Numerous examples of modern technology testify to the GDR's international reputation as a highly-developed industrial country.
Hans, a miller's apprentice, can't stand working for his greedy master anymore and sets out into the world as a wandering journeyman. After he finds lodgings at a run-down mill, he helps to put the business back in order and receives a magic wishing ring as thanks for his help and hard work.
In this silhouette animated film, two hands cut out a man, who then goes on a journey with the scissors who brought him to life. The children are thrilled by the shapes he cuts, but the arrogant mayor throws him out of town when he makes a caricature of her.
A village in Saxony in the summer of 1792. The village judge, Adam, is always decreeing new rents and taxes. He particularly has it in for the smith Ruprecht, who is his competitor for the affections of the lovely maiden Ev.
Brothers Wieland Herzfelde and John Heartfield tell the story of their publishing house, Malik, which specialized in avant-garde art and leftist literature. All Malik titles were confiscated by the Nazis and included in the infamous 1933 book burning.
Cuba in the late 1800s: After overpowering their Spanish masters, cimarrons – runaway African slaves – hide in settlements in the eastern mountains of Cuba. But discord is sown by traitorous elements secretly working for the Spanish.
In a Russian POW camp, four Germans determined to end WWII change into Red Army uniforms. Are they patriots or traitors, heroes or opportunists? Although they go to the frontlines, their new Russian comrades are initially unsure whether to trust them.
A married couple looks for answers to their sexual problems. Leading GDR sexologist Dr. Siegfried Schnabl gives advice.
Inclusion of this film in our 2015 Summer Film Institute is courtesy of the German Hygiene Museum Foundation, Dresden.
This biographical portrait of the director Slatan Dudow is part of a series of documentaries about DEFA filmmakers by director Ullrich Kasten.
NOTE: This film is currently only available as part of our non-circulating research collection.
A top administrator in the Federal German armed forces measures the machinery of murder at Auschwitz according to the effiency principle and deems it a triumph.