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

EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY

A FAMILY SERIES

GRANDMA AND GREGOR

Well now, 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 2O
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 flat, isn't it?
- Yes, very lovely.

- Yes, it's actually worth more.
- Worth more, yes.

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 flat for 365
marks, excluding other charges.

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 flat 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 flat 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 badmouth
the flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 biscuit!

- 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...?
- Ah!

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 eight in the
morning to five 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, K�the.
How can you plan a flat hunt?

You're not even looking for a flat.

The wish is father to the thought.

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

Leave him be, K�the. Keep calm.

Stick by your husband
and you'll be happiest.

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.
Twenty years after the fact.

Do you know what you are?
A dried up old dodderer!

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 old dodderer
thing. I know that's true.

- I mean the thing with
the association. - Uh-huh.

- Really?
- Yes.

Well, then...

- You know, Grandma is really all right.
- She called me an old dodderer!

- A dodderer! 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?

Uh-huh.

I have to go.

- To see Marion?
- Of course.

On an empty stomach, annoyingly.

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 holiday for 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.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

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 a
flat, 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 faint-hearted. 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
cosy 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 pfennigs too much.

You know what? Shove your damn
three marks up your derriere!

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 derriere, he said.
- 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 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.

- Oh, that'll be Grandma.
- Grandma?

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

Is everyone here?

Ah, 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 a 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 nursery.

- A nursery?
- 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.

Ah! Stop nodding, okay?

Please.

- Well why not?
- Not many old people need to find flats.

- 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.

- Goodbye. Thank you.
- Goodbye.

- 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 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 nurseries.

Because Monika told me

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

- So what?
- So what?

She has a right to a nursery place
now that she wants to work again.

It's quite a lovely evening.

What are we doing later?

Shall we go to yours 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 flat. 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!

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.

- Goodbye.
- Best of luck to you.

- Thanks.
- Goodbye.

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.

- Oh, that would've been a lovely flat.
- 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 save 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 get nothing from life and shove
our money down others' throats. 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?
- Books are being taken away.

- 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 neighbourhood.

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.

- Goodbye. 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 nursery.

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 do.
- 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 nursery.
- That's wonderf... What did you do?

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

I can open my nursery 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.
- Oh! You want to open a nursery.

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

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

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

I can't wait.

Well?

So 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, then 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.

Come in.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

Yes, it's best if we just sit down.

This is going to take quite a
long time. Come here, Gregor.

Well, the matter we're
here to discuss is...

Gregor?

Don't you want to tell the
nice man why we're here?

No.

- You must excuse him. He's always this way.
- I see.

Actually almost
always, but no matter.

Right, then I'll have to tell you.

- You know Tumb Street?
- Know it? It's in my area of responsibility.

No, you don't need
to check. We asked.

- Oh. Thank you.
- You're welcome... Um, thank you.

I mean, no need to thank me.

Now, there was a city
library there in Tumb Street.

What?

A city library. There was one there.

- It was shut down yesterday.
- You're very well informed.

Yes, that we are, Mr...

- Meier.
- Mr. Meier. That we are.

And now I want to ask
my question, if I may.

What's going into that space? Well?

- Well?
- I...

You see? You don't
know. But we do know.

Oh. Well, what's
going into that space?

What do you think? Take a guess.

It's...

- I have no idea.
- Because nothing's going in there.

Nothing, Mr. Meier. And that's
scandalous, simply scandalous.

The poor children
there. Packed nurseries.

Where are they to play?
They play on the busy roads.

It's dangerous.

- And the best spaces are empty.
- How dare you talk to me this way?

- It's what you deserve, Mr...
- Meier.

It's just what you deserve!

You could give it a
bit of thought yourself.

That wouldn't do any harm at all.

Now I'll tell you something.

Keep your nose out of things
that don't concern you!

If the space stays empty, the city knows
why. And no nursery's going in there!

We have enough nurseries.

Catholic, Protestant, Workers'
Welfare, the list goes on and on.

The city knows what
it's doing. Goodbye.

Was that your last word?

Very well, then we have no
business here. Come along, Gregor.

Come on.

On and on...

