Do you, Hermann Braun,
take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?
I do.
The marriage certificate's
outside. Do we need it?
Of course we need it.
Hey. Stay here. Don't run away.
Stay here.
Help. Let go of me.
CIVIL REGISTRY
Hermann.
- Are you all right?
- Come here.
Sign it.
The stamp.
THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN
a film by
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
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 brides, not enough men.
That's all I got for it.
There's so much
shaving gear on the market.
There, my dear. There.
Let's fry
some potatoes with bacon.
We are interrupting
this broadcast of Beethoven's 9th Symphony
to bring
a search call for missing persons.
For each of the names mentioned
we have a message.
5,821
Adler
first name unknown
Born around 1910
paymaster from Vienna.
5,822
Albartz, Eugen
born around 1925
non-commissioned officer, married
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 only he'd come back.
How long were you married?
I'm still married.
I just meant you didn't
have much from your marriage.
Yes, I did:
half a day and a whole night.
Mine was k*lled
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 d*ed.
Why didn't you get married again?
For condolence,
they sent me a painting:
a picture of a wreath
with a ribbon floating on the waves
with "They d*ed, that
Germany might live" written on it.
Just imagine.
"They d*ed, 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
any potatoes, we eat turnips.
If we don't have
any turnips, we eat gruel.
But in love, there's only one man
and when he goes to w*r
and is dead five months later
you have to mourn
for the rest of your life.
Does that make sense, grandpa?
Much too wide.
Yeah, yeah.
It's no 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
- αnd 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
αnd we need firewood.
I thought the same,
but father's belongings?
Father's dead and we're alive.
What will you
give me for them? Your brooch?
My brooch?
It's very valuable.
There's one missing.
- OK then.
- Oh, Maria.
Wait. I'll go and get it.
Here.
n*zi g*ng.
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.
Don't cry for love alone
In this wide world
there's more than one
There's more than
one fish in the sea.
I look like a poodle.
Do you think so?
It's the latest thing.
I'll bet... the Americans
are just crazy about poodles.
My Willi 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, size 38, short sleeves
low cut.
It wasn't easy to come by.
Is it for you or is it a present?
- It's for business.
- We all have to make a living.
- And the liquor?
- For my mother.
It helps her forget
her troubles with her daughter
and it numbs her heartache.
I have a valuable complete edition
of Kleist's works from 1907.
Would that be something for you?
Books burn too easily
and they don't warm you.
Oh well,
if you look at it that way
That's the way I look at it.
Maybe
it's better that way right now.
Thanks a lot
and good luck.
- I'm not going to sew it for you.
- You know I can't sew, Mum.
My dear girl
Mum.
Come on.
If a girl
has pretty legs like you
she ought to show them.
You father
would turn in his grave.
I don't think it's right either.
I just pray your soul
doesn't come to any harm, my girl.
Make sure somebody
gives you a nice pair of stockings
if you're letting yourself
in for that sort of thing.
Amazing, really amazing.
I learned it here on these bars.
- Is it 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 anybody.
Maybe you won't
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.
Is everything OK?
Do I get a certificate?
No.
You'll have to take a break
for three or four weeks.
Have I caught a dose?
A bad dose, I'm afraid.
You won't be able to work.
That's tough.
Come back on Tuesday.
'Bye, Mrs Binder
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.
Even if I've had to
learn to stop believing people
I still believe you.
You know what you're doing.
And if anything happens,
I'll obtain penicillin for you.
I'm not sure how,
but I'll find a way.
Nothing will happen to me.
What's penicillin?
Forget it, Maria.
How is your mother?
The w*r hasn't made her
lose her sense of humour.
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: They're gone.
Hey. You stole my gloves.
You rat.
You bastard, filthy n*zi.
Stop it, you swine, n*zi swine.
- I'm going to k*ll you.
- Don't make me laugh.
- n*zi swine.
- You're a n*zi yourself.
WHO KNOWS HERMANN BRAUN?
Stop it.
- It's 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's
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 when you scratch it.
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 really 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 it?
- Him 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 he were paralysed.
He wanted to
know everything about you.
Look: just like Willy Fritsch.
- 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
the same didn't happen to you.
Hermann didn't suffer.
It was all over quickly.
No one came out, they say.
Hi. It's me.
Imagine what I have.
No, you won't believe it.
Willi?
You.
You're really back.
Betty, you have him back.
We're so stupid.
All we can do
is weep for joy that you're together
and that Willi'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
some place where I can be alone.
Beautiful.
Please correct me
if I say the wrong thing.
Thanks.
What are you thinking?
I was wondering
whether it's possible
to think about nothing.
Can you?
I don't think I can.
I think I can.
Do you reckon I'd have
gotten over it as quickly as Maria?
I hope you would have, Betty.
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?
- Maria
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 here.
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
and you'll help me give birth to him.
