All language subtitles for Acht Stunden sind kein Tag 1972 eng 5

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'll be quite an adjustment for some.
Westhoven is quite far out of town.

And that makes the site cheaper.

Your journey 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.

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.

Westhoven! 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
contract for the flat?

- Oh that. Of course. I did it this morning.
- Great.

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

Oh well, I am 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. Full stop.
- 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 journey 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 flats.

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
M�ller-Scherz, for example.

But I went to Seeking
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'll 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 payphone 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 flats and transportation.

One: the company should procure
new flats for those who want them

in the commuter
district of Westhoven.

Two: it should pay building cost
subsidies or advance rent payments.

Three: for an interim
period of six months

workers who are affected should be paid
for 3O minutes of the work commute each way.

Four: a bus service from the city centre
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.

Honestly. 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 for and find letter.
- What letter?

From colleague 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 organised.

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 in which machines we buy

because we have experience
that engineers don't have.

And

then...

And this is the decisive point.

- We want to organise our work ourselves.
- What's that?

You heard right.

- We want to organise 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 surplus 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

and 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 will 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 mistake, thinking
everything that exists is necessary.

That's not true. On the contrary.

Oh, it's late. I have to go.

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

- 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 drinking 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?

Do you think so?

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

People do bite off a bit more than
they can chew, but just 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
organise the work process

pertaining to a given work contract.

It is easy to imagine...

that 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-organisation 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 surplus profit.

They want 50 percent of that.

That means they're banking
on a surplus 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
crunch 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.

Oh! 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.

Well, if you say so.

- So, comrade, how's tricks?
- Are you loopy?

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.

- On! _ Yep
-

And?

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

Men are a bit more frank.
And you are 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, am 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 knock my bones.

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

No, actually not.

- But I did.
- What's that?

Honestly.

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

You're all bonkers,
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?

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 part...

Management and the works council
should sit down and discuss it in peace.

But...

the second part...

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

Pardon?

Yes, extremely so.

Were you expecting anything 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 scheme 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!

- Gee whizz!
- Now don't start crying tears of joy.

I mean...

You'll have your reasons.

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

Well then...

I propose you discuss
specifics with your workmates

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 stance has
nothing to do with sentiment.

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

Good bye.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

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.
- Motorcycle.

- You have the best ideas.
- I know.

Are there schools and
nurseries 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 part with it, huh?
- No. Why?

Because it's already so 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 crappy.

Well?

- No!
- Yes!

- What?
- What what?

I mean, what happened?

- Want to?
- You go ahead.

Right then, Dr. Bertram thinks
our scheme 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?
- Organising our own work and stuff.

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

- Gee whizz!
- That's what I said.

- What?
- Gee whizz.

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.

Something's 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' flat.

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.

- Ah, 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 Irmgard, 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 procuration.

- Why?
- Because it is.

- What a stupid word. It'll do them good.
- If it does them good, it's procuration.

- 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'd really be a lot more
convenient for us, for Marion and me.

You two can live wherever.

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! 50 marks, mind.

Ah, you're stubborn.
You're so stubborn!

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

We want to trade flats
with Jochen's parents.

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

It's sensible, my dear fellow.

- Your sister has a lover.
- No.

- Yes!
- Why's that?

- Because 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, 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...

Ah, 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 ever when 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 herself up!

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

- Monika!
- Yes?

Your father wonders why you
keep primping yourself up.

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 has only
one pair of French underpants

and Grandma gave them to him.

Now she's not listening.

I'm supposed to ask
you if you listened.

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.

Oh, you know, actually...

- Do you want to do it?
- Me? Sorry, they are 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 publishers to Westhoven.

Just a straight line.

And guess what is right in the middle,
between the publishers and Westhoven?

Just guess.

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

- What's right between her work 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 flat.
- What?!

Because it's right between
the publishers and Westhoven

and that's convenient for us.

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

Hold on.

Twenty... 27 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 flat."

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 flat
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 Grandma's 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?

Oh, you haven't given that a thought yet!
If I know you, it's already planned out.

We thought you could move
into our flat. 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. Honestly.

Thanks!

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

- Ah, 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 flats with us.

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

- Seriously?
- Honestly.

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 new 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 flats.

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

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 Number 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, etc.

Everything estimated correctly
and signed off 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. Goodbye.

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 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 instead.
- Still, money can be a decisive stimulus.

And slaps to the back of
the head enhance brainpower.

In any case, I don't know just
how we should organise 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 clear we'd hit a wall
to start. How should we know?

- We've never learned to organise 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 is intelligent.

- And the others are stupid or what?
- Oh, 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.
- See. 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, prime minister at the least.

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

A man everyone looks up
to and reveres and all.

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?

Oh...

- l...
- "Oh, I..."

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 talked 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, Rildiger.

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, R�diger.
On the contrary.

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

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

It is very tender 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. Even quicker
than you can bat an eyelid.

You see, with these 10,000 marks

you just buy a stake in the
carwash 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 had back.

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 had back,

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... asset portfolio.

In...

Yes.

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

And Commerzbank.

And Dresdner Bank.

Yes.

I must tell you,

we have as yet deferred
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 believe yourself
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 Whopper?

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? Oh 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 is 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, Seeking itself would get a cut.

- It does, it gets half.
- That's right!

What? Oh.

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

But we're the only ones who did
extra work, so the money's just ours.

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
out? 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.

Oh! So migrant worker Giuseppe Macaroni
gets the same as Foreman Franz Miltenberger?

- 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, honestly.

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? - Uh-huh.

- 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 get why men always have to complain?

Sure, they have a
built-in mechanism.

- You really have no idea how much you own.
- Yeah.

That's how I felt when I moved out.

Loads of stuff that
could be trashed.

Maybe we should have
a real clear out.

- 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, do 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.
- 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 lugging stuff?

No.

But it can't be anything sensible.

Oh yes it can. I realised that
you are the ones who got cheated.

H OW?

It's very simple. Look.

You were faster than plant management demands
but you only get half of the money 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?
- Its 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 do 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 is wrong.

It's no different at your newspaper.

I'm not saying it is.

I'm just saying

that I've realised something.

I've realised that, when you work,

that you only work
partially for yourself.

I've realised that.

No more, no less.

She didn't even say goodbye.

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 a 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!

- Grandma not 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 difficulties. That's all.
- What kind of difficulties?

Oh, 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, hm? - Uh-huh.

They're kissing now.

You could be right.

You are always right.

Aren't I just?

IRMGARD AND ROLF

EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY

A FAMILY SERIES FROM WDR