- Amazing they approved this so easily.
- Well, it wasn't all that easy.

On the contrary.

It was pretty
arduous. Right, Gregor?

Yes, pretty arduous indeed.

All that matters is
that they approved it.

They'd leave a place
like this vacant.

Yes, they do stuff like that.

A shortage of housing on the one hand
and vacant buildings on the other.

- That's just how it is.
- How late is it now?

- Half past midnight. Aren't you tired?
- Tired?

Not in the least.

- Or are you tired?
- Not in the least.

- Quiet!
- A silent hammer has yet to be invented.

No, I just mean be more careful.

Would you come with me a sec?

Who? Me?

Who else?

Yes.

- Why?
- You'll find out soon enough.

- Grandma?
- Yes?

- Now be completely honest.
- Yes?

You don't have approval, do you?

- Yes, well...
- Well?

I'm listening.

They haven't
explicitly forbidden it.

- Oh boy, this could be interesting.
- Oh!

- You're not going to stop working now?
- No, Grandma.

We'll keep working.
You can count on us.

- You know what?
- No.

Grandma doesn't have
any kind of approval.

Oh, boy! Then we'd
best stay out of it.

I told him.

- Voluntarily?
- Pretty much.

Actually...

I don't mean to butt in, but the city
should really pay for this. Right, Grandma?

Yes, perhaps.

Perhaps they'll do
that eventually. Right?

Yes, perhaps. Anything's possible.

Not bad.

It drove past.

Well, well, that was a close call.

Why is that? Do you know something?

We all suspected something
wasn't quite right.

Doing up a nursery at night?

Oh! And you kept on
working despite that?

We're done.

Actually looks pretty good.

Yeah, it looks pretty good.

It's sweet how
they're sleeping. Look.

Grandma is really happy.

But the trouble is only
just about to start.

Come on, let them sleep.

Gregor!

- Gregor!
- What is it?

Wake up!

Everything's finished!

- Good morning.
- Good morning!

Just look at it!

Wow!

- It's all finished.
- And we slept!

- Yes, I didn't want to fall asleep, but...
- No matter.

Yes, it's all turned
out pretty nice.

Pretty nice?

It's very nice. Very nice!

Yes, but there's something missing.

Somethings missing.

Missing?

Yes, you're right.

But what exactly?

No idea. I mean, everything's grand.

It's grand as can be, but...

Yes, how odd.

I've got it. The children!

The children who should
be running around here.

- It should be teeming with them.
- Yes, the children!

I had forgotten all about
the children. Come here!

Right.

Now you go over there
and I'll stay here.

Okay. Or you go over
there and I'll stay here.

Gregor!

Right then, I'll go.

Children!

There's a nursery over there.

I'm telling you, it's terrific.

Do you want to come along?

It's interesting.

Yes? Come along then. Do
you want to come and look?

It's great, I'm telling you.

Come along. Are you going to come?

You can really do
as you please there.

It doesn't matter, either you
go play over there or here.

Oh gosh, children just go
and... Come along for a second.

Go on, don't be scared. Come on now!

Go on over there, and
stop picking your nose.

Go on over and have a look.

Everyone go on over
there. Very nice. Good!

But... Yeah, well...

This is unbelievable.
So very nice...

Yes, and... What
am I supposed to do?

Oh my!

Oh! One's coming.

There were no plans
to open a nursery here.

On the contrary. We already
submitted a petition.

We have yet to receive an answer.

- And now all the kids are inside?
- Every single one. The whole street is dead.

I saw them here two
days ago. Two old people.

They were looking at
books, and suddenly today...

There's something strange about it.

Are they even allowed to do that?

- To just drag the kids in there?
- Well, it can only do the kids good.

You can never be sure. What if
they can't deal with children?

A nursery just suddenly pops up.

- Aren't you worried about little Susanne?
- Not exactly, but...

Exactly! You read about
what happens to children.

- Like what?
- Like children getting butchered and canned.

- Yuck! What wild ideas you come up with!
- No, it's true.

Although I'm happy
somethings happening

I do have to admit it
gives me an odd feeling too.

I'm not entirely sure
what's going on there either.

