Original subtitles

Subtitle: Norddeutscher Rundfunk 2024.

Actually, you have to start differently.

The bureaucracy, the offices, the files.

Where did he get all that from? The Dr. Kafka from Prague?

Why did he know it so well?

Up so early?

Business trip.

I wrote all night long. Again?

Just that I just didn't write.

Didn't write all night.

But didn't you sleep? Neither.

When do you actually sleep? I do not sleep.

Where are you driving to? Aussig, then Gablonz.

You have to sleep sometimes, Franz.

I can only write at night. Otherwise there is no time.

What's going on here? - Franz is going on a business trip.

Well, it won't hurt, also some work to do.

Father, I am very tired.

Just eat properly

and don't doodle half the night on paper.

If only it were half the night.

Kafka!

Kafka.

Such a joy.

Mr. Werfel.

Your transformation. My God!

My God, my God. Kafka! The transformation.

What have you done? What were you doing there?

Yes, it was a difficult time.

They are so pure.

New.

Independent.

Completed.

One would have to deal with you, as if they were already dead.

As if you were already immortal. Already dead?

There was no such thing before - not in all of world literature.

We all have to stop, you to treat like a fellow human being.

Where are you going?

Leipzig. To our publisher. She? Aussig.

Yes, why is that? Business trip.

Then we're on the same train. Yes. Nice.

I'm traveling first class.

Third.

Oh.

For Prague officials Accident insurance company.

We drive always on business trips...

If we pay up, we have to bear it ourselves.

Understand.

Have a good trip then, dear Kafka. You wonderful person.

Bon Voyage.

Dr. Kafka was good in his job.

You probably have to start with that.

Did you expect that?

As soon as a case was even a little complicated,

he was entrusted with it.

The classification of the company my client by the authorities

is incomprehensible.

Dr. Kafka.

Excuse me.

The classification is based on the hazard table.

Could you speak louder?

Is based on the hazard table and can be understood by everyone.

The moment that determines the danger Weaving lies in the machinery.

The material determines the machine.

Come to us only wool looms were used.

There is no danger in the operation increasing fast cotton loom.

The type of looms has an influence on the risk of accidents.

It is alone the determining factor.

That doesn't entitle us to to ignore regulations.

If a company cotton processed,

is he to be classified in hazard class 2.

The danger depends on the looms.

Mr. Rath.

The company is a cotton and semi-wool weaving.

In order to address the objections, he was

to the lowest danger percentage 7 registered.

Class 2 is that what we contest.

This appeal was from the Lieutenancy

and at the ministry negative decision.

The legislator gives no leeway here.

Dr. Kafka, maybe an agreement would be possible.

Nobody wants unity anymore

as the general one Workers' Compensation Insurance.

But the product determines the danger class.

Congratulations on the well-deserved victory. Do you have time for lunch?

There are dumplings at the Skränker.

Sorry, but I have one Afternoon appointment in Gablonz.

If you don't know these dumplings, weren't you in Aussig?

The correct filling of the questionnaire

is in the interest of the institution.

But also in the interests of the manufacturers,

so in your interest.

Oh really? Absolutely.

It has now and then Misunderstandings...

Now and then!

Due to inadequate filling of the questionnaires...

The questionnaires are inadequate!

Is a more common broadcast the same is necessary,

so that the institution Can assess hazard classes.

Our institution strives to a good relationship between them

and the members of the... The forced members!

Gentlemen.

Gentlemen, I understand your objections.

I will address any complaints submit to the management.

It had it didn't start well at all.

When formally admitted it was common

that the young gentlemen expressed their thanks addressed to the President.

It is a special honor for me

accident insurance from now on in the conceit position

all my labor to provide.

He was, let's put it bluntly, stopped through protection.

The president's son was a classmate.

Thank you, young man.

I hope you prove yourself worthy of the institution.

It will be my entire aspiration, Dear Mr. President.

Dr. Jehlek.

Dear Doctor Director, I'm honoured,

the... accident to work.

