FOR ARMIN AND ALL THE OTHERS
FOX THE SPEAKING HEAD
It won’t cost you a penny more ladies and gentlemen!
As the only German traveling carnival
it’s our pleasure to offer you a show
which is truly unparalleled in the entire world.
FOX AND HIS FRIENDS
And now for the real sensation
It won’t cost you 100 marks
not 50 marks, not 10 marks
No, ladies and gentlemen
lt’s only 2.50 and not a penny more!
For that, we offer something truly unique!
Ladies and gentlemen, come closer
Yes, ladies and gentlemen step this way.
Don’t be shy
Thank you, come along Don’t be afraid.
And now, a brief description of this evening’s show.
We open the show with Madame Cherie!
Madame Cherie from Paris! The radiant Venus!
Right before your eyes up on the stage,
only two or three yards away
Madame will appear in the brilliant colors from 1001 Nights
a remarkable spectacle!
Second, and especially for you, gentlemen, Madame Antoinette!
She’ll show you a striptease that will knock your socks off!
But that’s not all. There are sensations upon sensations, one after the other.
Sensations, every one of which is worth the cost of admission.
For example
Isabelle, the girl in cellophane
Here she is, ladies and gentlemen
Her show starts
with a beautiful dance
and ends when the last veil has fallen from her body
And at the close of every show the crowning finale as it were,
we’ll present a spectacle that won’t cost you a penny more
You’ll experience something unique whether you believe it or not:
Fox the Speaking Head!
A man like you and me, but with his head severed from his body
You won’t believe it
but see it with your own eyes!
He introduces himself, states his age and where he was born
But that’s not all, ladies and gentlemen
is entitled to ask him questions
and he will answer them all
A miracle of surgery, an abnormality in the carnival
Look. Your friend Inspector Braun
And now, ladies and gentlemen
we offer you the principal attraction
the sensation of all sensations
Now life intrudes into the daily routine of us poor showmen.
See, hear and marvel
The man stepping onto the stage is my friend, Inspector Braun.
And what is he holding in his hand?
What? Well?
Rightly guessed: an arrest warrant
Or might I be wrong? No, you’re not wrong at all
Now, ladies, get dressed
I’m closing the theater
- And hurry! You filthy pig!
Now, now
Have you forgotten your French manners Madame Cherie from Paris?
Scumbag
You’ve grown pretty fast, boy haven’t you?
Muller? I’II take him away
Take the cash box and seal everything
All right, boss
Come
Come on now
Well?
Something wrong? - No.
They confiscated the cash box Not a single penny for us.
Toughluck
Any plans for where to go?
No. Where should I go?
Home? To Paris?
G
Paula?
What now?
Nothing
You know, I’m going to win the lottery
and I wondered if you wanted to go in with me.
Thanks. You’ve been going to win the lottery as long as I’ve known you
Now, Iet’s go. Break it up!
Gee!
Say, could you lend me 20 marks, boss?
In silver or in notes?
It was just a question
- Hello. Hello. Trying your luck again?
Huh?
This is my lucky week
What would we be without hope?
You make a living off it
Rather poorly
That’s what they all say
What are you doing?
Emptying out my safe
You should go wash your foot, boy
Five beers, grandpa
Just into thin air. As if swallowed up by the earth
You must think I’m really stupid
Why do you think I’m washing my feet?
I was wondering that myself
Can’t you stop drinking?
Besides
do I complain about your dirty business? - It’s all right.
ls that clock right?
I think so. 4:30
I’ve got no money at home, Franz
Not a single penny
Five marks, Hedwig. I must turn in my lottery ticket, I must!
I don’t care if people throw away their money on the lottery.
You have to give me five marks! l’ll win! I know it!
Hedwig!
Shit! Shit, shit, Shit!
I told you there’s no money
If mother was still alive - But she isn’t. Cheers.
If you need a place to stay, Franz
you can always sleep here
One
two
three
four, five
Well?
We
I don’t know what to talk about either
Are you from Munich? - Yes, more or less.
Do you have the run ofthe house?
Unfortunately, my bungalow is being redecorated.
Blah, blah, blah
- How about you? I can already walk, too
How time flies
Said the old man and forgot to breathe
forever
That’s sad
Depends how you look at it
What are you into?
and the front is quite all right
SSG
Two-way, reversible model
Sure, makes you well-rounded
Feldating? You’re kidding That’s too far away.
I have until 6:30 to turn in my lottery ticket
I’m going to win this week
And I thought, “Finally someone who’s not so complicated.”
Well, tough luck
You’re not too keen on lending me 10 marks?
- Not really. Just as I thought
Stop over there!
Once I go in, wait a bit
then blow the horn three times, okay?
And then another three times
/I sounds through the room
The charm/hg me/ody - Hello.
/I was //ke a dream
lt’s my sister’s birthday
l’d like to order 30 red roses and 30 white lilacs.
30 red roses and 30 white lilacs?
A beautiful bouquet, sir
Damn, he wanted me to get small change.
Could you just give me 10 marks? Uncle Max wants to buy chocolates
Would that be possible?
I’m coming!
Quickly, before he gets impatient Please.
Hey!
Stop!
Police!
Well, now you’re a con artist Uncle Max.
How did you know my name is Max?
Your name is really Max?
Wait. Five minutes left
I need a lottery booth! l’ll kill myself, step on it!
- 6:30. No. Shit, shit!
Must be my lucky day
Don’t bother me, boy lt’s past closing time.
Here, it won’t take long
Go buy some bread, you’ll be better off with that
Please, have a heart
Just do him a favor, madam Othen/vise, he won’t survive
Madam? Did you call me madam?
I haven’t heard that since 1953
So what? Man’s no bird Give it to me.
Pretty clever, for your age
You’re not getting any younger either, my friend
Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you
Here are the tickets. And five marks change
l’ll send you flowers, red roses and white lilacs
Next week, after I’ve got the money
Can’t you put on a record?
Thatjingle-jangle is unbearable
The people you associate with, my dear
Very strange
Drop it. He’s all right, that boy
Tastes differ, thank God
How true
How’s it going with Max?
