Original subtitles

Ladies and Gentlemen! You being the affected residents of Chamissoplatz

I wish to call your attention for a moment.

The area around Chamissoplatz is the last remaining in Berlin

where the original buildings of the 19th century have been completely preserved.

This lends a particular historical value to the quarter.

So you really believe in what you are saying?

Do you think it's right to let the houses fall down on top of people?

- Just look around you. - But they don't need to be pulled down.

They can be renovated.

But think about the future.

Nobody can be expected to live in these dark holes.

I live in one of those holes and I like it.

If I was forced to leave I'd never find another cheap place like it.

It's all to do with something quite different.

What do you mean?

I'll quote from an article in the Tagesspiegel from a colleague of yours:

''In Berlin, contrary to other cities, old apartment houses,

side-wings and back-houses are not only being torn down

due to hygienic, city planning or economic reasons,

but also to regulate their number

because that is thought to be the only way of preventing a future glut.

The statisticians predict a population decrease for 1990 of about 1/4 million

and approximately 200,000 empty homes.

There is no federal law yet to cover this kind of market intervention.

It is no secret that the disturbed relationship between those affected

and the administration of the redevelopment areas

can be traced back to exactly this intention.''

End of quote.

Behind this modernisation also lies the strategy of the Senate

to remove people who they here refer to as fringe groups.

They don't want there to be any cheap flats at all.

What they want are clean people who consume diligently in lovely-home-homes.

I think you are personalising the pressures of the system.

People like you do that unfortunately only too often,

building up an enemy

behind whom you suspect all sorts of possible dark machinations.

There you are!

We're here to work and not to flirt.

Flirting, please! This is my partner.

You leave me sitting alone with those twits from the Senate...

It would interest me what you do with the material. Do give me a ring.

- Alright, thank you. - Good-bye.

Anna, is that you?

What's up?

Have you got time to go shopping?

Since I've been working in that damn place I don't get anything done.

What do you need?

Milk, sugar, sausage, cheese and perhaps a couple of kilos of apples.

Any other wishes?

Dr Berger's home.

Dr Berger, your wife is on the telephone.

She's had a car accident.

An accident?

Karin?

What's happened?

How can I? I have to go to the office.

I have to pick up Sven from school afterwards.

Where is it then?

Shit. Can't you organise a tow-away service?

Okay, l'll be there in 3 hours.

Bye.

Did you have to transmit right in the middle of the Hitchcock fiIm?

I was using a bit too much power.

Idiot!

3 kilos of these apples, please.

It's sweet of you to come.

How did it happen?

You could ask if I'm alright.

- The best thing is to move it all over. - Alright.

A tractor came out suddenly and I...

...I had to swing over and hit a pole.

- Did you get his insurance number? - Yes.

- Is that all? - Yes.

He was very nice. He towed me here too.

And then I called you right away.

It's really nice that you came.

- I'd like to stretch my legs. - There's a stream back there.

Did the Senate make any stipulations?

I think you have the wrong idea.

We did not begin our suggestions for redevelopment

with the ideas and reflections of the Senate.

The Senate doesn't need to make any stipulations.

Their sick ideas about housing were swallowed a long time ago.

Listen!

...the peculiarities of the topography, the small size of the blocks,

the relatively high building density...

Are you coming to my place?

I still have to write this damn article.

I haven't any desire to but it's terribly important.

You used to work less.

You know I'd come with you if it wasn't terribly important.

Okay. So I'll dream about you. Bye.

Hello.

- Your things are in the kitchen. - Great.

Want to smoke a joint with me?

Have you got a light?

How's it going?

That peep-show will do me in one day.

I've just scrubbed myself down.

I had to do 3 booths again today.

And how much did you earn?

240 marks.

Nonetheless.

But I couldn't do it.

It's actually quite anonymous.

Some just want to talk to you.

One of them even brought me flowers one day.

By the way, I asked about the 2-room flat on the fourth floor

and it looks as if they're not going to rent it out again.

Well, then we're on the demolition list, aren't we?

Damn! That idiot with his transmitter.

Did you see that film with Cary Grant yesterday?

- No. - Anyway there was a great scene.

Just when they were going to kiss the whole image broke up.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Thank you.

- Which floor, please? - Second, thank you.

Good morning, Dr Franke. We're expecting you.

Everything is prepared. Let's go into my office.

- I'd like to see Mr Martin Berger. - Dr Berger. One moment please.

Dr Berger, please come to the reception.

Please take a seat over there for a moment.

- Is Franke already there? - Yes.

Do you remember me?

Of course.

- Do you like that? - Yes.

Did you design it?

