Original subtitles

He's not the type.

He wants to deal with us on his own. It appeals to him.

- Progress with your foreman? - It's coming along.

- Pretty young lad. - A beginner.

- That makes it easier. - We're discussing it now.

- Franz says it's unfair. - The boy has no chance.

He's far too green to deal with this. - That's not our problem.

We want to achieve something, so all means are justified.

There are far too many unknowns.

We can't even be sure I'll pass the exam. - Nonsense.

Fine, okay. Let's assume I pass it.

It's still not certain he'll quit.

Even if he does quit, it's in no way certain they'll hire me.

That's the risk we take. Those are the risks we take.

What is that - risk?

When you act boldly yet know you can lose something.

Risk.

Well, I don't feel like losing anything.

They'll sack us for this. - You think?

- Never. - Easy for you to say. You're on the outside.

I don”t think they'll do that.

But we could put it to a nice little vote.

Who is for the old plan? - I'm not allowed to vote, right?

- We have to vote on that first. - All right.

Who votes for allowing Manfred to vote?

Right. That's a no.

Who's for continuing with the old plan?

Who's against it?

I abstain, but we'll continue.

Fair enough.

Firstly, I can tell you that I am very satisfied,

all in all.

Thanks.

But the performance of the second group has dropped off significantly.

You know, the thread mechanism.

I know that group. I've had enough trouble with them myself.

They get downright outlandish ideas in their heads.

I don't know, but in this case...

I think I have to take the blame. - But -

Yes.

I haven't struck the right chord with them or found the right way of dealing with them.

But I'm certain -

that is, I hope that I'll succeed in doing that soon enough.

At least - - Okay, perhaps you're right.

We'll find out soon enough. I'm eager to see what happens.

- Since you're here... - Yes?

Order 20 new grindstones.

- What? - Grindstones.

- I get it. Grindstones. - Ask for the order number.

Okay.

The new foreman says to order 20 grindstones.

You look for number.

- What kind? - He must mean the small ones.

Look at him.

He has an idea. - That's right.

I have an idea.

Right.

Now go to the front and submit this order. Say it's from the foreman.

You got that? - Yes, I got it all.

- What's with the idiotic grin? - Not idiotic. I had an idea.

- What kind of an idea? - A good idea. Not idiotic.

- Having troubles? - I'm all right.

- Pretty tough getting your footing here, eh? - Yes, you can say that again.

I imagined it completely differently. - How do you mean?

I g

Whatever. - Tell me. It really does interest me.

Well, you know, I had these ideas on how to do some things better.

Like how the workers relate to their work, for example.

I thought it'd be possible to develop a kind of trust

between the work groups and the foreman.

But it's a jungle here. There's no getting anywhere.

Everything's so set in stone, so impenetrable and -

Maybe none of it is worth it at all.

I don't understand that. Why shouldn't it be worth it?

The people here won't let me approach them.

I have no chance to even talk to them.

This one guy keeps coming to me stirring up hate against the Greek.

That guy should be given the boot.

It can really make you feel miserable, you know?

It disgusts me so.

And these are people you hope to create something with, with whom -

Oh, why should I even bother?

There. Now you're stocked for the next ten years.

- Yes, we like to be prepared. - No offense.

So, who's responsible for this nonsense?

We won't use that many in the next five years.

Well?

Maybe one of you gentlemen has an idea.

Yes, well...

Actually, the order came from your foreman.

He gave the order yesterday.

I mean, we wondered about it too, but...

An order is an order, you know.

We've learned that now. - Learned what?

To follow orders. That's what you really want from us.

Or am I mistaken?

And what a foreman orders - Plus the fact...

I mean, he is your foreman.

Well, then...

After all...

Well, well.

What is it you want?

Pardon me, but I see it as my duty to tell the truth.

- I'm listening. - Well, the order.

Jochen told me it wasn't from the foreman.

It was one of the ltalian's nasty tricks.

He concocted it to get one over on Friedrich.

Interesting.

Indeed.

That is very interesting.

- Come into my office, Mr. Giuliano. - Me? Why?

Because I'm going to talk to you,

then send you to pick up your walking papers.

Whoa there.

You need a reason to do that. Or am I wrong?

No, Mr. Epp, you're not wrong. But there is reason and a grave one.

Jokes like this one have no place here.

Pardon me, but am I allowed to know what's going on?

Certainly. You certainly are.