He’s forgotten me
I witness one affair after the other with one guy after the other.
I’m allowed to be near him, that’s all
Say, where did you pick him up? At a public lavatory?
Don’t be indecent, darling
Why not?
I’ve had the best experiences with public lavatories.
But the stench, old girl And then guys like that.
This guy, two weeks ago won 500,000 marks...
in the lottery
500,000 what? Marks, my dear
Half a million
Nevertheless, I prefer to work for my money
None of us would throw it away
Always these extremes And what does he do?
For a living, I mean
Nothing
He worked at the carnival
As “Fox the Speaking Head
God, that’s funny
Fox the Speaking
That’s more than I can take
What else? Does he have something in his pants?
Enough for me
Would you dance with me?
- Me? Sure, or am I squinting?
Some people squint even when they aren’t actually squinting.
So?
Have you taught him how to be rich with decency?
He’s not the sort of guy whom money makes rich
You can’t buy manners with money.
Manners, my dear don’t till the belly.
He’s doing it right. He’s watching his money
He’s a quiet guy. He doesn’t know much, but
there is such a thing as natural intelligence
Well, it takes all kinds in this world
I must be leaving now, my dears - So soon?
lt’s after 7:00. What? Indeed
Would you give me a lift, Alwine? To Gartnerplatz.
Sure Bye.
It was lovely
Bye! Bye, all!
Bye. Take care. l’ll show you out
Well?
I must be going, too. I need to visit my mother
Yes, darling. Will you come for breakfast?
About 10:30, all right? - Okay. Bye.
G
Thank you, I know the way
Have fun Come on
Thanks
Did you come in your own car?
Then I must take you to the city
That’s common courtesy
Am I right?
Well?
Have you two been enjoying yourselves?
I think you’re daft
- Do you? Yes, pretty much
How about you?
Do you wash yourself from time to time?
Don’t look at me
I know, you’re into “Brute for Men
It’s “Brut,” my darling. “Brut
- Want to get out? No, I’m starting to enjoy myself
Did you do it with Uncle Max?
No pain, no gain, my dear girl
Why?
Just as I pictured it
- What? Your place, my darling
Since when am I your darling? - Since I say so.
Where’s the bedroom? - Why?
I want to check out the mattress
There
SSG
Please not with your shoes on! The blanket must be dry-cleaned
Oh, excuse me
Cheers Cheers
lt’s reallyjust because of the cleaning.
I see. Do you snore? - Pardon?
You never know
Did you put down roots? - Why?
Pour me another, please
I took off my shoes
They’re new, you know
Quite tight and pinching
Maybe your pants are pinching, too.
Well, to be honest
Do you always toss your clothes around like that?
Mostly
Some people have a tidy closet Some people have a tidy head.
You don’t say!
Should I wash myself, or do you want me naturally?
Well, cheers
Who’s that?
My father
Looks nice. He could be to my liking, too
Dad?
Dad? He’s not my dad, stupid
He’s just another guy to me
I can introduce you to him though I don’t think -
Nonsense
Everyone’s to be had What a pity.
Your bed is too soft, my darling
What’s up? Want to keep me in suspense?
l’ll just clean up your mess my darling.
Silly cow
There was a man in California whose car broke down on the freeway
And he waved and waved but no one stopped.
After nine hours, he shot himself
Now come
The doorbell’s ringing
Yeah, the doorbell’s ringing I’m not deaf.
Wasn’t that the doorbell? - No.
Yes, it was. What time is it?
Exactly. 10:35
Typical. Always the same
Would you mind going into the bathroom for 10 minutes?
Pardon?
To hide. Don’t you understand?
Hide in the bathroom? If you want.
Thanks
And lock the door
Oh, Philip, my darling
My head, always these migraines You know them.
Breakfast? The mere thought of food makes me sick.
Am I interrupting?
You’re not alone?
Not alone?
Me? With my migraine?
And what’s this? - That?
Oh, that
And who do they belong to?
You?
Why?
Because they smell like it those pants.
Let it be. A little escapade
How little?
Eight inches?
Or seven?
Or even smaller? You’re disgusting
lt’s a matter of interest, after all
I didn’t measure it but it was enough
Darling, what’s wrong?
I’m offended
Oh, him
Just as I thought
Gross. And in my bathrobe! Please give him his bathrobe, Franz!
No, thanks. He can keep it
Here, if you want it - No, no.
Well, not bad
Have fun
Just wait
l’ll explain it to you later
Yes?
Later
You can’t do that, Father!
The good name of our company is at stake
Our tradition!
What is it? Come on, back to work
Eugen, tradition or not I don’t have a choice.
I must declare bankruptcy
I can’t go on and I don’t want to
I can’t let the company run up debts
which would make bankruptcy proceedings impossible
for lack of assets
U
Yes?
Maybe if I
But I would need complete freedom
If you want. l’ll sign the company over to you
If you still see a way
If you have an idea
Well, he’s a real good catch a young entrepreneur.
At last someone who doesn’t want anything from me.
He’s got enough himself
A wonderful romance
The entrepreneur and the lottery queen
Yes. He just acts a little posh a little daft.
Stay away from him, Franz You’ll draw the short straw.
Wrong! Mine’s longer
I said you’d draw the short one, not that you had a short one, didn’t I?
Yes, you said he’d draw the short one I heard it with my own ears.
Nonsense. You’re just jealous
Indeed
But of the half million, darling not of the daft entrepreneur.
- Why daft? That’s what you said
Posh and daft
I never said that
You did. Didn’t he?
Yes. You said it Posh and daft.
Well, he is. You’re probably right
Basically, he’s really not my cup of tea
A young entrepreneur, posh and
Eugen!
Good evening, I thought
You said you might be here in this dive.
I missed you so much
Would you like a drink? - Here? No, really.
I thought we could go out for dinner.
Okay, see you - 8.50.
Here. Keep the change
G
The bar probably isn’t plushy enough for her.
- What did you say? Your new boyfriend is posh and
I don’t know
Very daft. That’s what you said
How about this table?
