The Baldheaded Gang

(Die Glatzkofpbande)

GDR, 1962, 77 min, b&w
In German; no subtitles
Credits:
Director
Script
Dramaturg
Editor
Camera
Set Design
Costume Design
Music (Score)
Cast

Synopsis

In August 1961, the former Foreign Legionnaire King and his gang of guys are rabble-rousers. After working on a construction site, the gang moves to a campground on the Baltic Sea, unaware that their shoddy work will lead to two deaths.

 

With sputtering motorbikes, loud radios and occasional fights and outbursts, they make the other campers’ vacations a living hell. Unfortunately for them, Lieutenant Czernik discovers their connection to the construction accident. To stop them from fleeing East Germany, he and the police seek and arrest them, one at a time, saving King for last.

 

At the time of the film's release, a widespread media campaign publicized this as a true story. After the fall of the Wall, however, researchers discovered the events were grossly inflated to serve propaganda claims that unruly youth were being subverted by the West.

Availability

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