Do you, Hermann Braun,
take this woman to be your wife?
I do.
I do.
I can't get out.
Hey, stay here! Don't run away!
Let me go! Please!
CIVIL REGISTRY
Hermann!
Are you all right?
- Come here!
Sign here.
Put the stamp on it!
THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN
FOR PETER ZADEK
Is that you, Maria?
I was worried to death.
I thought something
had happened to you.
Nobody wants wedding dresses now.
Too many girls, not enough men.
That's all I got for it.
There's so much shaving gear
on the market.
There, my dear.
Let's fry some potatoes with bacon.
We interrupt this performance
of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
for this SOS broadcast
for missing persons.
For each of the names mentioned,
we have a message.
5821...
Adler.
First name unknown.
Born 1910,
paymaster from Vienna.
5822...
Albartz, Eugen.
I still feel sick
at the sight of some of them.
I could do with a tea now.
The medical orderlies say
crosswise is not the worst.
If you get hit all on one side,
you can't even hold a crutch.
I've seen it going on for six years,
and I've been a widow for five.
I'd have been satisfied with mine,
if he had only come back.
How long were you married?
I still am married.
I just meant you didn't have much
from your marriage.
Yes, I did.
Half a day and a whole night.
Mine was killed right at the start.
In Norway.
Mine was killed right at the start.
In Norway.
He was in the navy,
until his ship was sunk.
Two soups, please.
He survived
and swam through icy water
covered with burning oil.
Then he had to fight on land.
Then he fell into a crevasse and died.
Why didn't you marry again?
In condolence,
they sent me a painting:
a picture of a wreath with a ribbon
floating on the waves,
with "They died that Germany might live"
written on it.
Just imagine.
"They died that Germany might live,"
and he's dead.
They send me a picture of the sea,
and he falls into a glacier.
There were once seas
where the mountains are now,
before the last ice age.
How can you be so sure
your husband's not dead?
Because I want him to come back.
What did he say?
Something indecent.
I don't know what you said,
but you had no right to.
You must be crazy.
The divorce is pending.
That's why he told me:
because he loves me.
But her!
Since I have her husband now,
she said she was going to keep
his food ration card.
Ration card?
And now?
I don't know.
Shame on you.
All right, Grandpa Berger.
Let's try it on.
The mistake people make is
to love one person all their lives.
If we don't have potatoes,
we eat turnips.
If we have no turnips, we eat gruel.
But in love, there's only one man,
and when he goes to war
and is dead five months later,
you have to mourn
for the rest of your life.
Does that make sense, Grandpa?
Much too wide.
No. It ain't good being alone.
It was almost too tight for Karl
the last time he was here,
in May '41.
The men still looked like men then.
Now they all look
as if they've shrunk.
You can take the underpants.
They're warm.
And no one will mind
if they're too big.
Let's say three bundles of firewood?
All right.
Look what Maria had.
Three weeks of being in love
and one day of marriage.
Now she stands there
with her search board.
Do you know
why we always stick to one guy?
Because there is only
one you love.
I don't know how Maria knew it
at such a tender age.
Here she is.
Take your things, Grandpa.
She has her pride.
How wide?
"Pride," I said.
There you are at last.
I was just sorting out
your father's things.
Hello, Grandpa Berger.
It's nice to have a man
in the house to come home to.
And it's warm, too.
Yes, it's warm, too.
Why are you doing that here?
It's my way of remembering
your father.
Grandpa Berger can use them.
Father won't need them anymore,
and we need firewood.
I thought the same thing,
but what about Father's belongings?
Father is dead and we're alive.
What will you give me for them?
Your brooch?
My brooch?
It's very valuable.
There's one missing.
Very well.
Okay then.
Wait. I'll go get it.
Here.
Bunch of Nazis!
Snotty-nosed bastards!
They're not proper men anymore.
What difference does it make,
whether you're a man
or a woman if you're freezing?
Something has to change.
What do you want to change?
I don't know.
But something has to happen.
- Do you know Hermann Braun?
- No.
Shed no tears for love
Shed no tears for love
In this wide world
there's more than one
There's more than one fish
in the sea
I look like a poodle.
You think so?
It's the latest thing.
I'll bet...
the Americans
are just crazy about poodles.
My Willy wouldn't have approved.
That's for sure.
Hermann wouldn't have minded.
And they won't hire you anyway.
- We'll see about that.
- What'll you wear?
What do you do with this?
Play music.
Shall I play something for you?
Any requests?
Yes.
The German national anthem.
Cut it out.
For God's sake, stop it.
What use is it if you can't even play
the national anthem?
Go on in.
Keep your eyes open here.
I didn't think you were coming.
I waited so long.
Hold this a second.
Black, short sleeves,
and low-cut.
It wasn't easy to come by.
Is it for you or is it a gift?
It's a gift.
We all have to make a living.
And the liquor?
For my mom.
Helps her forget her troubles
with her daughter...
and eases her heartache.
I have a valuable complete edition
of Kleist's works, 1907.
Would that be something for you?
Books burn too easily,
and they don't keep you warm.
- If you look at it that way.
- That's the way I look at it.
Maybe it's better
that way for now.
Thanks a lot.
And good luck.
I'm not going to sew it for you.
You know I can't sew, Mom.
My dear girl.
Mom!
Come on.
When a girl has pretty legs like you...
she ought to show them.
You father would turn over
in his grave.
I don't think it's right either.
I just pray your soul
doesn't come to harm, my girl.