- Perhaps... Perhaps we should...
- Exactly.

We'll just go have a look at it.

We can still tell them no.

And...

we still have the police, thank God.

- Why the police? Maybe everything's fine.
- Maybe.

But only maybe.

Right.

Now then, I'm Grandma
and this here is Gregor.

Hello.

Hello, we...

We wanted to come have a look.

- To see what's going on here.
- Just a look.

Yes, of course. You have
every right to do that.

Well, Gregor and I would have come
out to introduce ourselves anyway.

But we wanted to get
to know the kids first.

Yes, I see.

What is this here? Is it
a real nursery or what?

Yes.

What is it exactly?

- It's not actually anything official, but...
- We did go to the effort to go to the city.

But the city didn't go to any
effort. It has no real interest in it.

But it is allowing it.

So it's not official?

- Well, as a matter of fact, not exactly.
- No.

Who cares, if the city has
no interest in doing anything.

Yes, they'd rather see our kids
under cars than safe inside.

- Then... Then I'm pretty behind it.
- Yes.

- And that's what we thought. Right, Gregor?
- Yes, I'd say so.

If the city won't do it, then
you have to do it yourself.

Someone should've done it already.

Do it yourself. You
can't rely on the city.

Exactly.

It happened like this. I have
a little granddaughter, Sylvia.

And we looked and looked for
her, but no nursery had a place.

Yes, and then I saw this space
and thought I'd give it a shot.

Well, I'll definitely
bring Susanne by tomorrow.

- If she likes it here.
- Oh yes.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Grandma, dinner's on the table!

Yes, I just have to
make a quick phone call.

She's really got the bug.

Yes, the address is 12 Tumb Street.

And we open up at 7.30 a.m.

Who are you talking to?

With my grandmother.
It's just my grandmother.

All right, 12 Tumb
Street, starting at 7.30.

Okay, take care, Grandma. Bye.

What does she want?

Just to talk. Some people
like to talk sometimes.

All right then. I'm done on
the phone, if that's okay.

- Enjoy.
- Enjoy.

Don't talk nonsense. You
do what you want anyway.

So how was your first day?

Pretty exhausting.

Children ask so many questions.

They want to know so many things.

- They are children.
- Yes, children.

Yes, just another
one of those things.

- Pardon me?
- Ah.

The nursery idea. It's just silly.

- Why is it silly?
- Making a fool of yourself out of charity.

I'm not making a
fool of myself, Wolf.

I have fun doing it.

And, besides, it'll
all pay off in the end.

At the Pearly Gates.

In due time, believe me.

And it's against the law.

You can't just move in anywhere you
like just because the idea came to you.

Grandma's right.

Anyone who does
something is always right.

The young and the old! They
always know everything better.

People like us are caught in between. I
go to work every day, I know how it is.

But you don't have
a clue, not a clue!

Good God, Wolf, let Grandma do what she
likes and Jochen think what he wants!

My opinion goes in my
house and no one else's!

That's why everyone wants to
leave it. That's exactly why.

- You've had it pretty good till now, right?
- Yes, well...

Depends how you look
at it, Wolf. It depends.

Ingratitude is all you can
expect. Ingratitude, nothing else.

I'm taking you to Grandma. I
want to have some time to myself.

- I get that.
- She opened a nursery.

- A real nursery?
- Well, almost a real one.

But you're not allowed to tell Dad
about it because he's opposed to it.

Why's that?

- Because he doesn't get lots of things.
- But he's an adult.

Adults aren't always cleverer than kids.
Sometimes they're much sillier. You see?

So you won't tell him that you
were with Grandma or anything?

No, Mama, I won't say
anything. For certain.

Monika!

It looks like a real nursery.

Yes, what did you expect?

Come on!

Sylvia!

Goodness me, you're heavy!

- Does this all belong to you?
- No.

It belongs to everyone. Everyone
who can get something out of it.

Look here.

This is Manni. He's
Marion's little brother.

- You're very pretty.
- You too.

- Boys aren't pretty.
- But you are pretty.

Those two!

I'm going. I'll be
back around five. Bye!

Gregor is studying
up on child rearing.

I don't think much of
it. It's just theory.

