Ulrich Thein

Two lovers from a working-class Berlin background swear to marry each other, but after the Nazis rise to power, their Communist and resistance activities result in them becoming separated. As the war progresses, the possibility forms that the two may never see each other again...

During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, a group of International Brigadiers are cut off, lacking ammunition and water. Five men, plus a radio operator, are chosen by their commander to remain with him and hold off the enemy, whilst the others retreat. After a brief skirmish, the five men are each given part of a message that will only be decipherable in the event that all five return safely.

Professor Hans Mamlock is the distinguished chief of surgery in a university hospital. The year is 1933, and although the Professor is Jewish, he remains unconcerned with politics and the growing Nazi threat. Mamlock identifies strongly as a German, and he believes his culture to be simply incapable of the common barbarism associated with the Nazi party. Accordingly, he shows little understanding for people with strong or unpopular political views. (DEFA Film Library)

Mid-1950s Berlin, before the building of the Wall. Uschi, a salesgirl and aspiring fashion model from the East, is attracted to Hans, from the West. But she also loves the bright shop windows in his part of the city. The flashiness of this new world soon evaporates, however, when Hans loses his job. (DEFA Film Library)

On August 13th, 1961-the night that the Berlin Wall goes up-three people must make a decision that will change their lives forever.... (DEFA Film Library)

Sophisticated German miniseries on the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), one of the greatest musicians and composers of all time.