Series synopsis
Berlin Alexanderplatz is a German drama crime television series that premiered on Das Erste on October 12, 1980. It ended on December 29, 1980. It was created by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. It stars Günter Lamprecht, Hanna Schygulla, Barbara Sukowa and Gottfried John.
In late 1920s Berlin, Franz Biberkopf is released from prison and vows to go straight. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in the city’s criminal underworld.
Premise
In late 1920s Berlin, Franz Biberkopf is released from prison and vows to go straight. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in the city’s criminal underworld.
Premise: A FILM IN 13 PARTS & AN EPILOGUE
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Günter Lamprecht as Franz Biberkopf
- Hanna Schygulla as Eva
- Barbara Sukowa as Emilie "Mieze" Karsunke
- Gottfried John as Reinhold
- Franz Buchrieser as Meck
- Barbara Valentin as Ida
- Rainer Werner Fassbinder as Narrator (voice, uncredited)
- Günther Kaufmann as Theo
Supporting cast
- Vitus Zeplichal as Rudi
- Brigitte Mira as Frau Bast
- Claus Holm as Max
- Ivan Desny as Pums
- Roger Fritz as Herbert Virchow
- Volker Spengler as Bruno
- Fritz Schediwy as Willy
- Herbert Steinmetz as Zeitungshändler in der U-Bahn
- Lilo Pempeit as Frau Pums
- Elisabeth Trissenaar as Lina Przyballa
- Annemarie Düringer as Cilly
- Peter Kuiper as Glatzkopf
Guest cast
- Brigitte Mira as Frau Bast
- Claus Holm as Max
- Ivan Desny as Pums
- Roger Fritz as Herbert Virchow
- Volker Spengler as Bruno
- Fritz Schediwy as Willy
- Herbert Steinmetz as Zeitungshändler in der U-Bahn
- Lilo Pempeit as Frau Pums
- Elisabeth Trissenaar as Lina Przyballa
- Annemarie Düringer as Cilly
- Peter Kuiper as Glatzkopf
- Jan George as Herr Greinert
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 24 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 10 | November 13, 2007 | December 11, 2007 |
| Season 1 | 14 | October 12, 1980 | December 29, 1980 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Making of Berlin, Alexanderplatz | November 13, 2007 |
| 2 | Berlin Alexanderplatz: A Mega Movie and Its Story | November 13, 2007 |
| 3 | Fassbinder's "Berlin Alexanderplatz" Remastered: Notes on the Restoration | November 13, 2007 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Punishment Begins In 1928 Berlin, Franz Biberkopf is released after serving four years in Tegel prison for the murder of his girlfriend Ida. After settling into his old apartment, he visits Ida's sister Minna and rapes her. In a flashback, Franz kills Ida with a cream whip after correctly suspecting she's about to leave him. Franz encounters and drinks with old friend Meck, where he meets Lina Przybilla, a young Polish woman, who moves in with him. He receives notification from local police that he's barred from certain districts and surrounding municipalities, under threat of a fine or imprisonment. Placing himself under the supervision of a charity called Prisoners' Aid, to which he must report once a month while remaining in employment, Franz is able to stay. |
October 12, 1980 |
| 2 |
How Is One to Live If One Doesn’t Want to Die? Biberkopf is self-employed, hawking necktie holders on the street, but has trouble making enough and doesn't consider himself an orator. After turning down the opportunity to sell sex ed manuals, he's talked into selling the Nazi newspaper Völkischer Beobachter and wearing a swastika armband. In the subway, Franz is confronted by a Jewish man selling hot sausages, but denies being antisemitic, and Dreske with two other men also known to him. Dreske admires Lenin and the Soviet Union, but Franz responds by decrying revolution and 'their' Weimar Republic. |
October 13, 1980 |
| 3 |
A Hammer Blow to the Head Can Injure the Soul Troubled by the dubious nature of Franz's job, Lina introduces him to family friend Otto Lüders, who turns out to be an ex-con he knows from prison, but Franz thinks Otto is good. With him, Franz begins selling shoelaces. In the first apartment, he spends time with a widow whose deceased husband he closely resembles. Later, to Otto, he reports having sex with the widow. Otto visits the widow, expecting the same, but she feels threatened and rejects him. Otto demands money and steals from her. When Franz goes back to the widow, happily expecting another tryst, she slams the door on him. Franz vanishes. |
October 20, 1980 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Das Erste |
|---|---|
| First aired | October 12, 1980 |
| Last aired | December 29, 1980 |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Status | ended |