Movielogr
The Axe of Wandsbek (1982)
Directed by Horst Königstein
Overview
1934, Hamburg. Adolf Hitler is about to visit the city. Hamburg’s executioner falls ill, and is unable to deliver the sentence of four communists who are awaiting capital punishment in jail. Fearing that this would spoil Hitler’s visit, SS leader Footh offers a local bankrupt butcher, Albert Teetjen, 2,000 Marks in order to carry out the verdict. The broke Teetjen agrees and follows suit. When his neighbors hear of the execution, they shun him. His wife cannot tolerate her husband’s deed and puts an end to her life. Eventually, Teetjen also commits suicide.
Length 149 minutes
Actors
Dietmar Mues | Barbara Nüsse | Ulrich Matschoss | Roland Schäfer | Edgar Hoppe | Burghart Klaußner | Christa Siems | Gisela Trowe | Vera Tschechowa