- But he's set on it.
- Let him do what he enjoys.

Of course! Learning
never harmed anyone.

But thinking is better.

- Bye, Sylvia.
- Bye, Mama.

You sure are pretty.

Being in a relationship with someone

who you always have
to keep secrets from...

- You'd get fed up with that eventually too.
- I couldn't do it, not even for a day.

Why be with someone if
there's no trust or anything?

You never know beforehand
how it'll be later.

At first everything is hunky-dory.

Everything works.

Both sides are
understanding and all.

But, later, everything's crappy.

Did something happen? I
mean, something in particular.

Nothing in particular. It's more
of a fundamental feeling, you know?

Could I get another sausage, please?

- Here you go.
- Thank you.

That's your third.

That's what they say.

- That dissatisfied
women eat more. - Uh-huh.

So they say.

I never want to get to that point.

You know...

I understand you so well.

Sooner or later it'll stop.

- It's great.
- It makes me look a bit short.

- No, it's slimming.
- Slimmer.

- How can a hat be slimming?
- It just is.

You simply have to believe in it.

Honestly, it really doesn't
make you look shorter.

- Well... 95.50, right?
- An extremely good price.

Okay, I'll take it.

What I'd really like to do
is get a whole new outfit.

- Then do it.
- Sure, then I'll have to deal with the scene.

Although...

95.50.

Here.

- Don't pack it away. I'll put it right on.
- As you wish.

Is that good?

- Right, now I'm feeling much better.
- You see? Life's little pleasures.

And this evening I'll just
say that I bought a hat.

- "If you object, I'll turn you upside down."
- Upside down!

Imagine Harald upside down.

No, that's too funny.

Your daughter isn't eating.

If she does something
wrong, she's my daughter.

Say what you want, she's not eating!

Eat, Sylvia. Please.

I don't like spinach.

- You eat what's on your plate!
- Kiss my arse!

- Leave the room right now.
- Do as your father says.

- Where did she get that?
- Kids hear such things.

- Only if they mix with a bad crowd.
- She was with Grandma.

- What does that mean?
- In the nursery Grandma opened.

- And I think it did her good.
- Oh!

- It's good to learn such phrases?
- The world won't go to ruin.

But it'll ruin my daughter!

Don't be silly. Kids learn
such things eventually.

Yes, eventually. I want my daughter
to learn such things later, much later!

And I bought myself
a hat, for 95.50.

You bought yourself a hat?

For 95.50?

Why did you do that? Why?!

Why do you buy hats?!

I don't buy hats, Harald. I bought one
hat. And I bought it because I fancied it.

- Do you understand that?
- No, I don't understand.

I slave away at work all
day long so you can buy hats.

I want to work. You
just have to let me.

Then I can buy things for myself.

It's the simplest solution.

I buy you what you need, and that
means I determine what you need.

That's how it is here,
and that's how it'll stay.

- Four, five...
- That's right.

Very good.

Eight, nine...

Good!

So?

It's still available and
he'd love to give it to us,

but he won't reduce the rent.

- The swine.
- He has his principles.

Once he has his mind set, he doesn't
waver. He's not the only person like that.

I suppose it's me you mean, right?

I didn't want to be
so blunt. But still...

Yes, yes, I get the picture.

The difference is, all I
have is my mind, nothing else.

But the landlord, he
has his accounting.

He has a ca... ca...
calculation. Yes.

He has two mortgages, repayments,

interest, property tax,
sewer cleanout, annuities!

Do you know what annuities are?

- No. Do you know what they are?
- No I don't, but he does.

And that's why he's made a
principle out of his 320 marks.

My calculation is only in my head
and I know I can't afford any more.

That's it, it's over.

Goodnight!

Now the time has come.

- It took pretty long as it was.
- What's that?

Look outside.

Are you Mrs. Krilger?

Yes, sir. That's me.

And I'm Mr. Mack. Like macaroni.

- Gregor.
- That's right. Mack, Gregor.

It's time to shut all of this down.

Right, children, it's time to go
home now. Off you go. Chop-chop.

But we didn't do anything wrong.

- We just...
- That's what everyone says. Everyone.