Mr. Giuliano wanted to play a joke on us, on you in particular.

A very costly joke. He ordered these grindstones.

So he could blame it on you, as I've just learned.

I'm sorry, but what you learned is wrong.

The order did come from me. I -

I got the order code number wrong. I'm sorry about that.

Please come with me.

Out!

By the way, he's not such a bad guy.

Who?

Ffledfich.

Honestly.

His ideas are okay.

What kind of ideas?

Ideas about how to improve how workers relate to their work.

We've discussed that a few times. - Yes, we have.

I heard a conversation between him and Gross.

He took all the blame for the drop in your group's performance.

Why?

And the thing with the grindstones.

Do you get it?

I have no clue.

Maybe he's an idealist. That kind of thing exists.

What do you think we should do now?

Yeah, if I only knew.

Well.

If that's how it is, then... - Did you think about it the whole time?

No.

I got sidetracked in between.

Fair enough.

Then you should persuade him to help Franz with the math.

Yeah?

I don't know.

Why should he do that?

Out of pure philanthropy? That's pretty far out.

He'd have to be pretty stupid.

He'd be undermining his own position,

helping others become foremen.

No.

No one can possibly be that idealistic.

Come in.

Are you finished?

- Pretty debauched, your brother. - I'm no better or worse than my parenting.

Parenting? Who's parenting you? No one here is doing that.

But I want to be parented.

- Okay. Done your homework? - I'll do it tomorrow during Religion.

That'll get you a beating. That's parenting.

- Yeah? - Sure, what do you think?

- Maybe I'd rather not be parented. - Think it over.

Okay, I'll do that.

- And if you pay him? - That's not the issue.

He could pay someone else.

Franz can't afford to pay anyone,

and it'd have to be someone he trusted for it to do any good.

That's the main issue, whether he can even get along with him.

- You could try. - Boy, you have problems in bed.

It's different in the movies I've seen. - True.

I can imagine movies are realistic and we're nuts.

I'd almost say so. What are you talking about?

Oh, man.

We have a foreman we don't want and a guy we want who can't do math.

I see.

Your sister says the foreman should help the other guy become one.

She's nuts.

He can be happy that he's foreman and the other guy isn't.

See? Your brother says I'm right.

But maybe the guy who's foreman

doesn't want to be foreman as badly as the guy who isn't.

Possible, but we can't be sure. And what else would he do?

You just have to ask him.

Boy, oh, boy. If you kids didn't have me...

Your brother's asleep.

Yes, he's a healthy boy.

- I think he's all right too. - But Rudiger is a pretty nasty devil.

- Yes. - He needs the daylight beaten out of him.

Nah.

He's beaten himself up plenty.

You're right there too.

But now to you, Franz.

Do you think we should tell him everything?

About you and the exam and all? - Don't ask me.

I already said what I thought last time.

- And you guys? - Maybe we should try it.

- If you're sure he's all right, then yes. - Maybe it would be better that way.

- And you? - I no understand.

Maybe one way, maybe the other. I no understand.

So where's the problem?

Mathematics.

I have a hole in my head. - I know that.

I had a hard time in math. I know it well.

- Really? - Yes. But it'll come.

There are techniques. I'd like to go over them with you.

If you'd like.

Thanks a lot. - Of course, gladly. Why not?

You know, I didn't actually want to be a foreman at all.

It just happened.

I thought once I got into a plant, it'd go quicker than if I waited around.

- What is it you have in mind? - Me?

I want to be a trainer. That's all.

- That's totally different. - That's right.

I have high hopes for that.

It suits me better too.

Being a foreman requires - I don't know, more severity or...

You're really stuck in the middle.

You're accountable to those on top,

and you have to give orders to your subordinates.

And you have to do that without kissing up to those above or kicking those below.

I think you could do that. You could find a way to do that that's...

I think you'd be a really good foreman. I really do.

A round.

I think this new policy of bringing in foremen from the outside is crappy too.

It'd be far smarter to give insiders a chance to train.

They know how things work and are qualified.

For them, it's just about authority. That needs doing away with.

There's natural authority. It's objective and justified.

There's nothing wrong with that, but this way...

Oh, well, cheers.

It's terrible. The kids always want candy.

- More cake, Grandma? - No, thank you.

If I want another piece, I'll ask. - More coffee?

No, thanks, I've got some.

And the responsibility -

How about lying down, having a rest?

Why? I feel perfectly perky.

- After working so hard all week. - Oh, it's nothing.

