The Axe of Wandsbek (1982)
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.
Director: Horst Königstein
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Dietmar Mues as Hans Peter Footh, Reeder |
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Barbara Nüsse as Annette Koldewey |
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Ulrich Matschoss as Dr. Koldewey, Gefängnisdirektor |
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Roland Schäfer as Schlachter Teetjen |
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Edgar Hoppe as Herr Lehmke |
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Burghart Klaußner as Laberdan, Wünschelrutengänger |
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Christa Siems as Doligkeit |
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Gisela Trowe as Kostümverleiherin |
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Vera Tschechowa as Fräulein Blüthe |
| Directing | Horst Königstein | Director |
| Writing | Arnold Zweig | Novel |
| Writing | Horst Königstein | Writer |
| Writing | Heinrich Breloer | Writer |