Make sure somebody gives you
a nice pair of stockings...
if you're letting yourself in
for that sort of thing.
HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
Amazing.
Really amazing.
I learned it here on these bars.
Is that a new way
to apply for a job?
Not really, but...
if it were...
I'd have been hired by now.
We don't need anyone.
You just might not need anyone
apart from me.
Come in here.
- We still have doors in our place.
- Well, we don't.
I need your name, address
and age.
Are you married?
Yes.
Don't wear your wedding ring to work.
And I need a health certificate.
Payment in cash
or goods?
You can get dressed again,
Mrs. Binder.
Everything okay?
Do I get a certificate?
No.
You'll have to take a break
for three or four weeks.
Have I caught something?
Something bad, I'm afraid.
You won't be able to work.
That's tough.
Come back on Tuesday.
Bye.
And send the next patient in.
Little Maria.
You used to give me
a kiss on the forehead.
Did I really?
Yes.
Then I must have forgotten...
or learned to forget.
That's sad.
Yes, it's sad.
But tell me about yourself.
I need a health certificate.
Of course.
It's pretty cold this year.
I'm working in a bar...
selling beer, not myself.
I've had to learn to stop
believing people too...
but I still believe you.
You know what you're doing.
And if anything happens,
I'll get some penicillin for you.
I'm not sure how,
but I'll find a way.
Nothing's going to happen to me.
What is penicillin?
Forget it, Maria.
How is your mother?
The war hasn't taken away
her sense of humor.
She shares my rations,
cries my tears, tells my lies.
But she leaves the thinking to me,
so that I have no time for dreams.
You can have
my wife's bicycle, if you want.
It was as good as new
under all the rubble.
Thank you.
Why don't you ask about Hermann?
You don't have to believe
he'll come back.
It's enough that I know he will.
My gloves.
You stole my gloves, you rat!
You bastard!
Say that again, you bum!
Stop it, you Nazi swine!
DOES ANYONE KNOW
HERMANN BRAUN?
- Quiet tonight.
- It's Tuesday.
- It's not what you imagined, huh?
- I'm satisfied.
Then everything's fine.
- If you ask me -
- I didn't ask you.
You're here,
and your Hermann's not here.
He's somewhere else.
Maybe he's dead...
and love's only a feeling.
It's not the truth.
- Sure love's a feeling.
And a great love is a great feeling,
and a great truth.
Truth.
The truth's what you have in your belly
when you're hungry.
Feelings are what you have
between your legs...
like an itch that you scratch.
And for this here,
you need a full belly,
and someone who's here,
not just somewhere
or maybe nowhere.
Your friend over there - he's here...
and he's clearly not starving,
and he's sweet on you.
What friend?
- Your Bill, darling.
- I don't know any Bill.
You hadn't even noticed him, huh?
- No. Which one is he?
- Over there.
He's big and strong.
He just happens to be black.
Better black than brown.
Braun.
He was just a normal guy
till you came.
Now he's sitting there
as if paralyzed.
He wanted to know
everything about you.
Look.
Just like a movie star.
How do I look?
Great. Why?
Because right now
I want to look great.
What are you crying for,
you silly cow?
Your man's not dead.
He's standing there in front of you.
Thank your lucky stars
you still have him
and that it didn't happen to him.
Hermann didn't suffer.
It was all over quickly.
They say no one made it out alive.
Hello. It's me.
Guess what I've got.
You won't believe it.
Willy.
You.
You're really back?
Betti, you've got him back!
We're so stupid.
All we can do is weep for joy
that you're together,
and that Willy's safe and sound.
Hermann is dead.
My dear!
Leave me alone.
Where are you going?
- To the bar.
- Darling, don't!
I have to go someplace
where I can be alone.
Beautiful.
Please correct me
if I speak incorrectly.
What are you thinking?
What are you thinking?
I was wondering if it's possible
to think about nothing.
Is it?
I don't think I can do it.
I think I can.
You think I'd have gotten over it
as quickly as Maria?
I hope you would have, Betti.
What's that?
Why?
It's nice being with you, Bill.
I was very happy just now.
Only just now?
I'm always happy
when I'm with you.
Me, too.
Then it's simple:
If we're always together,
we'll always be happy.
- Maybe.
- Not maybe.
For sure.
I have something for you.
You shouldn't give me
so many presents.
It's something special this time.
And you must promise me
you'll accept it.
No, Bill.
I can't accept this ring.
I'm very fond of you
and I want to be with you,
but I'll never marry you.
I'm married...
to my husband.
Are you sure?
Positive.
How positive?
Please, please, please.
Very well.
You'll soon feel it.
You'll help deliver it, won't you?
Promise me.
I can't, Maria.
I'm too old to live,
and too scared to die.
It scares me the way you talk.
Nonsense.
Let's just say I'm quitting.
I'm going to stay with my daughter
in the Black Forest.
My hands shake too much.
Not for me...
or my little boy.
I'll come to you when it's time.
Dear little Maria.
Yes, I'll come to you...
and you'll help me give birth to him.
It will be a boy, won't it?
The chances aren't bad.
Really?
About fifty-fifty.
You don't take me seriously.
Oh, yes, I do.
Do you have a father for your boy?
Can you have a baby without one?
The father's black,
and my son will be called Hermann.
- I'm not sick. I'm pregnant.
- Pregnant.
- You can also say "expecting."
- That's nice.
I'm expecting.
Mom.
Grandpa Berger.
Nobody home.
- We're alone at last.