It will be a boy, won't it?
- The chances are not bad.
- Really?
About fifty-fifty.
- You don't take me seriously.
- Yes, I do.
Do you have
a father for your boy?
Can't 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 "expectant".
- That's nice.
I'm expectant.
Mum. Grandpa Berger.
- Nobody home.
- We're alone at last.
Are you expectant?
Yes.
I'm expectant too.
I'll speak German with him.
- And you?
- English.
Then he can decide whether to marry
a German or an American girl.
American girls are ugly.
German men are ugly.
I know only
one American man who's beautiful.
I know only one
German girl who's beautiful.
- And strong.
- And rich.
And brave.
And
tender.
And tender.
Guess who I mean.
Me?
Hermann?
Look, Bill.
It's Hermann.
Of course. It was
off-limits. Germans weren't allowed in
except for
the hostesses who work there.
That would be a fair
description of your profession?
I was very fond of him.
You needn't look it up.
You wouldn't
understand the difference anyway.
I was fond of Bill
and I love my husband.
You can stop questioning her.
It was me who k*lled that n*gro.
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 take it?
No.
Things are tough enough for you.
I know
how hard it is for a mother.
It was a boy too.
The Lord gave
and the Lord hath taken away.
Maybe it has its positive side too.
The poor creature
wouldn't have had it easy in life.
You neither.
I never said
I wanted to have it easy.
All the same... 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.
The departure of Train No. 309,
the Express to Heidelberg
will be delayed by some minutes.
TO 1ST CLASS
Leni
Let me through.
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, madam.
Oh
It's a boy, not a girl.
You shouldn't have
called him Leni, then.
How much is
the excess charge for first class?
- It depends how far you're going.
- It depends how far I get with that.
- Can I go in now?
- Yes, that'll cover it.
- I don't travel first class often.
- Times are not easy.
See him? He's French,
but he has his factory here.
French?
Well, half French.
He's quite well off.
Hold this a moment.
Open the case
and turn your back.
And now?
You can close it again now.
I can't read
clearly with just one eye.
Shall I charge for 23 or 32 km?
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.
I beg your pardon?
You speak German?
I heard you were French.
I imagined you'd speak English.
I don't speak French myself.
Oh?
I don't speak English
but I do speak German.
What can I do for you?
Just answer a simple question.
Is this seat free?
I believe it is.
It looks as if it is.
Please sit down.
Thank you. I don't like
sitting facing the engine.
- Haven't we met somewhere before?
- I'm sure we haven't.
- Sometime?
- I'm even more sure now.
Are you?
- Here are your ticket and your case.
- Put the case in the luggage rack.
- Have a pleasant trip, madam.
- Thank you, conductor.
- Dr Karl Oswald
- Pleased to meet you.
- of Oswald Textiles.
- Pleased to meet you.
- A cigarette?
- No, thanks. I don't smoke.
Neither do I.
- Do υou like travelling by train too?
- Sometimes.
It allows you time to think.
That's exactly what
I've been trying to do the whole time.
I don't speak English, I'm afraid.
The lady's asleep.
Maybe you could
Incredible. What did you say to him?
I said you were
Karl Oswald of textile fame
that you like to travel
and you want to
use the time to think.
- Where did you learn your 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'll 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 valour.
- 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 a matter of money there.
However you meant that, Senkenberg,
you're perfectly right.
Let him talk. Senkenberg
is an affable person, as indeed I am.
Well, I'm not.
- Hermann will be sad about the baby.
- I'm not so sure.
Dr Konrad Adenauer
adamantly rejected rumours
that he was in favour 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 w*r," he said.
I need my own apartment.
I have so much to do
before Hermann gets out.
"We've had enough dead."
I don't understand you.
Maria isn't 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?
And here, 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 a pure fabrication."
I'm sorry, Betty.
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.
- Don't worry. I'll take care of that.
- Maybe what Betty says is true.
- What?
That Oswald's really after Maria.
Do you understand now
why I have to move out of here?
We've only got 75 minutes
so let's press on and play
as many of the songs you requested as possible.
We'll start 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 who work for you.
Translated, it means
literally, "male footings".
I'm your "male footings".
No, that's not true.
I'm not your footings.
Just say I'm your wife.
It was a stupid analogy.
You're Maria.
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 recognise you.
Your time's up.
On the contrary
my time is 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 enough problems
without you 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 Blucher, if you prefer.
OK. We can take three SE machines
if we mortgage our stocks
and get an ERP credit.
- And if
- "If, if, if".
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's
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 and 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, I beg you.
He's right. I don't
know a thing about business
but I know what German women want
and 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.
That's
the first amusing idea all day.
With all respect, Mr Oswald
Mrs Braun has
absolutely no experience in our field.
Then she's about to gain some.
Maria Braun, you have
rendered outstanding services 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 have no sense of adventure.