That's a Richard Meyer. I only took the photograph.

Do you have a moment? I'd like to talk to you.

I've got an appointment now

but in 15-20 minutes we could go and eat something.

- If you can wait that long? - AIright.

In Berlin it's not possible to build in the American style.

But I don't imagine that that interests you.

Yes it does.

Make yourself comfortable.

If you want something to read there are newspapers.

- Dr Berger not there? - No.

Since the completion of several larger projects in the city

we have difficulties in making the maximum use of existing capacities.

Due to the endangered job situation arising from this

we would always give preference to an intensive building solution.

You'll excuse me... I must leave.

Have you found what you're looking for?

- No, not yet. - You should simply ask me.

May l call you Martin?

Yes.

The reason I came to your office, to you,

I want to know if our house will be torn down.

There's a flat which has become free and which won't be rented out again.

And you think they're beginning to empty the house without informing the tenants?

That's how it works.

It's like this, the owners of the house, in this case the GEWOBAG,

are not allowed to start emptying the house officially

before it is clear under which plan the house will be redeveloped.

And unofficially?

Unofficially, how do you mean?

Well you must know what they are planning.

And a few houses have already been modernised.

One could...

...listen around.

Maybe it's possible to find something out,

But I don't have your address.

- Do you have a pen? - Here you are.

You can write it down there.

- That's two numbers, - That's my home number.

That's the lawyer where I work during the holidays.

And what are you studying?

Sociology.

Then you'll be out of work when you're finished.

- They're already looking for you. - Who?

The office called half an hour ago. They seem to be missing you.

- Give me a Calvados please, - And an espresso?

...opinion of the Groenewold Firm on the 16 December 1979, full stop.

- Hello. - Oh, you're back at last?

The people from the Skalitzerstrasse were looking for you.

- And that makes you nervous? - Naturally, I don't have any documents.

I was at the building site. They shouldn't make such a fuss.

Tell me...

...where, in your fantastic order, are the files on Chamissoplatz?

Down there on the left, the green file.

All the building substance papers are in there.

I had another experience today with Albrecht.

He must have gone to bed terribly late last night. He was completely out of it.

It was just a simple rent case

but he couldn't manage to distinguish the two parties from one another.

Lawyer's office,

Yes, that's correct. She works here. One moment, I'll connect you.

Anna, for you, A Martin Berger.

Hello.

It's nice of you to call, Martin. I thought you'd forgotten me.

Did you find out anything?

Yes. I have to go back to the Chamisso Shop afterwards.

No, you could pick me up.

Yes.

Willibald-Alexis-Strasse 18.

Bye.

I must admit I haven't thought about love for a long time.

Perhaps that's not so seldom the case with people of my age.

How old are you then?

What do you think?

33, 34.

A wonderful compliment.

I'm exactly 10 years older.

Your eyes look so young.

- My eyes? - Yes.

Shall I drive?

It's me, Martin.

Were you already asleep?

I just wanted to say that l got home safely.

Sleep well.

Good night, Anna.

- Are you going to give me that? - Why?

Is there something between you two?

It's not always necessary to get off with somebody.

We should get these architects to solidarize with us.

Perhaps we should get them to come here.

Martin would come for sure.

Before I began to study I went to Paris.

I fell in love with a French man and began to learn French.

You've been around.

Yes. I had my first relationship when I was 14.

My boyfriend was 10 years older.

I lived with him for 4 years.

And your parents accepted that?

Yes, that wasn't a problem.

I actually always had very long relationships.

And now?

I've been living alone for a year

but somehow I can't get used to it.

l've been married twice. Actually, l still am.

CHAMISSO SHOP

Hello!

- Have a seat, please. - Thank you.

- Would you like a coffee? - Yes, please.

Milk, sugar?

Milk, please.

- Milk, sugar? - Milk, please.

Shall we start?

Yes.

Martin Berger is the architect who is doing the redevelopment plans

and some of you already know him from the interview l did.

Now J�rg should explain what we want.

We want to make it clear to the people living here

that redevelopment cannot take place against their wills

as long as they are in solidarity.

Most people here want renovation not redevelopment.

They wouldn't be able to pay the rising rents following redevelopment.

But you probably know all this.

We need information on what is planned, Practically it looks like this:

a tenant moves out and the flat isn't rented out again...

Something we could prevent if the other tenants informed us immediately.

Exactly. Instead the others are intimidated, become afraid.

They receive a good offer privately from the landlord and move out.

That's what happened at Chamissoplatz 8, and that's the way it is at No. 3.

And it will be exactly the same at Arndtstrasse 15.

We absolutely need the help of you architects for our work.