That’s childish We’ll sit here.
Thanks
We’ll have wine
Do you have Chateauneuf-du-Pape? - Yes.
l’d prefer a beer
Okay. A pilsner for him, half a bottle of wine for me
What would you like to eat? - You know, I -
I understand, my poor darling
It’s all in French
How about the turtle soup?
Turtle soup?
l’d prefer noodle soup
A consomme with garnish
And aften/vards a rel/ de |/eau avec d iasperges ei pei/is po/s ?
Or epau/e de moulon avec ha/fools V6/"IS,
avec pommes de le/'res saulees ?
lt’s lamb shoulder with green beans and fried potatoes
Please excuse him - Never mind.
And for dessert maybe
a compare de po/res
or une peche me/ba ?
Do you have all of that? - Yes.
Satisfied?
Yes
l’ll take a language course if we go out to dinner more often
Nonsense. I don’t mind things like that
I know that I’m stupid
- But- I am. In some respects, I’m stupid
Say, did you collect may bugs as a child?
Why are you asking about may bugs now?
Don’t know. Just crossed my mind
I used to collect them
and put them in a cigar box with a leaf of lettuce or something
And recently I met someone
who told me that I could have sold them
the may bugs, to the authorities
I didn’t know that
But we all did that! Ten pennies a may bug
Everyone knows that
Yes. See?
Can you do this?
- Don’t be silly. I can even do it with both hands
Please, everyone’s staring
Hello!
Oh, a nice family gathering
Everything fine, the company and all?
Yes, it’s consolidating
By the way, ljust got a beautiful icon in
Not up for sale yet. Maybe you’ll come over
wi
We don’t want to disturb you We’ll sit over there.
See you later
Come. Sit down
Eugen and that monster? - But of course.
Of course I understand it
There are things between heaven and earth, my boy
that go far beyond what you could ever understand
Pardon?
See?
I just don’t believe it
Would you like some toast? - Yes, two pieces.
And scrambled eggs with ham!
Toast and eggs with ham. I should open a breakfast cafe
Pardon?
Nothing. I thought you were still in bed
But you won’t come
You want to do it again? - Yes.
That’s an old wives’ tale
Invented to defame the working class as brainless
Nothing in the head but drinking eating and fucking.
And?
- What? ls it true or not?
Personally, I lack experience with workers, you know.
- Come now. Aften/vards, we’ll go to the company
All right Cheers
Father
May I introduce you to my new boyfriend?
- Mr. Biberkopf. Good afternoon
- My father. Very pleased
I like him much better than the last one.
Yes
Father!
I told you, much better than the last one.
Right. l’ll stop and you begin
I’ve told him a lot about our company
I don’t mind. Call Krapp. He can show him around
- Krapp! What’s the matter?
Show the gentleman everything!
This is the cutting machine
The sheets are cut here
The capacity of the machine is
Spare us the details, Mr. Krapp
This is a gluing press, and back there are the folding machines
which inserts the sheets into the envelopes automatically
- Do you love me? I can hardly bear it
You drink too much, my darling
Hey, a guy isn’t safe from you anywhere, really.
That’s too much, darling
Why?
That’s my ideal weight almost unden/veight.
So you say
Yes. Just as many kilos as centimeters in height, minus 100
Really?
Yes. Sometimes even an idiot knows something.
because I’m 1.76 meters tall
Yes
And since when are you an idiot?
I’ve learned that over time
I can’t do this and that don’t know French and
And where’s Eugen?
Having 5:00 tea with business partners of his father
So that’s what they’re called now
I think he’s really there
Who’s that?
Another one
Okay. l’ll be right there - Yes.
Thanks
Since when does Eugen concern himself with the company?
He wants to play a bigger role, he says
Mineral water, please
Yes, Thiess Bookbinders
A renowned and long-established company
If you invest in it, you’d turn a nice profit
Well, they’ve got a steady string of orders
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a share, ifl could
Especially now
Eugen’s father is said to be facing liquidity problems
Really?
Strange, Eugen didn’t tell me
I don’t know any details
But there are rumors
Say, do you think
Could it be that Eugen won’t talk about these things with me?
Could be
He’s a little peculiar in business matters.
Besides, it doesn’t have anything to do with you.
Eugen runs his own company
He’s all right
I see. My little brother runs in the best circles
Soon you’ll have forgotten me
Real French cognac
Be careful, Hedwig. lt’s bad for the liver, they say
Nonsense. My liver is the best in the world
Say, when is Fritz going to be released?
What has Fritz got to do with it?
I just thought
Next year in September That idiot.
Next time, he’ll get preventive detention Then everything will go to hell.
There doesn’t have to be a next time
But you know Fritz
Yes
You know, Eugen isn’tjust a phase
This is real love
He has absolutely no need for it He’s got enough himself.
He doesn’t depend on someone like me
Why are you looking at me like that?
That must be him!
Franz!
This is my sister. This is Eugen - Hello.
Good afternoon
So you’re Eugen
Well, good luck
- Thank you. Maybe another time
Good-bye
Franz!
I don’t have any money for food
l’d like to withdraw 100,000 marks.
In cash
- In cash? Yes, in cash
In cash, you said? - Yes, in cash.
Thanks
So?
10,000
20,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
85,000
100,000
- Thanks. You’re welcome
Cash. Cash. Cash
If you repeat a word often enough
you don’t know what it means anymore
Father, Mr. Biberkopf has loaned the company 100,000 marks.
Apart from that, he’s going to work for us from now on
You don’t mind, do you? Father?
Okay
Were you talking to me, son?
Excuse me, I’m a little absent-minded
Yes
I told you that Mr. Biberkopf gave us a loan of 100,000 marks
And that he’s going to work here from now on
And then I asked you if it was all right.
You’re a nice guy, Fox
That’s your name, isn’t it? - Yes.
Then l’ll call you Fox
It reminds me of better times
Do you understand me, Fox?
Fox Movietone News
Do you remember?
- Pardon? I said me/'de
Exactly
Hand me the French dictionary in myjacket.