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 would probably 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 work out
how long it will be
before we're bankrupt.
But seriously,
we two survived the w*r
and we three
will survive the peace.
The firm had to survive
without you during the w*r 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; not completely but
he loves the company
heart and soul.
I did leave him alone
during all those 1,000 years.
I dreamed up
a cosy 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 the 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.
I'd like you
to call me "Mrs Braun" again.
If you insist.
You know,
I was very surprised just now.
- Didn't you want to?
- Yes.
Very much.
So did I
and
I want a clear relationship.
Do we have a relationship now?
Yes, a clear one.
That's the taxi to the station.
Senkenberg paid for the others:
a 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 four, please.
You too, Mrs Braun.
You too, dear Mrs Braun.
At four o'clock, Mr Oswald?
I just dropped in
to see you... privately.
This is not a private place.
It's an office in your company.
OK.
The office
is closed over the weekend.
Would you spend it
with me in the countryside?
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 do 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
and that you're my boss
and I don't want to
confuse things, for your sake.
I have to know
who I'm dealing with: you or my boss.
That's a point of view I respect.
- Let's talk about my salary.
- How much were you thinking of?
I need to earn
a lot of money in the next few years.
Don't we all?
But I have a reason.
Well?
You know now
how much my work is worth to you.
That's how much I want
and 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 countryside on your own.
Why shouldn't he know
I've slept with another man?
He hears me
when I tell you I love you.
That's not the same.
Exactly, and because it's not,
it won't hurt if he hears it.
And because it's not the same,
I want you to know.
If it were the same,
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 forestall him
to retain my independence.
Is that how things are
between people outside?
- 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 countryside.
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 countryside?
Because you'd have proposed to me.
Precisely, and that's why
How did you know?
With schoolboys,
you know those sort of things.
Sorry. You meant it seriously.
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 take.
It's no wonder with your
"we're-the-masters-here" attitude.
Mr Klenze,
the Minister for 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 at night.
The Mata Hari
of the economic miracle.
Why are your notions of people
so much duller than yourself?
Let's go, Willi.
- Would you say a few words?
- Ask Mrs Braun.
Does she
speak for the management?
- Mrs Braun has power of attorney.
- OK. Thank you.
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's demands,
as presented here
are little more than blackmail.
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 it, my girl.
It's strange: us sitting here,
tearing each other apart.
It's better than
that "all-in-the-same-boat" crap.
How's Betty?
- Why?
- Why "why"? Is something wrong?
No.
It's just that
I need someone to talk with
and all I have
is someone who cooks for me.
She does
the things she's learned to do.
Sure, but she hasn't
learned what really counts:
how to learn.
She's different from you
and not as breezy either.
I have to be cheerful so that
Hermann has something to look forward to
something he's proud of.
A man can't look forward to
or be proud of a wife who's miserable.
How nicely you put it.
It was nice the way you said,
"You've really made it, my girl."
I've made it. 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
you're
the only one who can help him.
- Oh
- 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 Willi 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
quickly change his plans.
- 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.
Maria, 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.
Don't cry for love alone
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.
The idea can
only come from a sick mind.
Your brain's
in worse shape than your liver.
I'm sure
you're right, Senkenberg
but I have life
adventure
the key to the universe.
Uh-huh, 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, mum.
The things that
go in a basket like that.
- Shall I dye your hair for you?
- No.
You work so hard as it is, dear.
Go into 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 must 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, mum.
Oh, no you don't.
The whole family must 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 photos
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 OK.
And keep still
or we won't be in focus.
We're not
very sharply focused anyway.
Ready.
- Shouldn't we wake Grandpa up?
- No, it's more natural that way.
- He's always sleeping.
- And never sins.
At least he kept me warm
in those cold times after the w*r.
- Oh, yes?
- 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,
happy people all seem a bit indecent.
When Willi and I are alone
at times I feel as if
we were already dead.
It's always
the same old thing, basically.
What do I mean, "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 find a lover.
- The 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 k*ll 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 won't
let anyone 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. 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 to
sort out so many things
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
over an hour ago in a taxi.
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.
Oswald. 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 have my peace.
I'm nearly finished.
Then you can
take me home, please.
Please.
- Downstairs on the left.
- OK.
No one in our family
ever had their own house before.
You're the first one, 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?
Well, it's the truth.
- You used not to be so sentimental.
- That's not the point.
You've changed so much, Maria.
You're like a stranger.
- And I'm cold, aren't I?
- So?
- That's nothing unusual these days.
- Why doesn't she say so then?
You can put the crate in there.
I said
put it down, not throw it.
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 guess.
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.
- Why doesn't she tell me?
- He hasn't worn them yet.
You thought
Hermann wouldn'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 well as 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 I have this house
so that I can be alone.
You know exactly what I want.