I do enjoy doing it. It's not a strain on me.

Well, anyway. Should I play some music? Very softly.

What? You got a problem? - You sure are funny.

Why am I funny?

The way you're fawning over me.

Are you nuts? Are you a bit crazy or something?

I don't think that's nice, Grandma.

I'm seeing to your welfare and you ask me if I'm a little off.

Come now. Don't make a scene.

You didn't see to my welfare for 21 years.

- Now, Grandma - - That's not true.

Wolf always - - Yes.

Well? Well? What was it he always did?

Your Wolf? Huh?

See? Nothing comes to mind. - Maybe I've changed.

- Yeah. - I don't believe that.

Listen, if I were here for just one whole day,

then you'd know what the score is.

Quarreling from morning to evening.

No,no,no.

Now, my Gregor - -“My Gregor, my Gregor.”

What about your Gregor?

Just hearing it - “My Gregor.” Your Gregor?

He doesn't deserve you one bit. He has no clue whatsoever.

Not a clue.

Why, Wolfgang. You're jealous.

Now that is sweet of you. - Jealous? Me?

I'm not jealous in the least. Not at all. I'm just saying what I think.

Where is your Gregor anyway? He lets you go out alone, on a Sunday.

That's how he is. - Gregor's looking after some kids.

- Some kids. - Yes, to allow their parents a bit of peace.

I'll see him at six o'clock.

What time is it? Oh! I have to go.

I have to go now. - Go? Why do you have to go?

Stay a bit longer. You just got here.

She just got here, right? - I've been here four and a half hours.

Exactly. Four and a half hours is nothing. Why go already?

Keep on talking. Don't get up.

Good-bye. Take care, Wolfi.

- We'll come with you, Grandma. - Okay.

Bye, Mama. Bye, Dad.

- Bye. - Good-bye.

- Adieu. - Bye.

Really.

I don't get it anymore.

Well, actually I feel sorry for him.

Really.

I understand him very well.

The house was always full,

and suddenly there's no one there for him to quarrel with.

And quarreling with Kathe is impossible.

She doesn't think of anything at all.

He has to rely entirely on his own imagination.

He's never learned how to do that.

He'll sort himself out.

I'm not so sure about that.

I think we'll have to think something up for him.

At his core, he's a good fellow.

At his core. - Yes, he certainly is.

Although...

In those 21 years, he sure did badger me.

But you sure did enjoy it.

You think?

Well...

You could be right there.

I really am quite concerned about him.

But I just can't think of anything.

- That really surprises me. - What?

- That you can't think of anything. - Honestly.

What should I do? If I can't think of anything, then I can't.

- Terrible. - What?

Oh, right.

So that's how it is. You're making fun of me.

Now you just wait, just wait.

I've arrived.

But I don't deserve that from you.

I wonder if he's already here.

Oh, yes, there he is. Gregor!

And I forbade him to drink without me.

Hey, wait. - Bye, Grandma. We're off.

Yes. I'm coming. I'm coming.

Yes, yes, yes.

I'm absolutely certain she'll think of something soon.

Very soon.

Hang on.

Hang on.

I've got it. - What?

- The idea. - What idea do you mean?

The idea - what I've been thinking about all this time.

How should I know what you've been thinking?

What do you mean? Didn't I tell you what I was thinking about?

No. For half an hour, you've sat there spinning your hat.

Your expression was so dramatic. I thought you wanted to change our lives.

That just shows I'm getting old.

Now I need a whole half hour for such a simple idea.

Do you have a pencil and paper? - Yes.

Paper .

- Write this down. - Just a moment.

Right.

A quarrelsome,

insufferable married man -

Not so fast.

...seeks a grandma - comma -

who is an expert at quarreling - period.

Poor girl, you're in a bad way. Oh, well. It can happen to anyone.

Keep writing.

Expenses and board included.

Exclamation mark.

What is it I see in your face? - Pity, my dear. Pity.

- And what do you see in mine? - I don't know. Pity?

That's right. Because you're a bit stupid, and you don't understand a thing.

- Not true. I sometimes - - Yes. That's true.

Sometimes you understand a heck of a lot.

- Thanks. - Right. Now then.

Now think about it nice and hard.

Two more shots! - Darling.

Yes? I'm listening.

- I can't think of it. - Because you -

Now I've got it. God, you're clever. Cheers.

- Really? - Yes.

- You've really got it? - Yes.