Are you expecting?
Yes.
I'm expecting, too.
I'll speak German with him.
And you?
English.
Then he can decide
whether to marry
a German or American girl.
American girls are ugly.
German men are ugly.
I know only one American man
who's handsome.
I know only one German girl
who's beautiful.
- And strong.
- And rich.
And brave.
And brave.
And tender.
And tender.
Guess who I mean.
Me?
Hermann?
Look, Bill.
It's Hermann.
So, you met the deceased
in the Moonlight Bar?
Would you tell us more about this bar?
It's a bar like any other.
Wouldn't you say that
this was a very special bar?
A bar exclusively for members
of American occupation forces?
Of course. It was always off-limits.
Germans are not allowed in.
Exactly. Germans have
no business being in this bar.
Except for the hostesses
who work there.
Would that be a fair description
of your profession?
And that in this role
you attached yourself to the deceased...
and allowed yourself
to be kept by him?
While your husband
was a Russian prisoner of war,
you, for low, egotistical reasons
started an affair with a man...
with a man who could pay for your favors
with chocolate and silk stockings.
I was very fond of him.
You seem to have a big heart.
No.
You needn't look it up.
You wouldn't understand
the difference anyway.
I was fond of Bill...
and I love my husband.
That is really a very fine difference.
You can stop questioning her.
It was I who killed that negro.
The baby will be ours.
We'll explain it all to him later.
Later is a long time.
What are you going to do till then?
I'll wait for you.
You're a young
and beautiful woman.
I'm your wife.
And how do you intend to live?
I've never learned anything.
I must learn to work first.
Then I'll get work.
We'll begin our life
when we're together again.
Attention on platform 1.
Freight train passing through.
Shall I carry it?
No. Things are tough
enough for you.
I know how hard this is
for a mother.
And it was a boy, too.
The Lord giveth
and the Lord hath taken away.
Maybe it has its positive side, too.
The poor creature
wouldn't have had it easy in life.
And neither would you.
I never said I wanted to have it easy.
But with a black child?
Now he's a little black angel.
A little black angel. That's nice.
Will he always have flowers
on his grave?
I promise you he will.
What are you going to do
when you get back to your world?
I don't know,
but I have a lot to do.
I must go now.
Express No. 309
departing for Heidelberg
will be delayed for several minutes.
TO FIRST CLASS
Leni!
Let me through.
Attention on Track 5.
Close the doors.
The train is about to depart.
I have to find my little girl!
There's no girl here.
- I beg your pardon?
- Your Leni, ma'am.
It's a boy, not a girl.
You shouldn't have
called him Leni, then.
How much extra for first class?
- Depends how far you're going.
- Depends how far I get with that.
Can I go in now?
That should take care of it.
Not many people travel first-class.
Times aren't easy.
See him? He's French,
but he has a factory here.
French?
Well, half French.
He's quite well-heeled.
Hold this a moment.
Open the case and turn your back.
And now?
Now you can close it again.
I can't read clearly with one eye.
Do I charge
for 23 kilometers or 32?
Have you noticed
how tiny the lavatories are?
I always thought
they'd be bigger in first class,
because the people are fatter.
I didn't have any passengers at first
after the currency reform.
Now I even get people like you.
Now just put the dress back-
don't forget the purse - and then...
Thanks a lot.
Excuse me?
Oh, you speak German?
I heard you were French.
I imagined you'd speak English.
I don't speak French myself.
I don't speak English,
but I do speak German.
What can I do for you?
Just answer a simple question.
Is that seat free?
I believe it is.
It looks like it is.
Please sit down.
Thank you.
I don't like sitting facing the engine.
Haven't we met somewhere?
I'm sure we haven't.
Never?
I'm positive.
Here's your ticket and your suitcase.
Put the suitcase in the luggage rack.
Have a pleasant trip, ma'am.
Thank you, conductor.
- Dr. Karl Oswald...
- Pleased to meet you.
...of Oswald Textiles.
- Pleased to meet you.
- Cigarette?
- No, thanks. I don't smoke.
Neither do I.
You like traveling by train, too?
- Sometimes.
It gives you time to think.
That's exactly what I've been
trying to do the whole time.
I'm afraid I don't speak English.
The lady's asleep.
Perhaps you could -
Incredible.
What did you tell him?
I said you were Karl Oswald
of textile fame,
that you like to travel,
and that you want to use
the time to think.
- Where did you learn such good English?
- In bed.
May I invite you to the dining car?
That's a very good idea.
I have something to discuss with you.
A business matter.
And after three months,
if we find we don't get along -
I'd be answerable
to no one but you?
No one.
You'll get along fine
with Senkenberg and the other men.
Are there no women?
Not in top positions.
Not yet, anyway.
Good. Then I'll be the first.
We've managed very well
without them up to now.
Senkenberg, you're being rude.
Forget it.
Caution is the better part of valor.
- That's right.
- Thank you.
And what is my exact title?
Let's say...
personal adviser.
How personal?
That depends on
the personal adviser's
abilities and initiative.
- Really?
- Really.
I told you about our venture
with the Americans.
Don't forget:
It's always about money.
However you meant that, Senkenberg,
you're perfectly right.
Let him talk.
Senkenberg's an affable person,
as am I.
Well, I'm not.
- Hermann will be sad about the baby.
- I'm not so sure.
- Hermann will be sad about the baby.
- I'm not so sure.
Dr. Konrad Adenauer
adamantly rejected rumors
that he was in favor
of creating a West German army.
