Drei Stunden Güstrow (1994)

December 1981: Helmut Schmidt, chancellor of the FRG, visits the chairman of the state council of the GDR, Erich Honecker. The experiences with the visit of Willy Brandt in Erfurt in 1970 have warned the state leadership: Euphoria for a federal chancellor is out of the question this time. For December 13th, the protocol plans a visit to Güstrow. The Christmas market, the Barlach memorial, and the cathedral of Güstrow are on the agenda. The enormous machinery of the ministry of state security is set into motion in order to ensure the “safety of the guest”. Erich Mielke: “Never before, such a high effort was necessary as here in Güstrow.” People are temporarily arrested, inhabitants placed under house arrest, Stasi employees dressed up as “visitors of the Christmas market”. And like that, the media was supposed to get presented with a favourable image of the GDR. A reconstruction of three hours of state visit to Güstrow.

Director: Michael Krull
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 44 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Cinematography: Karl-Heinz Ebert
Editing: Angelika Sattler
Production: NDR
Country: Germany
Language: Deutsch
Original Language: de

Keywords

eastern germany, political documentary, state visit

More Films by Director: Michael Krull
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drei Stunden Güstrow about?
December 1981: Helmut Schmidt, chancellor of the FRG, visits the chairman of the state council of the GDR, Erich Honecker. The experiences with the visit of Willy Brandt in Erfurt in 1970 have warned the state leadership: Euphoria for a federal chancellor is out of the question this time. For December 13th, the protocol plans a visit to Güstrow. The Christmas market, the Barlach memorial, and the cathedral of Güstrow are on the agenda. The enormous machinery of the ministry of state security is set into motion in order to ensure the “safety of the guest”. Erich Mielke: “Never before, such a high effort was necessary as here in Güstrow.” People are temporarily arrested, inhabitants placed under house arrest, Stasi employees dressed up as “visitors of the Christmas market”. And like that, the media was supposed to get presented with a favourable image of the GDR. A reconstruction of three hours of state visit to Güstrow.
Who directed Drei Stunden Güstrow?
Drei Stunden Güstrow was directed by Michael Krull.
Who stars in Drei Stunden Güstrow?
Drei Stunden Güstrow stars Gunter Schoß.
How long is Drei Stunden Güstrow?
Drei Stunden Güstrow has a runtime of 44m (44 minutes).
What genre is Drei Stunden Güstrow?
Drei Stunden Güstrow is a Documentary film.
Where was Drei Stunden Güstrow produced?
Drei Stunden Güstrow was produced in Germany.