"We didn't do anything wrong, we
just..." We've heard that before.

- But we really just...
- Yeah right. Let's go!

May we perhaps go get
our things quickly?

Go on.

It's a strange
feeling being arrested.

Oh well.

Do you feel your heart
knocking in your chest?

- I feel the knock but I'm not opening up.
- Have no fear. I'm here, nothing can happen.

Move it, kids. We don't
have time to waste.

How big is the flat really?

Actually it's not a
flat. It's more of a room.

I wanted to put it under "furnished
rooms" and you said, "No, flats."

Now I ask you how big it
is and you say it's a room.

It's in between.

It is a room, but with
shared use of the entire flat.

My mother always did it
that way. Balcony included.

- A furnished room with shared balcony, et al.
- Yes, that's fine.

- Please pay at the till.
- Thanks. Goodbye.

- Goodbye.
- I'm a bit unworldly, if you understand me.

- Very well. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

- Goodbye.
- Yes, then...

- Then I'll go. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

- You can't write that.
- Of course not. Let me deal with it.

5.20.

Thank you.

Then she broke into
the place at night.

Broke in?

She had to get in somehow, right?

They left the door unlocked.
It's not a break-in.

- They didn't care about the space. -
If you don't own it, it's a break-in.

- You're nuts.
- Or anyone could enter anywhere.

- People must have a right to what they own.
- Grandma doesn't want to make a profit.

She's using a space for
something that's needed.

- She's being sensible.
- Says you. And she's not your grandma.

- You're jealous.
- Of a grandma? I declare!

You are. You don't have one.

- It'll fail.
- Never.

- Bet?
- What Jews do when they need money.

Trust me.

- What are you doing here?
- The police arrested Grandma and Gregor.

- Arrested?
- Yes, they arrested them and took them away.

Please! Who's smarter
now, you or me?

- Is what you're saying true?
- Of course it is!

- If that's true... If that's true, then...
- Then what?

- Do Grandma and Gregor have to go to prison?
- Yes, then they can't cause trouble.

- Know what I'll do?
- I'm sure you'll tell me.

Oh no, I certainly won't. I'm going
to do it, and I'll do it right now!

Marion!

Your sister has got a screw loose.

- How's that?
- Oh, you wouldn't understand.

Look, I have to talk to you.

My boyfriend's grandma
is a jolly woman.

Since Monika's daughter
had no place to go either

she opened a nursery
in a closed library.

They didn't care about the space.

She converted it and kids from the area
went there, as there's nowhere else.

Today the police came and arrested
Grandma and Gregor and shut the place down.

I mean, they can't
just do that, can they?

- Am I not dressed properly?
- What street is it on?

Tumb Street.

Please get me the police station
responsible for Tumb Street.

Okay. Thank you.

Yes, The Gazette.

Hello.

This is about two old people who
opened a nursery on Tumb Street.

Yes, they're here right now.

But they can leave
in a second anyway.

Yes.

Stop!

- But you said we could leave.
- In a second, I said.

- Yes, we waited a second.
- In a second, not now.

- It's just a second.
- A second isn't now...

You'll have to
contact the city hall.

My only task is take statements.

You're welcome. No thanks necessary.

- The press.
- Ah! I told you it was of public interest.

Yes, she did say that. Honestly.

Now sign here.

- Yes.
- Sign it? Why do we have to sign it?

- Because they're your statements.
- Ours?

- Let me read it.
- After you.

I have to read it first. I can't
sign something I don't even know.

There.

You said that?

Why are you laughing like that?

Don't you ever find your
own turn of phrase funny?

Now, if I may ask you...

- Yes.
- You may ask, yes.

- Well, it's right. It's right!
- All right then.

Give that here. Okay.

- Right. And now you can go.
- It's about time.

- See you.
- See you.

Not for a long time, I hope.

You see? They cook with water too.

Yes, but the water
got pretty darn hot.

What do you mean? Were you scared?

- You weren't?
- Yes, I was a bit, to be honest.

Have a nice day.

Now that the press has chimed in...

- That had to be Marion, right?
- Definitely. That was typical Marion.

If the press sticks by
us it'll all go well.