My work force to provide.

To be worthy of the greatest honor. - Thank you, young man.

We also hope that you...

Thanks.

Dr. Kafka.

Excuse me.

I ask very much for an apology.

Excuse me.

It's also mine...

He was hired anyway.

And he got promoted.

Have you seen? He invoked title 323.

The regulations are clear, he said.

When cotton is processed,

we have a corresponding one classification to be carried out.

But then he looked stupid the gentleman lawyer.

He couldn't think of anything else!

If a case can be won at all,

then Kafka will win him.

And in Gablonz...

Even the newspaper wrote about him.

"Speaker spread at first

about the obligation to have accident insurance in general

and then discussed the one small commercial motor companies,

especially the belt works."

Classic.

“The number of complaints is large

about the classification into the danger classes.

And yet here I will on the part of the institution

"with the utmost conscientiousness proceeded."

Hear hear!

I would have liked to have been there.

Colleague.

If I may allow myself, I

had during my vacation again...

How nice. Give it to me.

Only if you have time Colleague. I ask you.

There is always time for poems.

And me

then would also have something in return.

"About the meter in Goethe's late work

using Pandora as an example."

I can't stop doing that.

Your lecture in front of the Goethe Society

is still available to everyone in strong memory.

This is just pure hobby.

I wonder, what the Dr. Kafka is currently doing.

He wasn't in the office today.

Apparently he's up too exhausted from the business trip.

Maybe he's writing.

His novella, The Judgment, That excited me to an extent

and disturbed that I did it difficult to describe.

Such a strange mood.

And this man is sitting next door, I thought while reading.

That's incredible.

Did you know, that he is a factory owner?

No! Well, if I tell you. An asbestos factory.

He does it all casually, this devil.

I can really imagine like him right now

sitting at the desk at home and listens to his visions.

I see it in front of me.

Sometimes he paces up and down.

Sometimes he pauses.

Then another idea hits him and the pen flies across the paper.

If only you could be there.

Invisible.

Looking over his shoulder.

Then you would maybe understand.

The riddle of the poet genius.

The secret of creativity.

Yes.

(The most devoted one permits thus join the laudable board

the polite request for comprehensive regulation

his salary ratios submit to

and to make the request:

They want his classification to the first salary level

the third class to 3600 crowns.

Doctor! I would have again wrote a story.

Actually? If you had time. I am very busy.

Here, a transcript. But it can take time.

You stayed until 2:30 p.m.

But you too. Very diligent.

Good morning, Dr. Kafka. Good morning, Dr. Quitschke.

Good morning, Dr. Kafka. Good morning, Mr. Jehlek.

Ah very good.

Sit down.

They wanted to speak to me Mr. Director Marschner?

Yes, dear Kafka.

Urgent.

Is it because of... Is it my letter?

Your letter? Oh no, that's already done.

You'll get your raise.

They would have long ago can ask for it.

In full height?

No.

Oh right.

They asked for very little. Asked for.

Demanded, requested.

600 crowns. That was too modest.

We have allowed ourselves To increase your salary by 750.

But... You can also ask for more.

Request. All you have to do is write. An input is required.

I can you the approvals in advance...

No, doctor, it's already...

Anytime, dear Kafka. Any time really.

Thank you.

Now what it's all about, Doctor:

We urgently need your opinion in a complicated matter.

Automobiles.

Please.

The thing is:

We need private automobiles

into compulsory insurance to include.

The legal situation regarding this is terribly vague.

For example, it says in.

Reich Law Gazette dated August 9, 1908

about liability for damages the operation of motor vehicles:

Accidents that occur during races or the preparation for it,

are basically accidents.

But not accidents in the sense an accident insurance law.

There must be an insurance benefit be provided,

but what this should look like the...

A company.

How?

What if we every motor vehicle as a company in the sense

of the Accident Insurance Act determine?

Mmm.

Regarding the chauffeur

could be the regular danger table come into application.

Also in vehicles, that guide their owners.

