Berlin Alexanderplatz — Season 1, Episode 3: A Hammer Blow to the Head Can Injure the Soul

Episode synopsis

Troubled by the dubious nature of Franz's job, Lina introduces him to family friend Otto Lüders, who turns out to be an ex-con he knows from prison, but Franz thinks Otto is good. With him, Franz begins selling shoelaces. In the first apartment, he spends time with a widow whose deceased husband he closely resembles. Later, to Otto, he reports having sex with the widow. Otto visits the widow, expecting the same, but she feels threatened and rejects him. Otto demands money and steals from her. When Franz goes back to the widow, happily expecting another tryst, she slams the door on him. Franz vanishes.

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?
• 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
• E13The Outside and the Inside and the Secret of Fear of the Secret