma.

Grandma is a bit odd. Right, Grandma?

Yes, Harald, you're right. I am a bit odd.

Monika, might you have schnapps for us? - I'll get you a bottle.

- Yes. Wait, I'll come along. - Oh, no, stay here.

You just stay right here. No need to be scared.

This is a bunch of nice people here.

Monika, listen.

If I could at least find a kindergarten.

- A kindergarten? - Yes.

But nothing, absolutely nothing.

They're all full up.

Why is it suddenly so urgent?

Because I want to work again, Grandma. I want to work.

I can't bear sitting around any longer. I feel so superfluous.

What on earth am I supposed to do? What?

You'll find something to do. There's never been nothing.

There's always some possibility. - It has to do with Harald too.

He's so stubborn, so stubborn.

He'll turn over a new leaf too.

Come on, let's go back in. Come on.

- Schnapps anyone? - No, thank you.

So, have you been having a nice chat?

- Yes, splendid. Even without you. - Yes.

The truth is, no one has said a word since you left.

- Could you at least have a nice think? - Yes, thank you.

So, Gregor and I are planning to found a housing agency for old people.

- A housing agency? - Yes.

For old people. What do you say to that, Marion?

Well, the idea is certainly commendable, but it isn't really realistic.

Stop nodding, okay?

Please.

Well, why not?

Not many old people need to find apartments.

Most already have one. - They are respectable.

- All right, my boy. - The others go to retirement homes.

Retirement homes! What horrible places.

Like living in a prison.

I once saw a show on television...

Oh, my Lord. - On television?

You know how they rig things on TV. Right?

It's 7:30. Take the child to bed.

Harald, it's your birthday.

I said take the child to bed.

I only want to say that once, Monika. You know that.

Yes, we wanted to get going. It's getting late.

Us too. I have to be out early.

Let's go, Gregor. There are much jollier places to be.

It was delightful.

Grandma.

Yes, it's always best to leave on a high note.

- Good-bye. Thank you. - Good-bye.

- Take care. - Monika.

Bye.

You ruin everything. Everything.

Everything-

Now you scared everyone away. - Scared everyone away?

They all had to go anyway.

I didn't scare anyone away. - God, you're dumb.

You don't even notice the mess you make. Not even that.

They all had to go home anyway. I know all about that.

You don't have a clue.

No clue at all.

Maybe that idea isn't all that good either.

The housing agency for old people, I mean.

- Maybe not. - Definitely not.

She's right about the retirement home thing.

Most people go to live in one.

Yeah, well, it's not exactly pure joy.

- No. - A retirement home.

On the contrary.

The good ones are too expensive.

And the bad ones, well...

We know how they are.

You know what I think, Gregor?

There just aren't enough facilities in the world for the people.

Don't you agree? - Oh, yes.

I mean, there aren't enough for children or for old people.

Just in the time in between, for as long as you work.

Then there are factories. Yes, they build factories.

Well, there are schools for the children.

Ah, but far too few of them.

For example, when I think about all the things that you didn't learn.

You.

No, I'm just saying that.

What I mainly mean are kindergartens.

Because Monika told me

her search for a kindergarten for Sylvia has been in vain.

- So what? -“So what?”

She has a right to kindergarten care now that she wants to work again.

It's quite a lovely evening.

What are we doing later?

Shall we go to your place for a drink?

- Yes. - Yes?

- Nice. What do you think? - Nice.

The floor too.

Here? - Not bad.

Yeah? Okay.

- Well? - Yes.

It is a lovely apartment. Right? - Yes, very lovely.

And how much are you asking for it?

320 marks.

If you have some experience with rents,

then you'll know that is a very good price.

Yes, that's true. Definitely.

Right, Gregor? - Definitely.

But, nonetheless, we can't afford to pay that much in rent.

You know, we -

We were thinking of-

How much was it we were thinking?

-217. - Yes.

217 marks.

Maybe, just possibly, 250.

We could just about afford that, although -

although that would be very difficult for us.

- Yes, very difficult. - Look.

I can't possibly reduce the price.

It has been worked out, and -

Yes, we did some working out too.

- Yes. - Certainly.

But, well, I mean...

I have the upper hand.

- What? - Well, he has the upper hand.

The upper one. - Oh, yes?

