Common Film Produktion

In this mystery/thriller based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, Nico Thomkins (Udo Schenk), a writer, and his wife Helen (Anke Sevenich) are in the habit of playing games with one another. Even while they are breaking up, they are sufficiently in tune with one another to continue this practice. When the writer's wife takes off without leaving a note behind, people begin to suspect that he may have murdered her, and he plays along with this notion to the point of planting clues which would incriminate him. Obviously, no one with a shred of common sense would do such a thing, and these tricks get him into trouble. However, his troubles don't really begin until he starts to search for her in earnest.

Romy Haag portrays Clarissa Vornfeist who dreams of fame, while Otto Sander in his role as Wilfried plans to transform her into a plastic doll using a prepared broiler.

It follows Chilean writer Antonio Skármeta as he celebrates the end of the autocrats. Cheerful farewell rituals accompany others facing political persecution on their way to fly home.

Christian's participation in this trip was only made possible through close cooperation between his probation officer, the public prosecutor, and the educators at the Johannes Petersen Home. It was conceived and implemented as a last attempt to influence his socially disadvantaged circumstances. Christian is only allowed to be picked up from the Hamburg remand prison immediately before departure. After two months, Christian is back in prison, this time in Portugal. For stealing radios and wristwatches. "Scandal! Bizarre therapy for difficult youths. Seven months of dream travel at the taxpayer's expense!" reads the newspaper. Bauer Publishing sends two reporters to southern Portugal. A clash ensues. The decision not to punish "criminal" children is the target of attacks by right-wing politicians and their press. The Youth Welfare Office considers discontinuing the project. But this is no time for self-pity – the group continues its work.