I bought it especially
Look up what the word means in German.
Why? ls that too much trouble for you, my darling?
I see. And what’s the word in French?
Me/'de
Shit, you can’t be serious
What’s the matter?
Dear Mr. Thiess
and recent incidents that we must consider a breach of contract,
we’re forced to cancel your rental agreement without notice
In particular
it’s because of the noise
That’s you
that provoke moral outrage among our tenants
and that we cannot tolerate
- And now? I don’t know
You don’t own an apartment Then we’ll both be homeless
Could be interesting
Just like that, all the straights will have it in for us.
You’re right
And since you’re so bright, you must have thought about what to do
What do you suggest?
You’re looking for a reasonable investment for your money?
Real estate should be part of every reasonable investment strategy.
And since we need an apartment anyway it’s best to buy one right away.
That’s a good idea
Anything wrong?
I love you, that’s all
lt’s a lot of money
But I’m telling you, darling it’s a steal.
In a few years, it’ll be worth twice as much
I don’t know. I’m not familiar with these things, but
We’ll put a Biedermeier dresser here
We’ll put the bed here
And the stereo will go here as well as a mirror
with a matching gold frame
And a flat Baroque dresser with two armchairs.
That sounds very nice, but
Now l’ll tell you how we’ll furnish the living room
A dark Chinese silk rug here
And over there, an English suite in leather
19th century
A bookshelf. For books, my darling
What books?
Books for reading
I don’t need any books
Well, you don’t need any books
And here, the color TV
Here, the house bar in an antique escritoire
And heavy, brown velvet curtains
And very discreet light
When you talk like this
I can really picture the apartment
And? Do you like it?
Yes
I like it
Very much
We’ll take it
You know I don’t want to twist your arm,
but this is a real gem
The inlays are very well done very precise.
But it doesn’t go with a Chinese carpet
Yes. And how much is it?
Precious things like that have their price.
And for the table, we need two Chippendale candle sconces
These
Just look at them. Aren’t they magnificent?
Yes? Very nice, yes
We’ll be so happy in our new apartment
And then this tres-a-tres. I’ve had my eye on it for ages
What kind of bedroom furniture do you have?
Something in Biedermeier or Baroque but nothing too gigantic.
You’re in luck
I’ve got a special rarity for two lovers.
A bedroom set, English Baroque
I’ve just listed it, but you can count on me
A real rarity, early 18th century
You agree, don’t you?
It’s all right. Put it on the bill
And we’ll also take those two tigers there
So, my darling, that’s done. Now we’re going to dress you properly
You can’t go walking around like this
I feel quite comfortable
Nonsense. There’s just no comparison
You must dress as betits your standing
We want to go to the opera together or to the theater.
All together
it’s 84,500 marks
80,000 for a friend. Okay?
80,000. Fine
Look, why don’t we go to C&A. I’m sure they’ll have something
That’s where the workers buy their Sunday suits.
You must get it through your head that you’re something better now.
You’re the boyfriend of an entrepreneur.
You can’t walk around in ready-made clothing
especially not from a store like that
We’ll go to Philip’s boutique
Well, are you happy?
Happy?
What’s that?
lt’s when you’re together with someone you can talk to
lsn’t it? Time will tell
We
I’ve got something great for you, too
A blue checkered jacket
with dark blue trousers
I’m very curious Show it to me.
How interesting
Becoming bourgeois in your old age, Franz?
HellO - Hi.
Looks good
I feel uncomfortable in this violet shirt.
- Then take it off. Okay, thanks. Thank you!
Show me the clothes - They’re right here.
Tell me, darling, how do you like this? For me?
Well, put it on. It should suit you
/-\|| right
Yes, it’s very nice
I also need a cream-colored shirt and something elegant.
Say, don’t you have something else?
But of course
Something in velvet
Red velvet, maybe
Say, why don’t you come to The Black Orchid anymore?
Eugen doesn’t like going there you know.
Has he forbidden you to come?
He can’t forbid me anything
We’ve agreed on it
So, how do I look?
Do you want it? - Yes.
Okay
Then we’ll buy it
Add it an up - Yes.
Franz will give you a check
Please
Just help yourself - Thanks.
In case you’re looking for the dessert fork,
it’s to the left of your plate
Thanks
Well, Fox
May I call you that?
After all, you’re a part of the family now.
I’m very happy that you’ve given us a loan
He’s seen the company and obser\/ed for himself
that he’s dealing with a prosperous enterprise
Yes
Do you need a handkerchief?
Thanks, I’m fine
I’m sure you’re well aware, however
that such businesses have a lot of outstanding debts
And just how difficult it is, in the current economic situation
to convert these debts, some of them long-term
using outside capital, into liquid cash, at least in part
I don’t know much about economics, unfortunately
You’ll find us fair partners
We’ll pay good interest rates and you’ll get a fair contract.
Yes, the contract won’t be a problem
We should hurry. Mr. Siebenkas is expecting us at 3:00
Your cup
- Sugar? Yes, please
If you’re looking for the sugar tongs they’re in the sugar bowl.
We’ve come together
to sign a loan contract
between the Thiess company and Mr. Franz Biberkopf.
I assume that everyone present
is familiar with the nature of a general partnership,
so that I may proceed to read the contract.
“Between Thiess OHG, represented by its shareholders
Mr. Wolf Thiess and Mrs. Bertha Thiess
and Mr. Franz Biberkopf
the following loan contract shall be concluded.
Paragraph One
Mr. Franz Biberkopf shall grant the Thiess company
a loan of 100,000 marks
In words: One hundred thousand Deutschmarks.
Paragraph Two: The annual interest rate shall be seven percent
In words: Seven
Or at least the Federal Bank rate should it exceed seven percent.
Paragraph Three: The loan period is three years
Both parties declare that the contract can’t be terminated within this period.
Paragraph Four
As security for this loan, Mr. Franz Biberkopf shall be assigned
outstanding debts with a value of 100,000 marks
in words: one hundred thousand
which will be redeemed by the company Thiess OHG
In the case that the Thiess company should fall into arrears,
Mr. Biberkopf is entitled to lay claim to the redeemed debts
for up to 100 percent of the loan sum.