If we stick by the press,
the press will stick by us.

- The article he's written is pretty paltry.
- Yeah.

- In keeping with the city's story.
- They're right.

You can't just move in like
that, then anyone could.

She didn't move in,
and there was a need.

A need? What does that mean?

The city knows about needs.

No, it has no clue at all. Or
it wouldn't have been necessary.

It wasn't necessary.

Just look, things are going
just as well without it.

I wouldn't be so sure if I were you.

That paper! You didn't imagine
it that way either, huh?

Not what it used to be.

- But...
- Grandma?

- Gregor?
- You don't have a new idea, do you?

- I do.
- Oh, my goodness me!

Whom can I turn to?

Well, you can turn to me. Trust me.

- Nothing can go wrong.
- Well, wrong is the worst it can go.

- Wait, it's hot.
- I didn't want that.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

- As good as ever, eh?
- Yes, very good. Like you.

- Right. I mean...
- Not so great.

I think it's terrible.

They have enough police to crack
down on kids and old people.

I saw it myself.
Degrading, really degrading.

By the way, Mrs. Krilger
called me this morning.

- Mrs. Krilger? Who's that?
- Mrs. Krilger is Grandma.

And Grandma is Mrs. Krilger.

And what did she say?

She said we shouldn't
give up that easily.

What does she mean? Now that
the state has stepped in...

- "It's far from over," she said.
- Did she?

- Yes, that it's far from over.
- And?

And? Well, I think that she's right.

- And do you already have an idea how?
- I have.

My husband Max founded a small
animal breeding association.

- Really?
- He did. He has such ideas now and then.

- Lucky you.
- I take it lightly.

But I think it's the
solution to our problem.

- The solution?
- How are small animals the solution?

Because, and Mrs. Krilger agrees,

the only chance we have is to
join forces in order to gain clout.

- And you do that by founding an association.
- Another one?

- Nothing comes of nothing, as we saw.
- You're right there.

Look, it'll be easy.

We take the breeding association statutes
and replace "rabbits" with "children".

Replace "rabbits" with "children".
Sounds plausible, right?

And Mrs. Krilger, that
is Grandma and Gregor,

want the Mattes' place,
number 12, second floor.

- But it costs too much.
- How much?

- 320, but it's too much for an old couple.
- What can we do about that?

Grandma said something
I have to agree with.

If we, as an association,
can get the city

to approve the founding of the
nursery and get city funding,

they'll both get a salary
and will be able to afford it.

Yes, that idea is most
definitely one I can support.

- I agree.
- So does everyone.

I'm not so sure about that.

The city may say they're fools who
like kids and are out to make a killing.

- You think?
- Yes, I do.

Yes, but when we send our
kids to nursery we pay too.

Yes, but the city collects
that money for the space.

Besides, they'll surely stick in a
state-accredited preschool teacher.

No, no, I'm convinced
we'll have to really fight.

If I may get a word in edgewise.

You keep speaking about it
as if it's really possible.

I mean, whether the city will give
way at all is totally up in the air.

- Even if we have an association.
- Yes.

But then, and I'm sure
this will come to pass,

Grandma has come up
with a grand idea.

Yes, I'd like to speak
to the local news office.

With whom? Well,
the editor-in-chief.

No.

No, not the editor-in-chief,
the chief editor

from the... from the local office.

What nonsense! No, I
wasn't talking to you.

- Yes, yes, we...
- Listen to you stuttering!

Hello?

We have a message. Hello? Hello?

The arsehole hung up.

No, she's just connecting us.

Hello, yes. Here's what happened.

Somethings going to happen
tomorrow, at ten o'clock.

- You have to say what!
- Yes, yes... Leave me be!

No, I don't mean you.

Something will happen at
the city hall at ten o'clock.

What?

He wants to know what.
What should I say?

I mean, absolutely no clue
at all! No, I don't mean you.

Listen, tomorrow
there's going to be a...

A demonstration,
that's right. Got that?!

- Ciao!
- You can't say "ciao".

- Over!
- Ciao, over.

- Getting on with you is impossible.
- What about you?

- Everyone gets on with me.
- You always have to have the last word.

