The writer Franz Schmidt reads to two editors from his new romance novel. The two criticize the lack of a problematic portrayal of the joyful life of youth, the role of women and the collective "welding together". He is asked to revise the work again. In his new version, the writer presents - in a staged setting - a pair of lovers who want to start a life together in front of smoking chimneys with a piece of steel from the new production. But even this does not satisfy the two art experts. A couple are kissing in front of the window. They point to it and recommend another revision. Outraged, Mr. Schmidt tells them he is going to write a story about real-life art experts and leaves. Their photo disappears into a folder labeled "superfluous contemporaries".
Dec 1953
A little man wants to order a warm coat from a fabric he has brought with him to a tailor's workshop in winter. He is laughed at and told that orders for this type of garment are only accepted in the summer - after all, they work to a schedule. When the customer continues to insist on his request, he is declared insane by the employees of the atelier - they are not a capitalist company after all. This infuriates him so much that a neurologist, the fire department and an ambulance are called. The doctor clarifies the situation and advises the first tailor to have a word with his assistant. "I'm normal," he claims. "I believe it," replies the doctor, "but will the others believe it...?"
Jan 1954