That would be one with yourself employed driver.

So that would normally be a Entrepreneur with one employee:

The driver, the chauffeur.

Yes now.

I knew, They won't let us down.

However, doctor...

Yes?

It doesn't work.

What do we do with pedestrians?

At accidents Pedestrians are also injured.

You could practically do the pedestrians as an employee of the company

in accordance with the law...

Doctor, that's not possible. Why not?

The motorists would challenge the regulation.

A pedestrian cannot become an employee,

just because he himself near a car.

That's right. Well, whatever.

There will be have a regulation found,

like you did in your lecture mentioned in Gablonz.

Dr. Marschner, it was a failure!

But what? Nonsense!

The manufacturers shouted me down.

Against this hostility is difficult to arrive.

I'm not the right person for this.

The resilience of entrepreneurs is strong, I am skinny.

But now for something completely different, that I care more about.

If I may.

"On the meter in Goethe Late work using the example of Pandora."

Only if you have time for it could be unnecessary.

As a layman like me

is one's opinion instructed by an expert.

I am by no means an expert. Always so humble.

My knowledge of Goethe are humble, not me.

No one who knows your writings would agree with that.

You don't write like you without a deep knowledge of Goethe.

Hm!

The trial in Aussig.

Sorry about that other side into recourse...

That was to be expected.

I could have done better should argue.

You're fighting a losing battle clinched a victory.

Of course the man was right.

The danger percentage may not depend on the product,

but from the machine.

They fought heroically.

Doctor.

One... One moment, please.

Can I ask you for something?

You might want to read this?

Only if you have time.

I don't know, that's just...

Only if you have time. And there's no rush at all.

My rhymes are not important. All that matters is that you write.

Everything else is secondary.

Gladly.

You have visitors, doctor. Oh no. Not bad.

You will see.

Oblovka.

Automobile.

Also automobile. But not the same?

- No. - I don't know him.

I'm too fast driven in a horse-drawn carriage.

It's simply impossible Always drive 15 kilometers per hour.

Not impossible, necessary.

Just imagine

if all at 30 kilometers per hour.

The human head is not made for that.

Just a moment, please.

The Prague Circle is here.

Stop it with that stupid Prague circle.

In your book call us that, if necessary.

But not when I'm there.

And how was it in the province? Terrible. It was cold.

I was yelled at. Someone threw something.

Something hard? Paper. Much? It was enough for me.

This office is eating me up. It robs me of all strength.

How should I among these Write in mindless circumstances?

You would have time in the afternoon. You're free then.

You don't take any files home with you.

I can only write at night, but then I would have to sleep,

to be able to work in the morning.

The work is so big, so much. Not that much either.

My actual work: The writing.

He works in the post office and writes book after book.

True. The post office doesn't stop him.

I just finished the last chapter finished - in the office.

I'll start tomorrow with the new novel.

I, on the other hand, don't go to the office.

Be happy. I should be happy that I'm blind?

Except you don't have to go to the office.

I give to tone-deaf people Piano lessons. That is better?

This is actually better.

That's what the editor says, who only writes what he enjoys.

Business trip?

Not this time.

Berlin.

What are you doing in Berlin?

Kafka?

That's them.

I guess.

How wonderful, that you were able to come to Berlin.

I'm Robert Musil.

I have often asked myself whether it was right to become an editor.

You know, that I actually write.

I've often asked myself that,

until I see your transformation got on the table.

Now I know: I'm sitting here for you.

Consider the Neue Rundschau as your organ for everything,

what you do in art want to see enforced.

Above all, yourself. Myself?

I'll take you in the Neue Rundschau.

A whole number for your story, and what else will it say?

There will be nothing in it. You, nothing else.

Then everyone will understand. Nothing?

You have to go to Berlin. I am. Move to Berlin.

Don't hesitate, otherwise it will suddenly be too late.

Are you happy in Prague? No.

Don't just say yes. I said no.

My work is suffocating me. Yes, you see.

Come to the capital. You have friends here.