Paragraph Five: The mode of loan repayment
Right. What’s the point?
You know all this, Mr. Biberkopf
A COf1'[l`8Ct is 8 COf1'[l`8CI
And thank God, people are not as inexperienced in these matters
as in the past
In the past, there
Yes, that will be all right
But what about the option
that I may become a partner after the debts are repaid?
After all, that’s what this is all about.
I can’t sign a contract without such an agreement
can I?
Paragraph 19 postulates that very clearly. You can rest assured
Here, look
Okay?
Yes, thank you That’s all right.
Then sign here, please in triplicate.
So, what do you business people drink to celebrate a contract? Sekt?
But I want Sekt. Springer!
Don’t shout, I’m sensitive
If sparkling wine, then real champagne Do you have Dom Perignon?
How much?
Dom Perignon, my dear
We drink Sekt here if we want something special
Sekt gives me a headache
Let him be, if that’s all he has
Tell your posh and daft girlfriend to go to another “etablissement.”
Tell your fat and ignorant girlfriend it’s pronounced etab//ssemenl.
If you use foreign words, then - Stop quarreling! I want to have fun
Klaus!
- Who’s that? Your predecessor, madam
When did they let you out? - This morning, on parole.
This is Eugen, and this is Klaus
Hell0
Would you like a glass of Sekt?
Sekt? Sure
We’re celebrating a contract that Eugen and I signed.
You’re signing contracts? - Yes.
Hi, Springer - Hi, Klaus.
What kind of contract did you two sign?
Our business partnership and all that
That’s great
Fox the Speaking Head has business partnerships!
Yes
I won the lottery, half a million
No need for secrets
Say. Yes?
You’ve been so quiet the whole time - Me? Quiet?
Quiet, exactly. ls anything wrong? - No. What would be wrong?
Maybe you don’t like me lending Klaus money.
Why shouldn’t I like that?
lt’s your money. Do with it as you please
He’ll pay me back. He’s all right, you know
But he’s straight out ofjail
and cheating a friend
Do you understand? Of course I understand
But 30,000 marks is a lot of money.
But Klaus needs it to make a fresh start
And loud. Soon it will fall apart
Sometimes it makes me feel ashamed.
Ashamed? Why? It runs. What else should a car do?
Make an impression, for example But one day -
I won’t let you talk me out of it
We’ll buy a new car with a stereo and all the extras
Sometimes I’ve thought about a race car, streamlined.
Just wait and see - If you say so.
Excuse me, would you mind putting slippers on?
Slippers? I’m not visiting a castle
Why a castle?
Here, I bought slippers for you
Okay
Now you’re speechless, right?
I’m really proud of myself
Well, it’s a little bit like a museum
What do you mean like a museum?
lt’s cozy, comfortable cultivated and homey
Franz! What?
This was one of my first records
“Why Do You Paint Only White Angels?
Yes, and that was very long ago
I loathe that kind of music
l’ll have to teach you what good music is as well
Sure, but
somehow I like this kind of music, you know
Exactly!
You were a different person then
You’ll have to learn learn and learn.
You’ll have to learn about culture
lt’s difficult, I know
But in the end, we’ll manage to make a human being of you
He does lend a hand
Good. He’s got a vital interest in the company.
You don’t need to go easy on him
Well? Everything all right? - lt’s okay.
- Well, feeling good? Looking for a quarrel?
God forbid
You can’t complain
lt’s gotten much better over the last six months
Yes
It was me alone, Father, who saved the company last month
Yes, you did
The worst financial problems are solved and one day, we’ll have paid off Fox.
Yes. We got back on our feet all on our own, right?
A fine achievement
Cheers
Cheers, Father
What must all that have cost?
I don’t know
At least 120,000 to 150,000, I think
If you’ve got the money! - Well, he has it.
A very nice apartment! Very tastefully furnished
Just make sure you keep it - Don’t worry.
- Well... But we love each other
I sold them my best pieces
And they’re showed off to their best advantage.
Eugen has a fine sense of effect
One has to admit it
You?
Who knows
Thank you
Hey!
So none of you here likes women?
You don’t know what you’re missing You’re missing a lot!
Idiots!
Let’s drink, sweetheart!
Try it. No?
You wimp!
Such pathetic company
Darling, your vulgar, drunk sister is ruining our party.
Come on, leave her alone You can ignore her.
Right
She’s obviously trying to make a scene.
She’s offending our friends
Don’t be so uptight She’s just drunk.
You’re damn right
Excuse m6
May I? Cheers!
Please behave yourself you stupid cow.
You and your awful relatives You have no face to lose.
l’ll bring her to her senses
Hey!
My dear and handsome young friend.
Please don’t touch me!
Then calm down
You’re all pigs! And your noble asses reek!
Can’t you smell it?
I can. It stinks to high heaven!
And God himself is dressed up as Marlene Dietrich
and he’s holding his nose
Hedwig!
Well, I think we’d better be going
Yes. I think so as well
It was a lovely evening Really lovely.
I’m so sorry for this faux pas
She’s just had too much to drink
These things can happen at a party I really must apologize.
Bye, Franz
What a fine mess!
What a proletarian!
Darling
She’s my sister, do you hear? My sister!
And this is my apartment with my furniture in it.
My sister can do whatever she likes here
because I prefer my sister to any of your friends, get it?
Don’t get upset, Franz
I didn’t mean it like that
I’m just quite irritable lately
We’re both quite irritable
We’re having a crisis
No wonder, with all the stress over the last six months.
Yes
But now, you know
That would help our relationship
Eugen, I
Yes?
I have an idea, you know - No, I don’t know.
Butldo
You know, we’ll just go on vacation
We’ll just go wherever we like
Yes. That’s a good idea
I love you
Eugen! Hello!
I haven’t seen you in ages
A lot of work, you know
ls this another new boyfriend? Or do I know him already?
