The birth of a cult series

In the fall of 1974, a decade-long success story began on the West German television station ZDF: The crime series DERRICK with Horst TAPPERT and GERMAN FILM AWARD winner Fritz WEPPER (in 1964 he was awarded for KENNWORD: REIHER) thrilled people with its first episodes and also became an international sensation incredible best seller. The first three episodes are also absolutely great and feature first-class film stars from the past in the leading roles.

In the first episode, WALDWEG, Wolfgang Kieling (HITCHCOCK star in TORN CURTAIN) shines, and in the third, entitled FOUNDATION FESTIVAL (directed by the great Helmut Käutner (ACADEMY AWARD nomination in 1957 for THE CAPTAIN OF KÖPENICK)) Siegfried Lowitz.

But the second episode called JOHANNA takes the cake. In the title role, the fantastic world star Lilli Palmer (1914-1986 / GOLDEN GLOBE nominations for BUT NOT FOR ME, 1960 and PETER THE GREAT, 1987) impresses in a role about which one should not say too much for the sake of suspense. Helmuth LOHNER (The Wirtshaus im Spessart) and the enchanting Helga ANDERS (Girls: With Violence) can be seen at her side.

Still worth a look!!!

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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Derrick has a good suspect for a woman's murder. But the man must give himself away or confess, otherwise there's no proof against him.

Lilli Palmer and Fritz Wepper in Derrick (1974)

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Geiselgasteig, Grünwald, Bavaria, Germany

Johanna

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