- You don't have any experience.
- She'll learn.
Don't move out!
Who will take care of you?
"We do not wish to take part
in a new war, "he said.
I need my own apartment. I have so much
to do before Hermann gets out.
"We have had enough dead.
Too many young people have perished. "
I don't understand you.
Maria is not like you.
"It must be made clear
once and for all
that I am against German rearmament
and the formation
of a new German army. "
Will you be earning enough?
Here is an excerpt from
Dr. Adenauer's speech:
"If it is asserted
that, under my authority,
the rearmament of Germany
will take place,
I can only reply that
this assertion is pure fabrication. "
I'm sorry, Betti.
I guess I've changed a lot.
Looking at you,
nobody could tell
what you've been through.
- She didn't mean it that way.
- I'll take care of that.
- Maybe what Betti says is true.
- What?
That Oswald's really after Maria.
Do you understand now
why I have to move out of here?
And now for our program
of musical requests.
We begin with the song
"When the Bells Do Brightly Ring."
Were you very sad?
Yes, but it was a consolation
to know you'd be sad, too.
And that I can tell you everything.
And that I'm pleased you don't ask me
what you don't have to ask.
And that I'm going to build
a house for us,
as you would have done.
There's a Greek word
for people you let work for you.
Translated, it means literally,
"footman."
I'm your "footman"?
No, that's not true.
I'm not your feet.
Just say I'm your wife.
It was a stupid analogy.
You're Maria...
and you're my wife.
And we're not Greeks.
No, you really couldn't say that.
But you have courage.
You're beautiful...
and intelligent...
and I love you.
I may change in the next few years.
You've considered everything
very carefully.
Yes, maybe it's just that.
I'll always recognize you.
Your time's up.
On the contrary.
My time's just beginning.
What did he say?
That Pency can supply
the plant as a whole,
not individual parts.
I understood something
about handwork.
Senkenberg, we have problems enough
without your making new ones.
I'm just trying to prevent us
from having any.
I see no serious way of financing
more than two of these machines -
"We're a solid firm,
not a bunch of speculators."
I know that by heart now.
But it doesn't solve the problem.
You have to take risks sometimes.
We're not at the races here.
I know.
But the Americans are getting edgy.
We have to tell them something.
You're quite right.
Well, Senkenberg?
For once in your life,
stop being Senkenberg!
Be Napoleon.
Or Blcher, if you prefer.
All right.
We can take three SE machines,
if we mortgage our stocks
and get an ERP credit, and if-
lf, if, if!
Of course there are ifs!
That's our job.
We're business people, not bookkeepers.
I beg your pardon,
but I am a bookkeeper.
Sorry. All I meant
was that taking a risk-
What did he say?
He summed up our negotiations.
Didn't he say he was sleepy?
He said he was tired,
meaning he's fed up.
What do we do?
It looks as if we've bitten off
more than we can chew.
Maybe this deal
is a bit too big for us after all.
That means dropping nylon
and giving German women a woven -
May I say something?
Of course.
Go drink a brandy.
Give me half an hour alone here.
This is no way to do business.
That has nothing to do
with questions of interpreting.
Senkenberg, please.
He's right.
I don't know a thing about business.
But I know what German women want,
and I know about nylon and woven fabrics.
And I know a lot about the future.
I'm a specialist in that.
And what harm can it do
if the deal's off anyway?
You can always say no
when the time comes.
It's the first amusing idea all day.
With all respect, sir,
Mrs. Braun has absolutely
no experience in our field.
Then she's about to get some.
Maria Braun, you have rendered
outstanding service to the firm.
Come on, Senkenberg.
You too.
I'd prefer to drink
to the company in five years' time.
If it still exists.
You're a bore, Senkenberg.
You're never any fun.
You're the best accountant, the most
conscientious financial manager,
but you haven't
a mark's worth of imagination.
And I mean a reichsmark.
- That's no reproach.
In your profession, imagination
would be detrimental to business.
Someone must hold on to the money,
vouch for finances, secure credit.
Where would you and your firm be
without Senkenberg?
At the races?
Well said, eh, Senkenberg?
I'd like to drink a toast
to Mrs. Braun.
With her alone,
we probably would be at the races,
but without her,
we'd be in the cemetery.
Please excuse me.
It's been a long, hard day, and -
And you want to calculate
how long it will be
before we're bankrupt.
But seriously,
the two of us survived the war,
and the three of us
will survive the peace.
The firm had to survive without you
during the war years, sir.
The only contact you had with us
was through your bank account.
Oh, I don't hold it against you.
Political developments
have proved you right
and made your noble abstinence
look like foresight and stature.
But I'm glad
we can count on you again...
as we did before 1933.
And I'm glad to have found
in you, Mrs. Braun,
such a good
and unorthodox opponent.
Good evening.
You mustn't be angry with him.
I think he really likes you.
I'm not angry at all.
In a way he's right,
though not completely.
But he loves the company,
heart and soul.
I did leave him alone
for those thousand years.
I dreamed up
a cozy world of my own
in which I had
a comfortable existence.
But now,
in terms of economic accountability,
I fully endorse his assessment
of the investment.
I'm more of a gambler than he is...
but I must honestly say,
we're expecting a miracle.
I prefer to make miracles
rather than wait for them to happen.
You're a truly exceptional person.
- Shall we have another drink?
- No. I want to sleep with you.
Where's the bathroom?
First door on the left.
You're wonderful.
You're wonderful.