You see? You really aren't as stupid as you look.

Right then. Cheers.

You really are something.

You know -

You know, sometimes I get the feeling

that you're poking fun at me.

Me poke fun at you?

I'd never do that. Never. Would I?

Two more shots.

Yes, the sine bar. What is it used for?

To set exact clamping device angles and -

- And to check angles. - Yes. It consists -

- The sine bar? - Yes.

It consists of a bar and two rollers of the same diameter.

The line between their centers must be parallel -

- To the bar's edge. - Exactly.

And the distance between the center points has to be known.

Right.

And you calculate which gauge blocks to use with the sine rule.

The distance between the rollers' centers -

- My head's spinning. -...is the hypotenuse.

The vertical distance between the rollers

is the opposite leg needed to determine the angle.

“The opposite leg”? What an exam this will be.

Right. Let's do a test problem.

We're looking for the height,

We know that the length, is 100

and that the height, is 20

and that the angle, “a”, is 24.5 degrees.

- I can look up the sine for alpha. - Yes. Here it is.

The sine of 24.5 degrees is equal to 0.4147.

The formula is sin(a) = H - h / L.

So we're looking for

“H” equals

(sin(a) times “L”)

“ha.

Now calculate it.

(0.414? times 100)

equals 4147

plus 20.

6147.

- Yes, you got it. And the decimal point? - It goes here.

61.47 millimeters. - Correct.

How's it going?

The hole is being filled in.

What hole?

My hole.

The one in my head. - Oh, that.

- When is the exam anyway? - On the 13th.

Don't tell me it's Friday the 13th?

Oh, man. I didn't think about that.

Oh, Shit!

You've already failed.

Why?

Are you all superstitious? - Of course. Aren't you?

- Sure, but... - There you are.

At least we'll know what to blame it on. That's worth something.

- Friday the 13th - that's a good day. - Yeah?

You think?

- Boy, you sure are lucky. - Why's that? Out with it.

Giitz from Training has given his notice. That means there's an opening for Ernst.

- No. - Yes.

Man, that's crazy.

Hey, Jochen.

Giitz from Training has given his notice.

- No. - Yes.

- G6tz from Training has given his notice. - No way.

He did. Manfred just told me.

- What is it? - G6tz from Training has given his notice.

Giitz from Training has given his notice.

- Really? - I'm pretty sure.

Have you heard? Giitz from Training has given his notice.

- No. - Oh, yes. I'm absolutely sure of it.

Jochen, did you hear that? Gtitz from Training has given his notice.

- No. - Yes.

That's once-in-a-lifetime kind of luck, that is.

Why are you laughing like a couple of idiots?

No offense.

I have to take my exam on Friday the 13th of all days.

You see, that was my goal all along. Being a trainer was -

I understand you, Mr. Friedrich.

I understand you very well. It's easier to deal with young people.

It may even be more fun, but -

Believe me, that's not it. I don't want to have it easier.

That's my professional aim. I wrote that on the questionnaire.

I didn't just get the idea today.

Why, of course not, Mr. Friedrich. Of course not.

I saw that questionnaire.

I know that. Of course I know that.

Then you'll certainly understand my wish.

Understand it? It's not a question of understanding it.

Of course I understand you.

But, look,

strategically, that would be extremely unwise.

Another new foreman in this sector -

that can only cause turmoil among the workers.

They won't know whether they're coming or going.

And you're getting along with them brilliantly now.

Yes, the last few days I've been thinking, “Great fellow, that Friedrich.”

You simply have more to offer.

Engineering school is just a step above - Well, you know that yourself.

I heard Franz Miltenberger is taking his exam.

Oh, please don't get started with him.

He's entirely unqualified, entirely unsuitable.

He can't even calculate angles accurately.

All the same, I'll send an official application to Personnel.

And I hope you're mistaken about Franz - about Mr. Miltenberger.

I hope that for you.

Good-bye.

That's 273 - 273 half-baked grandmothers.

And yours is number 274.

She isn't mine, as you've pointed out.

Listen to this.

“Dear Bad-Tempered Woman,

You can quarrel with me till you're blue in the face, as I am deaf.”

That's just what Grandma isn't looking for.

The grandma Grandma is looking for must be...

Yeah, how must she be?

That grandma must be just like Grandma.

Why is your grandma looking for a grandma?

- May I interrupt? - I have no time now.

- Grandma - - I'm your boss, Miss Erlkénig.

