Berlin Alexanderplatz — Season 1, Episode 14: My Dream of the Dream of Franz Biberkopf by Alfred Döblin, An Epilogue

Episode synopsis

In a fantasy sequence, Franz walks along a street of the dead with two angels. He finds Mieze, but she disappears from his arms. Reinhold is in prison for the crimes committed by a man whose identity he has acquired. He is anguished that his cellmate and lover is being released. Franz is taken to an asylum. Much of the rest of the episode takes place in his imagination. Franz's being run over by the car is re-enacted with different characters taking on the roles of victim and driver. In a striking sequence, Franz and Mieze are treated like animals being slaughtered in an abattoir. On a nativity set, Franz is raised on a cross as the other characters watch. An atom bomb goes off in the background and the angels clear the dead. The surreal imagery ceases suddenly and Franz is at Reinhold's trial testifying to his good character. Reinhold is sentenced to ten years for manslaughter.

About Berlin Alexanderplatz

In late 1920s Berlin, Franz Biberkopf is released from prison and vows to go straight. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in the city’s criminal underworld.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Punishment Begins
• E2How Is One to Live If One Doesn’t Want to Die?
• E3A Hammer Blow to the Head Can Injure the Soul
• E4A Handful of People in the Depths of Silence
• E5A Grim Reaper with Powers from Almighty God
• E6Love Has Its Price
• E7Remember—An Oath Can Be Amputated
• E8The Sun Warms the Skin, But Burns It Sometimes Too
• E9About the Eternities Between the Many and the Few
• E10Loneliness Tears Cracks of Madness Even in Walls
• E11Knowledge Is Power and the Early Bird Catches the Worm
• E12The Serpent in the Soul of the Serpent