Der Springteufel

Most TV movies are instantly forgettable, very similar to many others. Every now and then though there is a picture people will remember, a picture that grabs the audience's attention, and rather surprisingly this is one of those pictures.

Surprisingly, because the lead is played by Dieter Hallervorden, a comic actor whose style one might compare to Jerry Lewis or Gianfranco D'Angelo; his films are mostly known for lowbrow slapstick. But this is not a comedy at all (perhaps of a very very dark kind), it is a rather unpleasant thriller, and 'Didi' plays a rather unpleasant character. Initially the viewer is tempted into thinking that this is one of his usual nerdish but lovable and harmless weirdos but this just hardens the blow to find that he may a nerdish weirdo, but lovable and harmless he certainly ain't. As far as hitch-hikers from hell go, he is clearly up there with Rutger Hauer [The Hitcher] and David Hess [Autostop rosso sangue].

Despite his qualities the film has not been repeated ad infinitum on German TV, presumably because it is rather uncomfortable to watch - stay away from your TV dinner! Still, one viewing ensures that you won't forget this movie. Before I found a VHS copy, I still vividly remembered it 25 years after the initial viewing.