No, I’m here for the first time
That’s all right. All vices must start at some point
Where do you want to go?
No idea. Eugen decides these things - You know, we’re -
I see. Honeymoon
Peace and quiet and
Peace and quiet? But we’ve been together for six months
I see. Why didn’t you say so?
What will it be? Italy? Spain?
Or maybe a handsome Arab?
Exactly. Just leave it to me I know the ropes.
- Maybe Morocco. Morocco? Where’s that?
In Arabia, darling
And you know how to speak Moroccan?
Nonsense. They speak French there I can speak it, too.
- Yes, he can. Morocco, then?
Marrakech. Definitely
The fat Mr. Schmidt just got back from there last week.
You know, he owns the flower shop at Max-Weber-Platz.
It must be incredible
And how far is it to the beach?
Marrakech is not by the sea, my dear but there’s a lovely swimming pool.
Never mind, Olga. The good girl lacks a bit of education
Can you pick someone up there? - Depends on the guys.
If they don’t look too scary, yes
So make up your mind It sounds quite good.
Yes, sounds good
Three weeks for two How much is that?
l’ll calculate it. Scheduled flight or
Scheduled flight? I thought about a Neckermann package tour.
- Neckermann? Sure. That’s much cheaper, isn’t it?
Okay. You’re paying
This place is called the meeting place of the dead
Why’s it called that? How should I know?
Why are you called Franz Biberkopf?
Idiot. Where did you get that from, anyway?
It sounds much better in English
like everything else
Did you see him?
Which one? - That one.
Do you fancy him?
He’s a handsome guy
At least he’s properly dressed
Well, what now? - I don’t know.
We don’t know what’s common practice here
It won’t be different from everywhere else
Now he’s going away
Do you think we could take him to the hotel?
lt’s expensive enough, I think - Let’s invite him to dinner.
- What do you mean? Since when do you care?
Do you want to quarrel? Who’s quarreling? Me?
You know what? We’ll just call a taxi
If he follows us, all right
Okay
Now?
ls he coming? - I think so.
Where to?
What do you want? - To eat.
To the restaurant!
Hell0
Are you French?
Ah, you’re German - Yes.
No. But he can
Yes, butjust a little We’d like to eat.
ls there a good restaurant?
Sure. I’ve already told the coachman
Ah, yes, thank you
Likewise
Yes, sir
Ask if we can take him to the hotel - Ask him yourself.
You’re always so proud you can speak French.
You’re jealous, darling That’s all.
Excuse me? You’re probablyjealous
or why would it occur to you that l’d be jealous?
Why should I be jealous?
And why should I be? - You started this.
- That’s not true! I just- You always “just,” and I fall for it
See? You’re doing it again
I see. Suddenly you’re not in the mood anymore. Typical!
You’d like that, wouldn’t you?
Okay. Would it be possible to take you to our hotel?
Sometimes it is sometimes not.
- What did he say? Sometimes it’s possible, sometimes not
Think he’s got enough in his pants? - Am I clairvoyant?
Or do you want me to ask him that, too?
And aften/vards, you’ll blame me again
You’re always a big talker and make me look small.
I don’t know why we’re quarreling over a camel-driver.
What’s your name?
Salem
You’re good, with cock? Here?
Are you any wiser now?
What guy would admit he’s got a small cock?
Such nonsense
Are you from Marrakech?
Now I live in Marrakech My father’s from Tiznit.
Understand? - No.
Judging by his nose and hands he must be well hung.
Marry him, if you like I don’t mind.
You’re such an idiot
If I pay now
Just pay. If he bashes our heads in it’s our own fault.
I’m going to the men’s room Excuse me.
- Is he calling us? ls your name “Hey”?
Excuse me, but it’s not allowed to bring Arabs into this hotel.
I don’t understand
We’d like to have a drink with our friend.
You can drink with him, sir But not in this hotel.
- What’s he saying? That he’s not allowed in our room
Why embarrassing? We’ve paid for it.
Butyou?
You’re also an Arab
We’re in Morocco
Why aren’t Moroccans allowed to come here?
I don’t understand
Tell him we’ll move to another hotel.
That’s no use
G
Meet me at 8:00 in the bazaar? - Yes, we’ll come.
What did he say?
Noidea
If you want boys, I can send someone from the staff
But you must have seen it coming last week!
Stop crying!
Yes, I’ve
I see, you can’t tell me anything else - Hello, Father.
We had a heavenly time - Hi.
Euro-Textil stopped payment
Not that it would help us
How much do they owe us? -187,000. 187,000 marks!
And the bank? I talked to the director before we left
lt’s just tough luck. The bank will understand
The bank refused all credit
Today is Wednesday. Friday, wages are due
That’s 41,280.70 altogether
And in the cash box we have 3,954.30.
Stop crying!
And all because you had to go on vacation!
When was my last vacation?
Father, I beg you, we - Let it be. Then l’ll -
That’s out of the question!
You’ve done enough for us. We can’t expect you to help us again
I won’t allow it, that would be improper
Proper or not, you idiot, we must save the company
That’s in everyone’s interest
And besides, I don’t have much left anyway
We wouldn’t need cash
Our reputation isn’t that bad yet
But we don’t have anything to offer anymore.
Collateral. We’d need something to be creditworthy again.
Saym Yes?
What about the apartment?
lfl sign it over to you just pro forma,
then the bank would have to
My God, if you did that
l’d never forget you, never
Well, that would be a solution
Another hurdle cleared l’ll call the Iavvyer.
Strange that you didn’t buy an opera ticket for me
- Why? We do everything else together
But, darling, you don’t understand anything about it
You’d just be bored
And they sing in Italian anyway
Would you get the door, please?
What? Aren’t you coming? Eugen says I’m too stupid.
I didn’t say you’re too stupid
I said you’d be bored
Oh, you’re ready. I’m a punctual girl
Would you like a drink? - Sure.
Here
To an enjoyable evening
Now come, we’re late
Bye, baby. Have a cozy evening
G G
This is the happiest time of my life
I still can’t believe I’ve met someone like him
All the things Eugen does for me!
