In the GDR, the state heavily subsidized a number of essential goods and social services so that they were available at reduced or no cost to citizens. These subsidies were informally known as the "second pay packet."

Station Inspector Brock witnesses a robbery.

During the final months of WWII, SS troop leader Upitz (Günther Simon) negotiates with the American secret service. He hopes to secure his own future in exchange for handing over the SS secret files, which include the entire network of Gestapo agents from the Balkans to the Baltic.

This documentary illustrates the GDR's respectful and careful treatment of the elderly using examples of retired people living in the Schwerin district. The film suggests that, having spent their lives working hard to build their country, these older people can now enjoy a well-earned rest.

This documentary, filmed mostly in Berlin, serves as preparation for the 10th World Festival of Youth and Students, which was held in East Berlin in 1973. Portraits of a student, an athlete, and a workers' collective present a collective image of life for twenty-year-old East Germans.

At 47, German sculptor and graphic artist Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945) lost her beloved son Peter in WWI. She began to process her grief in drawings and sculptures, including the famous memorial The Grieving Parents, and became increasingly active in protesting social injustice.

Lisa Gau is found dead in her apartment at No. 8 Seiler Street. Her neighbor Police Captain Schirding takes on the case and the apparent suicide is soon revealed to be murder by poison.

The little village of Siebenthal has a voluntary fire brigade, but nothing is ever on fire. Since Zetsche’s inn is already threatening to collapse and because he has fire insurance, the fire brigade decides to act in his best interest and lend fate a helping hand.

Caroline and Robert knew each other from when they were children. Years later, they meet again at summer camp and fall in love. But being alone together is made difficult by the rigorous daily routine at the camp.

There are seven different ways that a viewer can react to a movie. The filmmaker must endure them all without allow himself to become discouraged.