I promise.

Once your narrative was in the review,

you will be established.

You get orders, you write!

I give you my connections, which are considerable.

Don't say no too quickly. I wanted to say yes.

I've wanted to quit for a long time.

I want to live for writing. And from writing.

I have money saved for half a year.

When your transformation was in the review,

you don't need half a year.

I don't know what to say. Do not say anything.

Just keep writing.

Who is as good as you, it will be discovered at some point.

He breaks through. The whole world is listening to this.

A while can she close herself,

but then no more.

And that's how it happened.

The whole world.

But only later, because they came before still the last days of humanity.

The end of all things, the really big break.

Everyone, everyone, everyone seem to welcome it.

Cheering in the street. Flowers in guns.

“Kill them” shouts on the tram. I don't recognize the city.

Rilke writes an enthusiastic poem.

Hofmannsthal is full of the joy of war.

I understand it: We are right, they are wrong.

God punish England.

Please, let him do it but straight to the weapons?

In modern times we shoot not just each other.

We can do it together too into the cabin.

Way too narrow.

Why don't you say anything?

The war you can't be indifferent.

What can I say? The ultimatum to Serbia?

The disgraceful behavior the Entente?

The cowardice of England?

Yes. Yes.

That's all?

No.

No?

In a way

it is a confrontation between culture and civilization.

And even if the future belongs to civilization,

that's what I say...

On the other hand, I think none of that matters.

You can't just shoot like mercenaries in their thirties.

Or, Franz?

What do you think?

Franz?

Do you hear me, Franz?

The first cripple is already waiting, Doctor.

Good day.

Mmm.

Mmm.

Can you help me?

Yes we can.

I was a turner.

But what should I do now...

What should I do now?

We can for all cripples Pay subsidies for retraining.

I have a list of professions, that come into question.

"Chemical industry:

Men without arms or feet can clerks,

Be a gatekeeper or wagon master."

"Roofer:

Leg defects or deformities disqualify,

"but not arm defects."

I would like to train as a roofer in question?

Roofer?

Probably not. I understand.

"Färber, missing an arm or Forearm makes unusable..."

"Artificial foot with stilt - also not usable."

"Barbers, shavers and wig maker.

People are still to be used in the absence of the little finger

or an eye, provided the second eye is healthy."

"disfigurement of the face, also wearing eye glasses,

entails occupational disability.

Because the sight of injured people hairdresser's assistants kept customers away."

This is really what it says here.

Maybe take this with you. Read it through.

Are you married?

No.

I wanted to, but...

It probably won't work.

Nonsense.

You can still get married. You're not seriously injured.

They are retraining.

Everything will be back on track. You will see.

Excuse me, but I don't know what that is.

But I know it. We can help you with that.

We're collecting money for a specialized sanatorium.

Don't worry, sir...

Kralicek.

Don't worry, Mr. Kralicek.

It is going to be all right.

It will.

Please.

Just a moment, please.

Connect me with Dr. Marschner.

Mr Director,

You have to as soon as possible Find a replacement for me.

I'll get in touch.

Yes, that's what I mean.

I volunteer and go to the front.

Mr Director?

Mr Director?

Yes, please?

Kafka!

Nice, your voice...

I'm sorry, that the move won't work.

Berlin would have been glorious we would have prepared the ground for you.

We would have rolled the red carpet, as far as a carpet can roll.

And now this Martian nonsense and the borders... Please?

They have WHAT?

Did they dare to do that?

Shorten the transformation - by a third?

That's what these idiots did... Of course not.

You have to say no. Categorically.

Then there is no transformation in the Rundschau.

No, I can't do anything about it anymore. I've already packed my things.

I'm going to the front tomorrow.

And you?

Are you driving too?

Oh right.

Oh.

Oh yes?

Oh.

I'm sorry for that.

Where...

Maybe it's better that way.

Someone like you must not be shot.

Someone like me actually not either.

Let's see how it goes.

Goodbye.

Maybe we'll see each other again.

