Movie spotlight
Der Al Capone von der Pfalz
A highly subjective documentary about the life of “professional criminal“ Bernhard Kimmel, who became a serious criminal as a teenager after the end of the war in 1945 by committing petty crimes with found weapons and made a name for himself as the head of the Palatinate Al-Capone gang in the early 1960s. Peter Fleischmann observed Kimmel between 1970 and 1987, interviewing acquaintances, police officers and repeatedly Kimmel himself, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1985 for the murder of a police officer. The grand design of the long-term observation of a human life itself contributes to the creation of legends and is criminologically and psychologically unfounded.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the picturesque Palatinate region of Germany, a former gangster, Al Capone, lives under an assumed identity, attempting to lead a quiet life. However, his past catches up to him when he gets involved with local politics and a beautiful singer. His attempts to stay out of trouble are comically thwarted by his old habits and the colorful characters of the region.
Critical Reception
This German comedy was a modest success, appreciated for its humorous take on the gangster genre transposed to a rural setting. While not a major critical darling, it found an audience for its lighthearted tone and performances.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unique premise blending crime and rural comedy.
Manfred Krug's performance was highlighted as a strong point.
Seen as a light and entertaining, albeit not particularly profound, German film.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented, but it is generally considered a quirky and amusing German comedy from the late 80s.
Fun Fact
The film is notable for being one of Oskar Roehler's early directorial efforts before he became more widely known for his dramatic films.
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