One day, l’ll be the co-owner of a company.
All of that never would have happened to me.
And then culturally, you know
He bought antique furniture for me
lt’s precious and just increases in value
He knows all the styles
He looks at it and knows the period and the century
And now he’s setting up a library for us.
Is he? Anything else? - Yes!
Besides, he’s handsome
and he knows how to dress
and he’s always there for me!
I see. You’re having problems Why didn’t you say so?
Problems? Why do you say we’re having problems?
Why, why, why? Don’t scream like that!
Roses
Care to buy a rose, sir? - No!
Boy, what’s wrong?
Hey, I know you. You’re the one who
Yes!
Yes, it’s me
Now leave me alone Leave me all alone!
Hey, you haven’t paid!
Let him go, Springer He’ll come back.
500 marks?
But it was only 10
I love you
I love you, Eugen
I need you so much
Without you, I’m nothing
You mustn’t leave me alone
I feel so lonely without you
Listen, darling
First, I don’t like sleeping with drunks
Second, it’s terribly late and I have to work tomorrow
You 'IOO
Third, we must stop sleeping with each other every day.
We’re not a couple just fallen in love
Yes
Yes, you’re right
Some people are always right
Now it’s happened! - What?
I told you it wouldn’t work!
- What’s the matter? I won’t take the blame for it!
No one can blame me for this, not me!
Biberkopf set the cutting machine all alone
and didn’t tell me about it
Then he put all 40,000 copies through, all 40,000!
Look. lt’s a catastrophe!
They’re all like this?
All. Completely miscut
Get him in here!
That’s all we needed
Your friends!
Have you seen what you’ve done? Here!
Of course I’ve seen it
Sorry, but it’s not my fault. I’m just not a trained bookbinder
You know what this means for the company, you -
Leave it, Father! We all make mistakes. lt’s only human
We all must learn to live with our mistakes. No one’s perfect
We just need to see how we can sort it out
All the copies are ruined? - Yes. All.
- We can’t recut them? No, the height is wrong
All right, then l’ll call the print shop. You can go
How can you stay so calm, Eugen?
Don’t you understand what this means for us?
We’re ruined! This is the end!
It will cost us more than 150,000 marks!
Here, I hope you like it
followed by trout a la Basque
You can’t really call it cooking
I just putter around
There
You didn’t miss anything last time at the opera.
It wasn’t music, just noise
Yes, unfortunately
Terrible. And so loud
No, no. I like Mozart much better
Or do you like Stravinsky? - Strav-what?
No, Mother
Why do you say I don’t like modern music
What’s the matter?
Oh, nothing. It was just a slip
Behave yourself - What did I do?
Don’t put bread in your soup
But next week, there’ll be a sensation at the theater
Oh, yes. Strehler’s Lea/3 yes?
That will be fabulous
Yes, it’s a worldwide sensation I’ve ordered three tickets for us
That’s lovely
I’m looking fon/vard to it
So you should, Mother
No, the white wine goes with the trout.
lt’s an Alsatian Edelzwicker
One thing you have to admit our boy has taste.
Yes, he does have that
Extend your finger - Me?
Yes, don’t be afraid
I don’t bite
Please do him the favor
There
Now say “Brrr
Biberkopf here
One bratwurst, please
1.80, please
Would you like to fuck?
No, you don’t understand
You two, with me
Bastard?
Why? Can you see it?
- Another one. He’s gone completely nuts
Who?
Our girlfriend there
who’s been so especially lucky
He must be so happy he can’t stand it.
Yes
Hello, darling - Hi.
Now, now!
Think about it
How about the two of us?
All fun and no regrets
lfl have fun, I want to have regrets
You’re an odd bird
But I like men
the uglier, the better
Police!
He hit me!
In the face!
Listen here, Fox!
Everyone can do as he pleases here
Everyone can brush off everyone, but in a decent way, understood?
If you think you’re so special that you can beat people up, then get out!
What’s wrong?
It’s all right
Hello, my lovelies I’m Ingrid.
I’m supposed to perform here isn’t that right?
God, how often do I have to tell you
not to switch the light on when you come home so late?
And you behaved so badly with my parents
that I wished the ground would swallow me up.
Be quiet. I must tell you something
I think I’m ill
Today, in the car, I nearly blacked out
And at Springer’s, I thought I would die
Suddenly I had terrible chest pains
I’ve never had them before
And then, you know
Then I was so frightened
Where else but at Springer’s?
But if you’re really ill, you should see a doctor. I’m not one
lt’s probablyjust hysteria anyway
Now let me sleep
Well, Mr. Biberkopf I can reassure you.
Physically, you’re healthy
Please sit up
Have you experienced a lot of distress recently?
Are you under much stress?
Yes
In your case, tension causes disorders in the nen/ous system
A very common disease nowadays
There’s no cure for it
You just need rest
But l’ll prescribe you something to keep it under control.
Depending on how you feel
take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening.
But no more than two a day!
Valium for Mr. Franz Biberkopf
Sorry I’m late
I went to see the doctor and had to wait.
- The doctor? Darling, you don’t have to apologize
You can come and go as you like
But now hurry. Krapp is waiting for you
Eugen?
Father, I’m not interested in what you’re about to tell me
Are you depressed?
I don’t know I’m thinking.
Oh. Yes
There you have it
One shouldn’t overdo it
This isn’t the right moment forjokes
So you have a real problem, stupid?
Yes, for me, it is a real problem
God, you’re clever. Sometimes I just want to smack you
Oh, getting aggressive in your old age?
Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you
- You really don’t want a drink? No. And when I say no, I mean it
Come on, out with it
Okay, l’ll tell you
I can’t take any more, Eugen I want to break up.
I want to separate Over and out.
Interesting
lt’s easy for you to mock me
But for me, it’s not that funny
I tried so hard to do everything right
I really made an effort
But this is not my world
It just isn’t
But you enjoyed yourself time and again.
Yes!
At first, it was fun. I was impressed by you
And I believed I loved you, but you were ashamed of me
- But - You were ashamed!
