Life in the barracks, drill, harassment, and private Asch′s pranks are the ingredients of Hans Hellmut Kirst′s successful novel "08/15" (the number of an Army regulation). Shortly before the outbreak of World War II: Private Asch and gunner Vierbein belong to the same unit but could not be more contrary. The instructors use every opportunity to bully the clumsy Vierbein with erratic corporal Platzek leading the way. The harassment starts with minor extra duties but soon the methods become more and more brutal. Finally, Asch comes to Vierbein′s help and takes on his superiors. Joachim Fuchsberger stars in his first major role.
Acting
Fuchsberger's breakthrough — charm and mischief in uniform.
Production
Authentic Wehrmacht barracks recreated with documentary precision.
Director
Paul May
Joachim Fuchsberger
Gefreiter Asch
Helen Vita
Lore Schulz
Paul Bösiger
Kanonier Vierbein
Eva Ingeborg Scholz
Elisabeth Asch-Freitag
Hans Christian Blech
Wachtmeister Platzek
Wilfried Seyferth
Major Luschke
Mario Adorf
Wagner
Peter Carsten
Stabsgefreiter Kowalski
Reinhard Glemnitz
Unteroffizier Lindenberg
Wolfgang Wahl
Unteroffizier Schwitzke
Harry Hardt
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
'08/15' became German slang for 'standard issue' or 'mediocre' — this film weaponized bureaucratic numbness into cultural critique.
Kirst's novel was banned by the Bundeswehr until 1956; the film's production required negotiating with actual military bases for equipment.
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