Goodbye.

There is nothing that can be done, dear Kafka.

Really nothing. We are very sorry.

You can't forbid me... But.

Can we. You are here completely indispensable.

Important for functioning our institution.

So we had to notify the ministry.

They are banned from military service.

In my input...

Everything has already been decided. To great regret.

From whom?

From... us.

Dear doctor, We would love to allow you to do so.

It is important to us, to accommodate your wishes.

But unfortunately it doesn't work. You stay here with us, Kafka.

Are you okay? It's okay, Mr. Director.

Could you my request again...

Why then? What do you want in war?

Such a fine, kind person like you are.

That doesn't suit you at all.

I can do it like that not even imagine.

While marching. Or crawling in the dirt.

In the trenches, with the bayonet.

This is not for you. I have to protest.

Your protest becomes natural taken on file.

And from the months, where the war doesn't want to end,

will be years.

And there are always more Dead and injured.

Almost all Bohemian injured

walk through Dr.'s office Kafka in workers' compensation insurance.

Because also a war injury is an accident at work

within the meaning of the law.

Good morning, doctor.

Jiri?

Doctor.

They drafted me.

Not everyone is vital to the war effort.

Mr Worzalek, I have read your submission.

Retraining to become a dental technician We are not allowed to subsidize it.

"Dental technician - must have both hands,

can but have artificial legs."

But your hands...

I have both hands. But you're missing four fingers.

But I have both hands.

In accordance with the law one hand has five fingers.

Where is that?

If you are committed to the profession of the dental technician,

it must be clear to you, that...

There would be others too.

It says:

"Photographers, retouchers or Copyists can use individual fingers..."

I have both hands!

You have to me approve this grant.

I approve...

Really?

I...

- Is he awake? - You see it!

Did you really just say that? "You see it"?

Franz? You almost died.

41 degree fever!

You name it now the Spanish flu.

Without Ottla, your parents and care day and night

we would have lost you.

Max was usually here too. Not worth mentioning.

My God, Franz, we were so scared.

Your new passport.

- You are Czech now. - We all!

My boss got kicked out because he doesn't speak Czech.

In insurance Something similar happens.

Marschner and Pfohl are retired. You are Czech now.

A new time begins.

Franz, I have your novel read again.

With completely new eyes.

That's almost prophetic, like you...

Franz?

Franz!

By letter.

Breathe deeply.

Deeper.

A little deeper still.

Keep breathing.

Yes!

Everything is not like that...

Spanish flu You've survived, haven't you?

But

bronchial tip catarrh, it stays.

Especially when...

But, I mean:

Chicken soup with dumplings.

Gargle daily.

And especially

gargle.

Gargle.

The lungs are yes the most important of the organs.

From cough medicine drink a quarter a day

before breakfast, then it's right back...

It won't be that easy.

Says who?

We are a little a hypochondriac, huh?

Yes, Dr. Millstone.

But I also recognize one Tuberculosis when I see it.

But how do you recognize?

Look, there are many different,

but also things in the lungs, which was quite...

Have read up a bit in the library?

Are we an expert now?

I wouldn't dare to call myself an expert.

I'm a doctor and have been for... I tell you:

Yes, I was a member in the state tuberculosis committee.

I probably have seen more tuberculosis sufferers

than many others.

Doctor Kafka.

I've known you for a long time.

I wished, I would be half as healthy as you.

Let's go home.

Eat well.

Get your strength back.

They will still be us tear up the trees.

She!

They'll bury us all.

Doctor,

please greet me Your Mr. Father.

Such a lovely person.

- Yes, who else? - Yes.

And?

What did the millstone say? - The millstone is a good doctor.

He speaks loudly.

He says there's nothing wrong with me. I have to eat well, he says.

Then everything will be okay again. Eat well!

He said I will him and bury you all.

Yes, definitely me. The millstone. The old millstone!

Where he is right, he is right.

You'll take me to the grave.

Eat.

Copyright subtitles: NDR 2024