- What? That's not true!
- There you go again!

Well...

- This is scandalous. It's scandalous!
- All thanks to those crazy old people.

They're crazy. Crazy!
I said that right off.

It's really hard to push through to
you. May I sit next to you for a moment?

Would you explain this
demonstration to our listeners?

We want to draw attention
to an unacceptable situation.

A whole neighbourhood is
suffering from a lack of nurseries

so we took action and
founded an association.

Yes, and all we did was replace
"rabbits" with "children".

- Yes, we replaced them with children.
- Thanks for that.

Yes, I mean, what should we do?

They're already giving interviews.

It's taking on... proportions!

- Is playing here fun?
- Yes, I'm having fun.

Right then, keep on playing.

Certainly.

Yes, of course.

Yes.

We're to give them
their nursery back.

Orders from the top.

I'll bring them in.

- So how is it? ls playing here fun?
- Of course!

Yes! As you can see.

It's the most fun in the world!

You keep going on about that!

It's...

- It's fun!
- I believe that.

Ladies and gentlemen, it looks
like a solution is in the offing.

Mrs. Milller from the nursery association
and the two old folks were asked in.

Let's wait to see what happens.

You can reopen your
nursery. You got that.

We never wanted anything else.

We felt that was
right from the start.

Fine, call it what you wish.
However, it'll be on one condition.

It will all be made official and
be supervised by Youth Welfare.

And a state-accredited
educator will run it.

That's good, it'll
ease our workload.

That's very good. You know,
the kids really are a handful.

And Grandma and Gregor get salaries.

Out! You can take things too far.

Calm down, young man. You
live longer if you keep calm.

Always stay nice and calm, okay?

Could you please tell our
listeners how it turned out?

- What did you achieve?
- The city's giving us back the nursery.

Victory, then. How does it
feel to leave victorious?

Good.

We think it is just and proper.

I think it's good the
city came to its senses.

- Are city decisions always sensible?
- Um... Hey, you!

Me? No, they're not always sensible.

But, as you see, we can help
the city down the right path.

So you're happy.

- Thank you so much.
- Yes, goodbye.

See, Grandma always manages
what she sets her mind to.

- That was courageous of you.
- Courageous?

- It could've failed.
- You think?

- Yes, miserably.
- I never would have thought that.

Your grandma gets what
she sets her mind to.

Of course, she is my grandma.

Hey?

Do you know what
I'm going to do now?

No, but I'm sure
you're about to tell me.

True. I am about to tell you.

I'm going to tell the supervisor
I want to train as a foreman.

I'm going to apply to be foreman.

- Is that good?
- Good?

It's great.

Okay-

I'm going to go then.

Then go.

Yeah.

Then I'm going to get going.

Go!

All the things a grandma's good for.

So...

I want to be completely honest.

Even if you had a
qualification as a foreman...

Management wants to fill the foreman
position with someone external.

Management has had better
experiences doing that, so they say.

Yes, and...

I must agree with that.

Well, then...

Then I may as well go.

Don't let this bother
you. You earn well.

It's not so bad if
things stay as they are.

And? I already told the others.

They've had better experiences
with external foremen.

How is that?

If someone is internal and is trained
for it, then that's definitely better.

Or am I a total idiot?

Things are as they are.
You can't change them.

Yes, and then the sofa will go here.

Yes. And a painting over there.

Yes.

One of the Alps and
a lake, and a sunset.

- A bit kitschy.
- Yes, I'm into that right now.

And carpet here.

With lots of ashtrays on it, so
you don't go burning holes in it.

Oh no. I love you so much.

- I love you too.
- Certainly.

But aren't we a little bit
too old for all of this?

I think people are looking.

The flat will be really lovely.

And we'll make the few years
we have left really lovely too.

The few years? Listen,
we're going to get old.

- We'll be as old as the hills.
- We've had it so good this entire time.

I mean, it's almost embarrassing.

We'll have enough trouble.

It'll be a long time
before I slow down.

You're right there.

Not you, that's for sure.

GRANDMA AND GREGOR

EIGHT HOURS DON'T MAKE A DAY

A FAMILY SERIES FROM WDR