I'd like you to call me
Mrs. Braun again.
If you insist.
You know, this took me by surprise.
Didn't you want it?
Of course. Very much.
So did I.
And...
I want our relationship to be clear.
Do we have a relationship now?
Yes, a clear one.
That's the taxi to the station.
Senkenberg paid for the others.
Taxi back to the apartment,
and the hotel. That's all.
Something will be deducted
for breakfast.
Come in.
Hello, Mr. Oswald.
Hello, Mrs. Braun, Mrs. Ehmke.
Am I interrupting?
- Not at all, sir.
Not in the least, Mr. Oswald.
I just wanted to -
I'm finished anyway.
We have to evaluate the conference.
I'll be in Mr. Senkenberg's office.
Mrs. Ehmke and Senkenberg:
the two conspirators.
Tell him I'd like to see him
in my office at 4:00, please.
You too, Mrs. Braun.
You too, dear Mrs. Braun.
At 4:00, Mr. Oswald?
I just dropped in to see you.
In private.
This is not a private place.
It's an office in your company.
All right.
The office is closed
over the weekend.
Spend it with me in the country.
I'm sorry, but I have to visit
someone on Saturday.
- You are -
- I am the way I am.
Last night you were
a different person.
Last night I was Maria Braun
who wanted to sleep with you.
Today I'm Maria Braun
who wants to work for you.
Are you afraid people will think
I'm having an affair with you?
I don't care what people think.
I care what you think.
I don't want you to think you're
"having an affair with me,"
when, in truth,
I'm having one with you.
But -
It's also true...
that I'm fond of you,
that you're my boss,
and that I don't want
to confuse things,
for your sake.
I have to know who I'm dealing with:
you or my boss.
I respect your point of view.
Let's talk about my salary.
How much were you thinking of?
I need to earn a lot of money
over the next few years.
Don't we all?
But I have a reason.
Well?
Now you know
what my work is worth to you.
That's how much I want,
not a penny more.
Then I'll have to consider
how much you're worth to me.
Not me.
My work.
Right. Your work, Mrs. Braun.
I'm an old man
and I'm getting a little slow.
But I'll do my best.
And then -
Not now, please.
Oh, yes.
What about Saturday?
On Saturday you'll be going
to the country on your own.
Why shouldn't he hear me say
I've slept with another man?
He hears me tell you
I love you too.
It's not the same thing.
No, and that's precisely why
it won't hurt if he hears it.
And why I want you to know.
If it were the same thing,
I wouldn't be here.
Is he good-looking?
He's good-looking,
he's courteous,
and he'd never hurt me.
And you should know
I wanted to sleep with him.
I didn't have to force myself.
Because he's my employer
and I'm dependent on him,
I wanted to beat him to it
to keep the upper hand.
Is that how things are
between people outside now?
So cold?
I don't know how other people are.
It's not a good time for feelings.
But that suits me.
That way,
nothing really affects me.
I thought you were in the country.
The flowers have wilted.
The chocolates have melted.
You have no claim on me.
I felt like a schoolboy.
That's what you are:
a dear, silly little schoolboy.
Why didn't you want
to come with me to the country?
Because you would have
proposed to me.
Precisely, and that's why-
How did you know?
With schoolboys
you know those sorts of things.
Sorry. You were serious.
I didn't mean to belittle you.
I should have told you
I'll never marry you.
But if you want,
I'll be your mistress.
The belligerent tone
adopted by your union is repugnant.
We can give as good as we get.
It's no wonder, with your
"we're the masters here" attitude.
The minister of trade himself said -
I know.
"We're all in the same boat."
But the boat belongs to you,
and we have to row it.
And it seems to irritate you
that we want to be paid well to do it.
I thought the talks had been adjourned.
We can argue next week.
Of course,
though I think some people
will never understand.
Let's have a drink, Maria.
You know each other personally?
Extremely personally.
I didn't notice a thing
these last three hours.
I'm a master of disguises:
a tool of capitalism by day;
an agent
of the working classes by night.
The Mata Hari
of the economic miracle.
Your dull views of other people
don't do you justice.
Let's go, Willy.
- Would you say a few words?
- Ask Mrs. Braun.
Does she speak for the management?
Mrs. Braun has power of attorney.
I haven't much time,
but I'll drive you home.
Shall we have a drink first?
Would you care to say a few words?
The union demands,
as presented here,
can only be called extortion.
I'm going to the ladies' room.
Would you endorse these tough words?
Of course.
Are you of a different opinion?
I have no opinion.
I'm a journalist.
You've really made something
of yourself, my girl.
Funny, isn't it? Us sitting here,
tearing each other apart.
It's better than that
"all in the same boat" crap.
How's Betti?
Why?
What do you mean, "why"?
Is something wrong?
What could be wrong?
It's just that I need someone
to talk with,
and what I have is someone
who cooks for me.
She does what she's learned to do.
Sure.
But she hasn't learned
what really counts:
how to learn.
She's not like you.
She doesn't have
your lightheartedness.
I have to be lighthearted
so Hermann has something
to look forward to and be proud of.
A man can't look forward to or be
proud of a wife who's miserable.
You put it so nicely.
It was nice the way you said,
"You've made something of yourself."
I have made something of myself.
I like that.
It's no use, Dr. Klaus.
He's so down again today
and full of despair.
Don't cry, Mrs. Braun.
I told you before,
I can help your husband
without this visit.
Believe me.
Money's no object.
I have enough, at least.
It's not primarily
a matter of money.
