The television of the GDR (Fernsehen der DDR) produced this mini in 3 episodes about the life of Leutnant Martin who arrives in his new block of East-Berlin, called 'Schwanenkietz'. At first he is not happy with his moving into this area but soon he gets acquainted with all the inhabitants and their own stories. He falls in love with the teacher Karin Lindau who has her own troubles with the high school students. He supports former criminal Eule in finding a new job in the building brigade and tracks down Eule's pal Tatze who always lands in jail and won't learn a lesson. Jürgen Zartmann portrays the title role of the 'ABV' (Abschnittsbevollmächtigter) and there are more lovable characteractors from the GDR. Still in black and white we get a very atmospheric view of the 'other' Germany. Here the Volkspolizei is featured as they really were: the helping hand of the Republic, always in action to secure the safety of the people. Throughout the series we learn about the true nature of a socialist state and the blessings of this non-materialist country. A must-see for everybody who wants to see how happy life was in the GDR!