Anna told me that you had checked it out and found

that the back-house of Arndtstrasse 15 will definitely be torn down.

I know that in cases where property needing redevelopment is emptied

there are frequently methods used on the side of the landlords

which I am not prepared to approve of.

In this case I am of your opinion.

Besides that I am prepared to let you have information

which will sooner or later become public

as long as it does not come under the secret classification

to which I am bound by our client.

Great.

Concerning Arndtstrasse 15,

it is a little different to the way you formulated it.

In this case it has not yet been determined.

I also said that in the interview.

That's the kind of shitty tactic they use: not determining anything.

In this case...

...the Senate ordered an investigation of the condition of the building.

The results of the investigation form the basis for further suggestions

to be made from our side.

Relating to that, it could be interesting for you to know

that 4 criteria or categories are determined

which apply to individual houses.

These categories are:

First, preservation in any case.

Second, modernisation practical.

Third, modernisation problematic. Fourth, preservation not justifiable.

Dad, how much is 4 x 13?

I'm very bad at mental arithmetic, Since when have you calculated with 1Os?

Since first grade.

When you're done we could play a little piano.

I just have to do one more sum.

I'm ready!

Come on!

Very good.

Go on.

You're taking a long time. Where are you? I'm in a terrible hurry.

- Were the car repairs expensive? - The insurance will pay them.

- Do you want a glass of wine? - No, thanks. Sven!

Yes?

- Did you do your homework? - Yes.

- Did dad make you something to eat? - Yes.

Oh Friday, could you pick Sven up from school?

I'll have to look at my appointment book.

What time is school out?

12 o'clock.

- Yes, that's okay, - Well come on then.

- Bye, Dad. - Bye.

Did you record that all?

Of course.

You disgusting pig!

I find your behaviour rather peculiar.

Bourgeois rules of the game were never anything for us to go by.

Bourgeois rules... What rubbish! The thing is how one treats others.

Really Anna, that's anachronistic.

Faced with the perfidious surveillance procedures of the state

I find your behaviour simply childish.

We cannot abandon counter-publicity

just because you've looked a little too deeply into this architect's eyes.

In any event I shall tell Martin.

You'll harm us all if you do.

I can't think of anything else.

Let's leave it then.

I'll put on some music, okay?

By the way l got a letter from my mother, She's coming to Berlin.

Textile conference again? Or is it something special?

No. She's coming on business.

But naturally she wants to combine business with pleasure

and is thrilled that she'll see her daughter. I'll survive.

Anna Bach.

What's wrong, Martin?

I'm not alone.

Alright, I'll meet you in Godoth's.

It's right down the road in the Willibald-Alexis-Strasse.

Alright. See you in a minute. Bye.

That was Martin. He has to see me urgently.

I don't know why, but I'm going to meet him now.

Bye.

Wait a minute. What's going on?

I'll be an hour at the most. You can wait.

I was really devoured,.,

...by the relationship.

Then she got into something with a teacher she works with

and from one day to the next she moved out.

And aren't you going to get a divorce?

No.

I'll never marry again.

And it's too expensive for Karin.

Money always played a big role in our relationship.

And Sven, your second son, how old is he?

Sven...

Seven.

And the other one? Do you see him sometimes?

Seldom.

He lives in Frankfurt.

I was born there.

In Frankfurt?

Right.

Yes, I almost guessed that.

By your accent.

Hey, do you know the trick with the Zeppelin?

I can make an airship out of the serviette.

Man, Atze!

Don't!

Stop that rubbish!

Last time it flew out the window.

Paule will throw you out again.

You sly bastard!

Good night.

It was understood that we'd each do what we wanted to

and that we'd only be together when we both really wanted that.

You've always used that right. I don't see why you're kicking up such a fuss.

You said you'd be back in an hour, I've been waiting and waiting.

And now all of a sudden you want to be alone.

I don't want to argue with you any longer. I'm going to bed.

Then I'll go.

I'd like a Pommery.

23.95 marks, please.

What are you doing here?

Hello.

I've some fine things for breakfast.

- That's just the right thing. - I'll show you the rest upstairs.

- How long have you been there? - The whole night.

- Where shall I put it? - In the kitchen.

Here?

Thank you.

- Coffee too? - Yes.

Berlin rolls.

Milan salami.

Parmigiano.

Swiss yoghurt.

And German milk.

Where do you prefer to breakfast, in the kitchen or in bed?

In the kitchen.

I prefer it in bed.

If you want to brush your teeth, my toothbrush is there.

And what's that?

I'll explain later.

It's hot.

Take it away.

- It will bring luck. It's for you. - Great.