We must proceed
with the utmost discretion.
The right word to the right person
at the right time can work wonders.
It will require great tact
and delicacy.
I know very well
that you're the only one
who can help him.
It's true.
You'll help him and me.
I know you will.
But how long must we wait?
That depends entirely
on the political situation.
Eight days,
eight years.
I don't want to know where
you were after the meeting,
but why you won't tell me.
Dining with Willy Klenze.
Why didn't you say so?
Because it's a lie.
I detest you.
I like you.
Why don't you love me?
Because you lie to me.
I wasn't lying.
You're driving me out of my mind.
I repeat:
I don't want to know
where you're going tomorrow -
Good.
Thanks.
Let me finish.
Why?
What do you mean, "why"?
Why don't you want to know
where I'm going tomorrow?
You're not interested in me.
I detest you.
I love you.
Why don't you love me?
I thought we wanted to eat first.
The mark of a good businessman...
is that he can change
his plans quickly.
- Did you want to see me?
- Why? Can't I?
Don't be silly.
But why didn't you phone?
Because I want to see you,
feel your presence.
You're crying.
What's the matter?
I'm crying.
What do you know - I'm crying.
I don't know why.
Now you're crying.
I'm not crying at all.
I never cry.
Come with me.
Where?
You'll see.
My name's Karl Oswald.
Hermann Braun.
I'm a friend of your wife's.
I know. What do you want?
I wanted to meet the man she loves.
Do you remember?
Why don't they fix this place up?
They wanted to do more
for the children.
Shed no tears for love
In this wide world
there's more than one
There's more than one fish
in the sea
I'll love each one who pleases me
Did I understand you correctly?
You want me to write it like that?
Yes.
You can't be serious.
I am, Senkenberg.
Would you joke about such matters?
You're crazy,
both of you.
No.
We're very much
in our right minds - both of us.
I have only two or three years left,
and you know it.
I want to use that time...
to live.
An idea like that could only come
from a sick mind.
Your brain is in worse shape
than your liver.
I'm sure you're right, Senkenberg.
But I have life...
adventure...
the key to the universe.
And a dose of madness.
No.
But maybe...
I live in a country of that name.
Madness.
Well?
Anything wrong?
You didn't come yesterday.
No, no. Everything's fine.
Do you have a hangover?
A bit.
It's nothing serious.
Don't forget,
it's my mother's birthday today.
Oh, yes. Should I pick you up?
No.
Happy birthday, Mom.
The things that go
in a basket like that.
- Shall I dry your hair for you?
- No.
You work so hard as it is, dear.
Go in the kitchen
and make some coffee.
This is Mr. Wetzel,
a friend of mine.
A very good friend.
So good,
you can call me Hans.
Hello, Mr. Hans.
Grandpa Berger.
How are you?
- Did you have to come out now?
- I have to go to the bathroom.
- Now of all times?
- You can't deny the call of nature.
Go on, then.
- My name's Maria.
- Hi, Maria.
Maria Braun.
Glad to meet you, Mrs. Braun.
You crafty old son of a bitch!
Well, how was I?
Sweet.
I can never decide what to choose.
Something sweet or-
Now one with the whole family.
Let me take it, Mom.
Oh, no, you don't.
The whole family has to be in it.
Mr. Oswald,
if you would be so kind?
Why not?
But Maria knows how hopeless I am
with technical things.
Any fool can take pictures
with a camera like that.
If that's the case,
nothing can go wrong.
Grandpa has to be in it, too.
Set the focus at 12 feet.
The aperture's okay.
And keep still,
or we won't be in focus.
Either way,
we still look sharp!
Ready.
- Shouldn't we wake Grandpa up?
- No, it's more natural that way.
He's always sleeping.
And never sins.
He at least kept me warm
in those cold times after the war.
Really?
Yes. He supplied me with firewood.
He didn't even wake up
when Goebbels spoke.
Don't hear much of him these days.
Life has its own rules.
Somehow it never occurred to me
that my mother's a woman, too.
Then someone comes along,
and suddenly she is one.
I still don't think it's right
at her age. It's indecent.
Maybe I'm old-fashioned,
but that's how I feel.
When you're unhappy,
all happy people seem a bit indecent.
When Willy and I are alone...
at times I feel
as if we were already dead.
It's always the same old thing,
basically.
What am I saying, "dead"?
He's bored to tears with me.
That's the worst thing.
- Then do something about it.
What should I do?
I'm no good at anything,
except putting on weight.
We all put on weight.
Soon I won't even be able
to find a lover.
Lovers are getting fatter, too.
- Does Oswald know about Hermann?
- No.
It wasn't important at first.
Then it was too late to tell him.
Tell him now.
He'd kill himself.
You look sad.
I am sad.
Let's dance until we drop.
Until we drop.
Tell me what's wrong.
I'll love you forever.
As long as I live.
What's all this?
I want you to have everything,
to feel independent.
It's your money
and your life, Maria.
I live my life and allow no one
to give me a different one.
But it's your money.
I've led this life for you.
For us.
Take me back, please.
It's for you, Mrs. Braun.
A Dr. Klaus.
When?
On the 23rd?
That's next week.
So suddenly? I -
Excuse me. I -
I have to -
I'm completely confused.
I have so many things to sort out.
So many things -
Things -
- Hello, Mrs. Braun.
- Hello.
I've come to pick him up for good.
I won't be coming anymore.
You're too late, I'm afraid.
Your husband's gone.
He left this letter for you.