And your friends despised me
Let the others think what they will We’re all that matters.
Yes, we are what matters
but everything’s changed between us, too.
You’ve changed
Sometimes I think that deep down you don’t want me.
Every relationship suffers due to certain factors:
the everyday routine work, force of habit.
But if you really think we should separate,
But there are a few matters to discuss
The apartment, for example Hlkeepit
- The apartment? Yes, the apartment
As compensation for the miscut brochures
A damage of 150,000 marks is no small sum.
- But - No buts
I bore the damage as you know.
and just
Besides, the apartment is still signed over to my name
So that’s how it is
I should have expected this
Then take it
Take it
Take everything!
I just want to be able to be myself again.
To be myself again
Just to be myself
- Hello, Mr. Krapp. Hello, Mr. Biberkopf
- Hello, Mr. Thiess. What are you doing here?
Oh, ljust need to settle a few formalities with you
- What formalities? The repayment, Eugen
- What repayment? The 100,000 marks, Eugen
- What 100,000 marks? The 100,000 marks I lent you
But you got it all back didn’t you?
I\/Ie?
Not a single penny
Eugen. You know it very well
But you received 5,000 marks a month
just as the contract stipulated
I QO'[ pei' mOnIII1
For my work!
I worked like a dog for it, two years! - Do you really think...
that I would pay an unskilled worker 5,000 marks a month?
That was the repayment for the loan, stupid.
Just read the contract!
Besides, you didn’t have to work here
I told you again and again
And I thank you for it, on behalf ofthe company
You pigs
You cheats
You took everything from me
But l’ll show you
Everything! - Stop it!
l’ll destroy everything!
Mr. Krapp!
Throw him out - It’s all right.
It’s all right
Anything wrong, Father? - No, Eugen.
You’re right
Deep down, you’re right
But Mr. Biberkopf
Mr. Thiess had a new lock put in today.
What, he had
Yes, this afternoon Didn’t you know?
Yes, I just forgot. Thanks
You’re welcome. Good evening - Good evening.
Oh, it’s you. What do you want here?
What do I want? To get into my apartment, what else?
Eugen’s apartment, you mean - No, it’s my apartment
with my furniture, paid for with my money
That’s none of my business
Eugen doesn’t want to be bothered by you
That’s all I know
Besides, he needs calm
Absolute calm, after all the trouble with you
By the way
Can I help you, Mr. Biberkopf?
O
He’s really desperate - Nonsense.
People like him are much too dull to be desperate.
We really must get rid of all this horrid furniture
lt’s giving me nightmares
Fox, the lottery king gets ripped off like he was born yesterday.
You’re stupid and primitive
Yes, I’ve got that in common with you
With me, you fool?
That would never have happened to me
Please stop, Hedwig
I can’t take it anymore I’m done.
By the way, you owe me money
I paid the courier
that your boyfriend sent your things with
You owe me 76 marks 76 marks.
Here, keep the change for your trouble!
You never were
You’re just good enough for the carnival.
You loser
If Mother were still here
Then what? What?
You think Mother would wipe you clean, diaper you
and put you to bed with a pacitier?
lt’s unbelievable, so much stupidity in one person
Just leave me alone
Then get out of here, if you want to be left alone
Grab your things and get lost!
Yes
Franz!
Come back, Franz!
I didn’t mean it
lt’s practically new
Only 35,000 kilometers
That’s nothing
My God, kid, who would buy a car like this these days?
With the oil crisis
Expensive fuel, expensive taxes
expensive insurance and no spare parts.
lt’s hard to sell, if at all
But it’s a nice car, something special lt’s impressive.
lt’ll be hard to get rid of
Come back next week, maybe we can make a deal then
No, next week is too late lt’s now or never.
Well, l’d take it for 8,000
I can’t pay more, honestly
It could sit here for months
What do I do with such a hotrod?
Should I drive it myself?
But the extras alone
the radio and cassette player cost 1,000 marks.
The car is in top condition!
l’d need at least 10,000
And when I bought it, you said the car would keep its value
When I sell, it’s different I don’t buy then, I sell.
8,000 is my last offer
I can’t pay more, and I don’t want to
Am I a Jew? Do I look like a Jew?
So?
All right. 8,000
Come
Shanghai Hea vy blossoms e ve/ywhere
And out of the n/gh!
/I SW66‘f W0/7730 C0/7768
L/ke the sun, //ke morn/hg dew
You were /o V60/ and ine
/n the moonsh/ne
Where’s your lucky star now, Fox?
You look so pale. Seems you’re too happy to sleep
That’s all old news. Forget it
Oh, he speaks foreign languages
Shanghai / was happy there once
Bu! now /tis /ong past
Shanghai Shanghai
So it wasn’t right for you? You drew the short straw after all?
Maybe. But I’ve learned my lesson you can count on that.
Stars shining bnghlhf
Through the c/ear n/gh!
Thai was /n Shanghai Shanghai
When you sm/7ed for me
And your money? - So-so.
What do the ladies in the painting business say?
“He who climbs high takes longer to fall in the paint pot
But not that much longer
Hey, I know you two
Look, the guy from the bratwurst stand
Springer, two beers please lt’s on me!
How much I pay?
He wants to know how much I pay
I pay for everything. I always pay for everything
I have to pay for everything, always!
I don’t know. He doesn’t move
Help me turn him over
He’s all cold
Here, look!
Money. And a gold watch
If you can find a way to get it across the border, I have no qualms
That’s for me to worry about But one thing I guarantee.
You’ll be surprised at the good condition they’re in
Almost every single piece. I’m sure we’ll come to an agreement
Maybe he’s got more Take a look!
Come on! Someone’s coming
- Someone’s lying over there. There are drunks lying everywhere
The government should do something about it
But it’s the same in other countries I was in Helsinki recently.
You can’t imagine the number of drunks lying around.
Even though it’s so hard to buy alcohol in Finland
But that’s
Valium 5
He’s dead
There’s nothing we can do
Come. Quick
I don’t want to be mixed up in this
And helping him is now out of the question