The Axe of Wandsbek

The Axe of Wandsbek

  • Overview
  • Cast
  • Crew

Status

Released

Release Date

Aug 16, 1982

Runtime

2h 29m

Genres

TV Movie, Drama, War

Original Title

Das Beil von Wandsbek

Production Companies

NDR, WDR

Director

Horst Königstein

Description

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.