- Who?
- Your husband.
My husband?
He left in a taxi over an hour ago.
Maria, I'm going away
to Australia or Canada.
We'll live together
when I've become a human being.
We'll have to wait that long.
A rose every month
will remind you of me.
Hermann.
Is Maria there?
Yes, of course.
I just thought -
Thank God.
I beg your pardon?
I just thought -
Yes?
I don't know.
Why are you here?
I'm working.
So late?
Why not?
At night I find
some peace and quiet.
I'm nearly finished.
Then you can take me home, please.
Please.
Downstairs on the left.
No one in our family
ever had their own house before.
You're the first, my dear.
Somebody had to be first.
If your father had lived,
he'd have built us a house.
But he's not alive, is he?
My dear girl.
How can you say such a thing?
It's the truth.
You didn't used to be
so sentimental.
That's not the point.
You've changed so much, Maria.
You're like a stranger.
And cold too, right?
- That's nothing unusual these days.
- Why doesn't she just say so?
You can put the crate in there.
I said put it down,
not throw it down!
But they're solid crates!
Don't interfere.
That's no way to treat people.
Nonsense.
He's paid to do his work.
I've a right to demand
he does it properly.
That's right.
You, who never did
an honest day's work.
- I guess that's it.
- Fine.
What's he waiting around for?
For a tip, I imagine.
A tip.
If that's the custom,
why don't you say so?
Ask for what you're entitled to.
Is that enough?
Give him another one.
So, now I don't have to say thanks.
I'd rather pay than say thanks.
What's this?
There's a pair missing.
There were four of them.
She gave me a pair.
Then why doesn't she tell me?
He hasn't worn them yet.
You thought Hermann
didn't need them.
He won't be coming back anyway,
you thought.
I can really use them.
That's not the point.
I don't like her lying to me.
At least I live as best I can.
You don't live at all!
I beg your pardon.
I think she wants you
to ask her to move in.
You know very well I got
this house so I could be alone.
You know exactly what I want.
Yes - to live
like you were in prison!
Not bad, coming
from someone like you.
I have to pay for my sins.
Or was it your idea?
My idea?
No, of course not.
You and your roses and
your power of attorney and your money!
One rose a month!
That's all she hears from him.
It's like dying once a month.
Am I right?
We should also like
to express our surprise
that you are interpreting
the quality standards
contrary to the terms
of the contract.
We hope you will reconsider
your position without delay
and amend it to comply
with the agreement.
Failing this,
we will be obliged, etc., etc.
To place the matter in the hands
of our legal department.
Mrs. Ehmke, don't drive me crazy.
We've included that sentence
at least a hundred times.
If I don't dictate it,
you don't have to repeat it.
But I always -
You've completed that stupid
sentence 99 times.
That's at least 98 times too often.
I've had enough of it!
I'm sorry.
That's all right.
We all lose our temper sometimes.
It's no wonder with you,
the work you do.
How about a coffee
with some brandy?
You don't look at all well.
Don't interfere
in my personal affairs.
The way I look is my business.
Answer the phone.
But I'm not here.
Mrs. Braun's office.
Hello, Mr. Oswald.
He wants to speak with you.
- I said I'm not here.
I'm sorry, Mr. Oswald.
She's out of the office.
And I don't want to have lunch
with him either.
And she doesn't want
to have lunch with you either.
Oh, my God! I'm sorry.
My God, was that funny!
That was the funniest thing
I've seen in a long time.
Stop crying now.
Call him back and tell him
Maria Braun is possessed by the devil.
And if he wants to have lunch
with the devil,
he can meet me
at the Bastei at 1:00.
Mr. Oswald.
You're late.
Sorry. I was almost afraid
to breathe anymore.
I had to remind myself...
that I enjoy life.
Life's like that.
It's as if we had
a contract to enjoy life.
When we have a nice meal,
we discuss how nice it is.
You're cynical.
Maybe I am cynical.
You're bored with me.
Maybe I am bored with you.
Why do we go on sitting here?
Because you were brought up well,
and I pretend I was.
And because there's
something between us
for which I can't find the words.
And because...
I like living the way we live.
Besides, I have no choice.
It may not sound like much,
but it is, because it's the truth.
The things I imagine,
I don't have. Nobody does.
Not even you.
We can't exist without each other.
Do you want to leave me?
Why should I?
We'd be even unhappier then.
That would be stupid.
Only if you've known unhappiness...
do you still have hope.
I'm not bored with you.
The problem is,
she believes we broke up
because she was getting fat.
- She still thinks so.
- But it's not true.
In fact, she was losing weight.
Don't talk like that.
After all, Betti was your wife.
And she's my friend,
the only person
I can tell all my troubles to.
Because she doesn't listen.
Perhaps.
Just as you need someone
who listens to you,
maybe I need someone
who doesn't listen to me.
And her boutique is quite a success.
Her boutique. What a laugh.
It's your boutique.
Without you,
she'd be sitting on her fat ass -
Then it's true?
You haven't gotten over her.
Otherwise you wouldn't
tear her to pieces.
It wouldn't matter to you.
This used to be our classroom.
Betti used to sit next to me
and copy my work.
What about Anneliese?
What's she like?
- What's she like?
Hard to say.
She's the type of woman a man needs:
his own equal.
She can talk, think.
She's my equal in every way.
Must women be men's equals?
Of course.
Except that most men
don't have that consciousness.
Human consciousness
lags behind real development.
- Did Anneliese say that?
- Why?
