adapted in five parts from the novel by HANS FALLADA
In 1929, with Germany still years away from the Nazi domination, the country is in the grip of economic crises. Taxation is crippling, and the farmers of Schleswig-Holstein can no longer pay. Government seizures of livestock and farms have become routine.
4: As the peasant boycott begins to bite, Biirgermeister Gareis is forced to seek help wherever he can in an attempt to stay in power. Amidst an ever-growing web of betrayal and intrigue he is reduced to blackmailing the local press into supporting him ...
Music by ALEXANDER GOEHR
Produced by DIETER MEICHSNER Directed by EGON MONK
English version directed by MICHAEL BAKEWELL for World Wide Sound, London An NDR/Studio Hamburg production