Well, then...

Then“.

You don't think that you can do something pricewise?

I mean, can't you make us a better price?

Unfortunately, no, but -

You know how it is when it's all worked out.

Yes, then -

Yes, then we'll have to be going now. - Yes.

- Good-bye. - Best of luck to you.

- Thanks. - Good-bye.

Well, I mean,

251 might be...

Ah, just one mark. - A trifle.

- Let's leave it at that. - That's nothing to you. Thank you.

What a shame.

- That would've been a lovely apartment. - Yes, very lovely.

We'll go back in and have a good chat with him.

We'll manage it. We'll manage it.

All because people can't pay attention.

Oh, well, it all came out all right. - But it was very close.

Horrible.

Because they just drive around without looking.

He drives around in his pimpmobile. And the children?

Anything could happen.

Listen, maybe we should plan on paying more rent after all.

And then scrimp on everything else?

Count every penny?

No schnapps, no coffee, no cigarettes.

That sure gave me a scare.

We'd have to be pretty dumb.

We should get nothing from life

and spend money to make life easy for other people? No.

Then we'd really be out of our minds.

- You're probably right. - Certainly.

Of course I'm right.

Just look at that. The children have to play in the road.

Yes, that's how this area is.

Look. What's going on there?

Miss.

Can you tell me what's going on here?

The books are being removed.

- Now, that's interesting. - Yes, this was a city library.

The sign's still up.

But it is no more as of today.

Oh, no. And why not?

Because people don't read.

Nowhere in the city do people read less than in this neighborhood.

Nothing but uneducated rabble.

Maybe they work too much.

Work?

They're too lazy to read. Too lazy.

And what's moving in here?

Nothing. These people don't deserve to have anyone bother with them.

Not one bit.

Stately space. This is a state - a public space, right?

Of course.

Careful!

They're just books.

You hear that? As if books were just books.

Books are entire - - Yes, pardon me, miss.

Could we see the space? - Yes.

Please come in.

- Thank you. Thank you. That'll suffice. - Yes.

You'll have to excuse me, or they'll make a mess.

Good-bye. Lots of luck to you.

I beg you to be more careful with the books.

Those are books. Books are entire -

- Well then, what do you say to that? - To what?

That would make a great kindergarten.

For Sylvia and the kids out in the street.

Yes, that's true.

I can see that.

There he is.

Jochen! Come here!

- Grandma. - What is it?

Maybe you're embarrassing him.

He's not embarrassed. Be honest. You're embarrassed.

Jochen, here. - What's she want?

- There's always something. - It'll mean work.

- Could be. - Hey, little one.

Grandma. Long time no see.

- We saw each other this morning. - Something happened?

Well, something has kind of happened. Right, Gregor?

- Depends how you see it. - How do you see it?

I found a space for a kindergarten.

That's wonder - What did you do?

Yes, there was a library in it. It's gone now.

I can open my kindergarten there.

Monika told me about her desperate search and how hard it is to find one.

And this place is ideal.

All the kids from the street can come in. - You want to open a kindergarten.

See? He's dead keen on the idea. I knew he would be.

- A kindergarten? - Sure, a kindergarten. What else?

All the kids will come to it. It'll be lovely. You'll see.

I can't wait.

CITY LIBRARY

Well?

What do you say?

I'm speechless.

You are too, right? - Pretty speechless.

- Gregor too. - Absolutely speechless.

Everyone is speechless.

Kids, this is the best idea of the century.

Slow it down, Grandma.

Why? Don't you think it's great?

Sure, Grandma.

In and of itself, yes, but...

- I'm certain it's a great thing, but... - But? But? All I hear are buts.

What's that all about? - Yes, pretty great. Really pretty great.

This space belongs to someone. Every space belongs to someone.

- Yes, this one belongs to the city. - Maybe the city wants to use this space.

Nothing's going in because nothing comes of it.

Because these people don't deserve to have anyone do anything for them.

Not one bit.

Well, talk to the city, and if the city gives you the okay, we'll help you. Right?

- Of course we'll help. - Fantastic.

We'll get started tomorrow. - Grandma.

Yes?

Nice and easy now.

- Please go first. - No, after you.

- No, you. - No -

- You're the man. - Yes, I'm a gentleman.

A gentleman? You're a coward.