One day you'll wish
you had your fat little Betti back.
Or do you already,
at night in your dreams?
Nonsense.
How can you say that, of all people?
Because with me it's the opposite.
Reality lags behind my consciousness.
Sleep, my child, sleep
Your father was a sheep
From Pomerania your mother came
Pomerania's gone up in flames
Sleep, my child, sleep
Maria Braun, don't start
acting peculiar now.
Mr. Oswald? This is Maria Braun.
I need someone
who'd like to sleep with me.
Hello.
Mrs. Braun.
What's wrong, Senkenberger?
Why are you staring like that?
Mr. Oswald is dead.
His housekeeper found him.
Heart failure.
He died in his sleep.
Peacefully.
She said he had
a smile on his face.
Like a baby.
... in the words of Chancellor
Konrad Adenauer:
"If it puts an end to it, my friends,
we have the right
to arm ourselves,
as much as we can,
as much as we wish. "
And now to sports.
Less than 24 hours
remain before the start
of the World Cup football finals
in the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern,
between Germany and Hungary.
The Hungarians
are still clear favorites.
That is the end of the news.
Bavarian Broadcasting.
It is 11:00 p.m.
- Are you hungry?
- Yes.
You're mean.
How can you think of food
at a time like this?
Maybe you'd like to take a bath?
I'll run it for you.
Hot or not too hot?
Medium.
I'll do it.
I'll be right back.
Here, catch.
Don't look at me like that
until I'm all ready.
You have a beautiful wife,
you know.
The opener's in the kitchen.
Oh, you don't know where that is.
Here.
You can put these on
after your bath.
There's a pair missing.
Hans has them.
Don't you want to know who Hans is?
No.
I won't tell you, then.
- Are the women in Canada beautiful?
- Yeah.
- As beautiful as me?
- Yeah.
You're lying.
Naturally.
Why did you get dressed?
I did, didn't I?
I have to get to know you first,
Mr. Braun.
And when you remind me
of someone I love very much,
I won't need a dress anymore.
We haven't even kissed.
Patience, Hermann, patience.
We were only married for two days.
And our days are long.
Are you afraid?
- Yes.
- So am I.
Let's take a trip.
Somewhere in the country.
A honeymoon, to get to know...
the man I love.
Why don't we go?
Because I can't just get up
and leave everything.
I have a very specific agreement
to honor.
I have to hand things over.
I need a few days for that.
Short days, Hermann.
Not long ones.
Maybe I should take a bath after all.
Maybe you should kiss
your wife first.
Let me finish this first.
Tell me about things.
I did it for us, for you.
Because I love you.
And I can love you
only as your husband,
not as someone
you have to give his life back to.
I didn't give you your life back.
It was a checkbook.
Yes, that it was.
I wanted to be somebody for you
so you could love me. Understand?
No, but I do love you.
It's a goal! Goal! Goal!
I want to be your wife.
I've been thinking.
We'll draw up a contract
saying everything I have is yours.
- Including your heart?
- That has always been yours.
Or else it belongs entirely to me.
Perhaps that's the same thing.
I'm serious about the contract.
Dismissed.
I want a different contract,
in which I give you
everything I possess.
You mean it?
I mean it.
It meant so much to you.
But now I have it.
Fine.
But I'm a rich woman.
And I shall certainly
inherit a fortune.
Anyone can inherit things.
Anyone? Maybe.
Why do you want to give
me everything?
Because I will become your husband
today and won't need anything anymore.
- Who can that be?
- What time is it?
- Quarter past 6:00.
- What day is this?
The fourth.
It's Senkenberg
with a notary public from Lyon.
Oswald executed his will in Lyon.
Strange.
I almost forgot
about the appointment.
Excuse me, I thought we -
We agreed...
...that man is a complex being.
- Yes.
May I introduce Mlle. Delvaux?
Hello. Please go in
while I put something on.
And please begin.
- But -
- No "ifs" or "buts,"
and certainly no "maybes."
I'm sorry, mademoiselle, but we -
No "buts," remember?
I'm Hermann Braun.
In respect of the main provision:
The right of ownership and use
of all movable and immovable
company assets,
with the exception
of the above limitations,
and of my entire personal estate,
with the exception
of the above limitations,
shall pass in one moiety
to Maria Braun,
who gave me more joy
than any other person in the world.
The remaining moiety shall pass,
in accordance with the contract
concluded at Kreuzh of Jail
on June 14, 1951,
to Hermann Braun,
who was my friend,
although he loved
the same woman I loved.
He respected a love
that was not his own-
You knew about the contract.
Mr. Oswald was very ill.
... and sacrificed more
than may humanly be expected.
Only those capable of great love
are capable of respecting
the great love of others.
Only those who can serve
may rule.
I have a headache.
Hermann Braun
has earned the right to power
as few others have.
They've finished reading the will.
Senkenberg and Mlle. Delvaux
want to go.
Ask them to excuse me, please.
- Aren't you feeling well?
- Just a headache.
Don't forget
I've given you everything.
All the money.
It doesn't interest me.
I've given you everything, too.
My whole life.
Have you got a light?
They play to the right.
Czibor shoots!
Saved by Toni! Saved!
And Puskas,
the great soccer player
from Budapest,
hammers the ground with his fist.
No!
THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN
It's all over! It's all over!
Germany is world champion,
having beaten Hungary 3 to 2
in the final in Bern.
You must forgive this reporter
for these past 30 seconds,
for you can't imagine
what's been going on here!