Renate Mannhardt

Goodbye, Franziska

The relationship between Franziska and her partner Michael, a globetrotting photojournalist, remains strained due to their constant separation, until tragedy strikes, forcing Michael to come home and to make a decision about their future.

The Lost One

A German scientist murders his fiancée during World War II when he learns that she has been selling the results of his secret research to the enemy.

Captain Bay-Bay

The story centers on the charismatic sea captain Käpt'n Bay-Bay, portrayed by Hans Albers, who on his wedding day shares tales of his seafaring exploits with his wedding guests after an unexpected delay in the ceremony. The narrative employs a framing device where the captain, waiting at a tavern near the church, recounts through flashbacks his previous romantic misadventures and adventurous encounters at sea, blending humor, music, and exotic locales. These retrospective stories highlight his roguish charm and the obstacles that have shaped his life, all while the present-day celebration unfolds.

Fear

Irene Wagner, the wife of the prominent German scientist Professor Albert Wagner, had been having an affair with Erich Baumann. She does not disclose this to her husband, hoping to preserve his innocence and their "perfect marriage". This fills her with anxiety and guilt. However, Johanna Schultze, Erich's jealous ex-girlfriend, learns about the affair and begins to blackmail Irene, turning Irene's psychological torture into a harsh reality.

Das sündige Dorf

No matter how much the pastor rails against it, people in his village love each other left and right. No wonder there are so many illegitimate children. Now Toni, a farmer's son, wants to marry Vevi, a waitress. Toni's father secretly fears that Vevi is the fruit of his loins...

Via Mala

In a mountain village a deranged alcoholic who routinely beats his wife and kids goes missing. Though everyone in the village is glad to see him gone, an investigation begins.

Das Dorf unterm Himmel

Rot ist die Liebe

Poet Hermann Lons is turning 40. On his birthday, his childhood love, Rosemarie, unexpectedly to visit her cousin (who just happens to be Hermann's wife). Rosemarie and Hermann walk through the Luneburger Heide every day and it isn't long before their old love flares up again. Hermann is rather annoyed about that and asks the woman to leave. His decision, however, brings him no joy. Luckily, he's able to deal with his grief by writing poetry, which brings him some success. But now his life is one big, melancholy drama, punctuated by too much alcohol. When Hermann eventually learns that Rosemarie has gotten engaged to Hermann's hunting buddy, Prince Niko, he realizes he wants to ask his wife for a divorce and chase after his former lover. Luckily(?), Rosemarie puts the brakes on the whole thing saying it's too late for them.

The Big Show

A European circus family is torn apart by greed and jealousy.

Die Ehe des Dr. med. Danwitz

Dr. Danwitz is a dedicated physician. The assistant doctor works practically day and night on a research project, but without pay. His wife Edith earns the necessary extra money as a model. That's why her pregnancy is a financial disaster for the young couple. Then a wealthy woman asks Dr. Danwitz to perform an illegal abortion, for which she would pay well. The doctor has to make a difficult decision.