Two tickets, please.

The summer trade really exhausted us.

Dad still has a lot to do so he couldn't come with me.

Besides, his health is not too good. It's all a bit too much for him.

But your brother was there. Last weekend.

He brought his girlfriend with him again.

Perhaps they're going to get married, next year, when he's passed his exams.

But let's hear about you.

There's actually not much to tell. But I like it in Berlin.

I can understand that. I find the city so exciting.

I am always fascinated when I come here.

But you know, I often ask myself...

...why you wear such things?

Have you got a lot to do in the two days?

Yes, I'm afraid so, It's too bad that your father couldn't come with me.

Now I have to do everything alone again.

My next appointment is soon.

Miss.

- I'd like to pay. - 9.90 marks.

Thank you.

Tell me, what's your friend doing? He's called J�rg, isn't he?

We still see one another. But it's not that good anymore.

Well, unfortunately I must go.

I'll stay a while.

Anna, do write.

Martin.

Yes?

I wanted to tell you something that's been bothering me.

What is it?

J�rg taped the conversation in the Chamisso Shop.

Now he wants to publish it in the Chamisso Paper.

I couldn't care less.

I'd like to drive off somewhere with you right now.

Do it.

I'll have to talk it over with Axel.

Because of the office.

But I think that...

- Good morning Frau Mager. - Good morning Dr Berger.

- Frau Mager, this is Anna Bach. - Good morning Miss Bach.

- Another coffee? - I must go to the office.

- I can drive you there. - I'll take the underground.

But I'll leave you my key. We'll see one another this evening.

Good day. Anna Bach here. Could I speak to Mr Martin Berger please?

Thank you.

ANNA I LOVE YOU

Anna.

Martin, you are totally crazy.

I must see you right away.

Then I'll come to the office.

We're having a dinner tonight in the Fidicinstrasse.

You can come.

Let's go to the cinema tomorrow. We have to discuss the tenants' party.

Of course you can come.

I want you to come.

Alright, 7 o'clock.

I'm looking forward to it. Bye.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Hi, Sylvie.

Hi Frieder.

You don't shoot at people!

What's your name?

Martin. And yours?

- Frieder. - What a name for a rifleman.

Good evening Doctor.

You know Daniel and Heiner from the shop.

That's Eva.

Hello. And that's Fritz and Marion.

- Hello. - Good evening.

Wine...

J�rg, Anna told me that you had taped our conversation secretly?

Correct.

Martin, would you help me with the salad?

- We'll talk about it later. - Yes, of course.

- Here's a sieve. - Thank you.

When will the spaghetti be ready?

- Do you want to try one? - Yes.

Can I try one too?

- Anybody else? - Me!

Eva?

- Yes, if he wants to try it. - Just a little one, okay?

Tasted good!

What's wrong?

Why doesn't anybody say anything?

Does one always have to talk when one is eating?

It's a sign that the food tastes superb.

Can I have some?

We should have the Chamisso Paper ready for the party.

That's important because of the information on the demolition plans.

Alright, no problem.

I could put you in touch with someone from the Evening News.

They would definitely do something on the party.

That's not good. It's wonderful the way you engage yourself for us

but I fear that it has little to do with how we've imagined our party.

What does our video woman say to that?

I agree that when they arrive with their transmission unit,

with cameras and spot-lights, they'll ruin the whole party.

They'll present us as... exotic animals in the zoo,

and we already know what it's like when we have no control over...

...over what's reported about us.

- I think that is somewhat exaggerated. - No.

The reporter I know wouldn't misrepresent you. That I'm sure of.

I hardly believe that one person has the possibility

of undercutting the structure of a TV station.

Well, it was just a suggestion.

I'd like to read the text in any case before you publish it.

I have to type it first.

I'll give you my address. You can send it to me.

- I'll give it to Anna, okay? - Alright.

- Good night. - Good night.

- Shall we go to my place? - Yes.

Today is Thursday, 12 June 1980.

Good morning my love.

- What are you doing? - I'm taping you waking up.

I don't wish people to see my prick.

I must pee.

I put the water on for coffee.

I must go to the office right away.

The condition of your building isn't bad at all.

- I had an idea on the toilet. - What?

I'll show you.

If you were to make 2 one-room flats

into 1 two-room flat,

you could make the outside toilet into an inside toilet.

You could also shift the kitchen wall...

...to make.,.

...a shower.

Take a look.

That would be the new shower

and that the inside toilet.

But can you give a professional opinion on the condition of the house?

Yes.

We had a similar contract last year in another area.

I'll see if the water is boiling.

PHARMACY

The results of this test, please.

The test is positive.