Yes: to live
as though you were in a jail.
That's not bad,
from someone like you.
I have to pay for my sins.
- Or... was it your idea?
- Mine?
No, of course not.
You and your roses, 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 see ourselves obliged etc., etc.
to place the matter
in the hands of our legal department.
Mrs Ehmke,
don't drive me crazy.
We've written this sentence
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 and a 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.
Sorry, Mr Oswald.
She's out of the office.
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.
Hello? Mr Oswald?
What a laugh.
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
in the Bastei at one o'clock.
Mr Oswald
you're late.
I'm 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 dine well,
we discuss how good the food is.
- You're cynical.
- Maybe I am cynical.
You're bored with me.
Maybe I am bored with you.
Why do we keep sitting here?
Because you're well brought up,
and I pretend to be
and there's something between us
for which I can't find the words
and
I also like
living the way we live
and anyway, I have no choice.
It may not sound like much,
but it is, because it's reality.
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.
There. 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, Betty 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 arse
Then it's true?
You haven't gotten over her.
Otherwise you wouldn't pull her to pieces.
It wouldn't matter to you.
This used to be our classroom.
Betty sat next to me
and used to copy from me.
And Anneliese?
- What's she like?
- What she's 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.
- So women have to be men's equals?
- Sure.
Except that most men
don't have the awareness.
Human consciousness
lags behind the real developments.
- Did Anneliese say that?
- Why?
One day, you'll wish
you had your fat little Betty 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.
Your father was a sheep.
From Pomerania your mother came.
Pomerania's gone up in flames.
Maria Braun, take care
you don't become peculiar.
Mr Oswald? This is Maria Braun.
I need someone
who'd like to sleep with me.
Hello.
Mrs Braun
What's wrong, Senkenberg?
Why are you staring like that?
Mr Oswald is dead.
His housekeeper found him:
heart failure.
He d*ed in his sleep
peacefully.
She said
he had a smile on his face
like a baby.
In the words
of Chancellor Konrad Adenauer
"If there were
an end, my friends
"we have
the right to arm ourselves7
"as much as we can,
as much as we wish."
And now to sport.
Less than 24 hours
remain before the start
of the World Cup football final
in Wankdorf Stadium in Berne
between Germany and Hungary.
The Hungarians
are still clear favourites.
That is the end of the news.
Bavarian Broadcasting.
It is 11:00pm.
- 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 so hot?
- Medium.
I'll do it.
I'll be right back.
Here, catch.
Don't look at me like that
until I'm finished.
You have a beautiful wife, you know.
The opener's in the kitchen.
Oh, you don't know
where the kitchen 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?
Yes, 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 each other.
Patience, Hermann.
We were married only two days
and our days are long.
Are you afraid?
- Yes.
- So am I.
Let's go on a trip
somewhere in the countryside.
A honeymoon
to get to know the things I love.
Why don't we go?
Because I can't just
get up and leave everything.
I have a very
definite agreement to keep.
I have to hand things over.
I need a few days for that.
Short days, Hermann,
not the 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 life back to.
I haven't given you
your life back. It was a chequebook.
It was evidently a chequebook.
I wanted to be somebody for you,
so that you could love me. Understand?
No, but I do love you.
It's a goal. Goal. Goal. Goal.
I want to be
your wife. I've been thinking.
We'll draw up a contract,
saying everything I have belongs to you.
- Including your heart?
- That has always been yours.
Or it belongs entirely to me,
which is maybe the same thing.
I'm serious about the contract.
Dismissed.
I want a different contract
in which
I give you everything I possess.
Do υou mean it?
I mean it.
It meant so much to you.
But now I have it.
Fine.
But I'm a rich woman.
I shall
certainly inherit a fortune.
Anyone can inherit things.
Anyone? Maybe.
Why do you
want to give me everything?
Because I'll become your husband today
and won't need anything anymore.
- Who can that be?
- What's the time?
- A quarter past six.
- What day is it?
The 4th.
It's Senkenberg
with a lady from Lyon.
Oswald
deposited his will in Lyon.
Strange.
I almost forgot the appointment.
- Excuse me, I thought we...
- Senkenberg.
We had agreed
- that man is a complex being.
- Yes.
- May I introduce Mademoiselle Delvaux?
- Hello.
Hello. Please
go in while I put something on
and please begin.
- But
- Senkenberg, no "ifs" and no "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 Kreuzhof Jail
on June 14, 1951 to Hermann Braun
who was my friend
although he loved
the same woman as I did.
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
Mademoiselle 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. Do you have a light?
No.
THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN
Mrs Braun.
Maria
It's all over.
Germany is world champion
having beaten Hungary
3-2 in the final in Berne.
After these 30 seconds
you must excuse the reporters.
We shall now try to
describe the further course of events.
Marriage of Maria Braun, The (1979)
Moderator: Maskath3