Mr. Zeitler.

Please forgive me. I...

- Carry on. - Thank you.

So why?

She's looking for a grandma for Jochen's father, who's lonely.

Why would he be lonely? I mean, he's married.

Yes, but he got used to having Grandma around to constantly squabble with.

What's the date today? - Friday the 13th.

Thanks. Friday the 13th. We have to cross our fingers.

Cross our fingers? Why?

- Because it's Friday the 13th. - Oh, we've heard that before.

Oh, poor girl, you can't know. Franz has his foreman's exam.

Franz who?

Boy, you're stupid. I've told you the story nine times.

Okay, for the tenth time.

Since Ernst got the job as trainer,

it is almost certain Franz will be foreman if he passes.

Oh, that's the story you mean. I have vague memories of it.

Although I really do have to wonder, my dear,

about the things you concern yourself with.

I really do have to wonder. - Then you have a thrilling pastime.

FRIDAY 13

Half past 4:00.

All the same.

Hey.

It seems -

Why so...

Did - Did something go wrong?

Yeah, well...

I passed the exam.

Yeah, right.

What did you say?

Did you hear that?

I did it.

Right. Let me see that slip of paper.

Here.

Off to battle.

- Can I help you, gentlemen? - Yes, well...

Well...

After careful consideration,

we have concluded that we do want Mr. Miltenberger as foreman.

- I'm in no mood for jokes today. - Neither are we, believe me.

Please. I thought we cleared up this issue for good.

We did, we did. What was it he said?

“I'd hire Mr. Miltenberger right now if he were duly qualified.”

- That's right. That's what he said. - Precisely.

You have a good memory.

But there's no need for that, as I would tell you the same thing today.

I'd hire Mr. Miltenberger right now if he were duly qualified.

Right. Now I'd like to get back to work.

Yes...

Then“.

I'll have to show you this.

Well, this...

This decision must ultimately come from the top.

I can certainly put in a good word for him.

At the least. - At the least?

At the least, you can tell them that is our express wish.

It is very much our wish, if you get what we mean.

- You keep threatening me. That - - What threat?

Did you threaten him?

Threaten you with what?

What could we threaten you with?

Do you know of anything?

Not a clue.

I can't think of anything.

Perhaps you know of something?

What? No.

Of course not. Of course you didn't threaten me. I -

You really did misunderstand us.

All we said was that it is... our wish.

Very much so. That's all.

FOREMAN'S EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE

I don't want that grandma!

You must be crazy! Dragging some grandma in here!

What do you think I am?

We just want what's best for you, my dear Wolfi.

What's best for me? Did you really say “what's best for me”?

Oh, please. That's your mother. Your mother!

Damn it all. - Calm down.

- I don't want to! - Don't shout.

- What do you think I am? - Stop shouting.

Out now. Get the hell out of here. I can't stand the sight of you!

Don't be afraid. He's always like that. He's a real bull. Think nothing of it.

I had to put up with that man for 21 years.

Please, Mother, go now.

I don't think he wants just any grandma. It's a question of familiarity.

All right. But be sure of one thing. We only wanted what's best for you.

- Yes. - No more and no less.

Please come along. It's not that bad. He thinks nothing of it himself, you know.

Come now, don't you want to give it another try with her?

You'll just be angry again later. - I'm not angry.

I don't want this grandma or any other grandma.

I don't want any grandma at all. Now out!

Come now, he doesn't mean that at all.

He's really such a nice man.

You know what?

Your mother's nuts.

And so I have to thank all of you.

Because without you, I still wouldn't know

that one and one makes two.

That is, I might know that, but I wouldn't know any more than that.

And so I'd like to thank you all.

And - And, aside from that,

there were so many things I wanted to say to you, but I forgot what.

Because I have too many numbers in my head now.

Now - Now one hole has made way for another hole.

It's... strange just how many holes there are in the world.

And then there are the kind that you can fall into.

You're not even really listening to me.

Fine.

That's fine.

Then you'll never find out what it is that I have to tell you.

Never.

You'll never find out.

Never.

FRANZ AND ERNST

EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY

A FAMILY SERIES FROM WDR

“Eight Hours Don't Make a Day” was shot in 1:1.37 format for WDR TV

between April and August 1972.

Digital restoration and color timing of the film

was made by scanning the preserved 16-mm original reversal film in 2k resolution

and digitizing the 16-mm original-mix audio tapes.