That means that in all probability you are pregnant.

Goodbye.

I've quit.

I'm absolutely fed-up.

That guy gave me a really hard time today

because I came a 1/4 hour late.

But that's not all.

When I finished he came to me and said that it wasn't all that terrible

and he really liked me a lot and began to touch me up. That was the end.

I told him he could keep his shitty place and go fuck himself.

You don't seem to be feeling so good either.

No, not so good.

I've been trying to do something for the university. No success.

You must give a commentary to what you're doing.

It seems that although the fundament is damp

there is no fungus.

That means the substance of the building is good.

Superficially...

What are you doing there?

- Good morning. - Good morning.

He is an expert and is determining if the house is decaying.

- Is he from the Senate? - No.

It would be better if you'd see that the toilets are not constantly blocked.

- Do you want something to drink? - Yes, please.

Axel.

I'm not coming to the office today.

Now don't get excited. We can discuss it tomorrow. I'll be there at 9.

Now stop it.

I do my work and how I divide my time is my business. Bye.

Axel is beginning to get on my nerves.

He really expects me to sit in the office from 8 until 5

whether there's something to do or not.

Shall we go to the cinema?

I'll see what's on.

Have you found something?

Do you know Celine and Julie Go Boating?

- No. - Then let's go there.

Heiner, come here a minute.

- What's up? - This thing isn't functioning again.

- Give it a bit more juice. - I don't think that's the problem.

You letting yourself be seen again?

Yes.

What are you printing there?

A leaflet for the party.

May I?

The new Chamisso Paper with sensational disclosures of secret demolition plans.

Sounds like a scandal rag.

Rubbish.

''On 4 July there'll be a freshly printed Chamisso Paper

with articles, analyses and important information about this area.''

Can I take some?

I think it's due to the stencil.

- It looks used up. - It does.

Look what he's up to again. Crazy, totally crazy!

At least with that small thing he doesn't disturb anyone watching TV.

Here, the party is in a fortnight.

- That's not for me. I'm too old. - Nobody's too old to party.

Anna Bach.

I knew it was you. I've just come home.

Are you serious?

Yes, in half an hour.

Alright, I'll be on the street in half an hour.

I'll wait for you.

See you soon. Bye.

- I'm going to Italy. - Oh fantastic! With whom?

With Martin.

If there's anything, you've got my key. Okay? I must run.

- Have a good time! - We're leaving in an hour.

Dieter, tell J�rg I'll be back for the party.

Alright. Bye!

Shall I drive for a while?

Yes.

If we drive straight through

we'll reach the sea when the sun comes up.

That would be wonderful.

Good morning my love.

Good morning.

Oh, it's not possible.

It's like a dream.

The owner recognised me.

We can go up.

I must get in the water straight away.

Go ahead.

I'm pregnant.

What?

I'm going to have a baby.

From me?

I don't think so.

How long have you known this?

I don't have to have it.

I had a test done before we left.

I always wanted a daughter.

I would marry you.

You'd have to divorce Karin first.

Anyway I don't want a child yet.

And anyway it could be a boy.

Shall we go in the water?

Yes.

I've still got lots to do. I have to put up the video equipment.

Doesn't matter. I thought I was too early.

Are you going to show the film of me inspecting the house?

Yes, it'll be shown.

And the shot where I'm naked in bed...?

You don't need to worry.

Can I help you with something?

- Wait a moment. - Uschi needs help.

- There'll be enough seats. - Okay.

Heiner will be coming over. Bye.

Somebody has to go to the printers to pick up the paper.

I could do that. If you know where it is.

- I'll go with you. - Yes, you do that.

- Hello. - Hello.

We want to pick up the first batch of the Chamisso Paper.

So soon!

First you raise hell about how urgent it is and now you turn up.

Come with me.

Here, that's it.

And what's with the money?

Is that alright for a start?

But you'd better bring the rest when you pick up the next batch.

Alright. Can we use the lift?

It's working. You can take it.

There's a lot going on in spite of this lousy weather.

It's only been going for an hour. I hope there'll be more coming.

- Are you thirsty? - No, not at the moment.

I'm going to get myself something.

Can I have a glass of red wine?

1 mark.

ARCHITEKT MARTIN BERGER ON THE DEMOLITlON PLANS

Ah, the area contact officer!

The drinks are free today for our friends from the police.

Have you got permission to hold this party?

- Didn't you get our invitation? - No, I didn't.

We sent specially printed invitations.

Perhaps you sent it to the wrong address.

Would you like a mineral water?

- Please give me your car keys. - Is something wrong?

- I need your car. - Drive carefully.

THE END