Having acted opposite Fassbinder in Volker Schlondörff’s Baal, Von Trotta was next directed by him for the first time in a bleak noir tale, showcased as a slattern who tumbles for fresh-out-of-prison Harry Baer, though he’s still hung up on old flame Hanna Schygulla (reprising her role from this film’s predecessor Love is Colder than Death). Günther Kaufmann, the writer/director’s real-life lover, makes his feature debut; Fassbinder was soon to marry Ingrid Caven, who plays Magdalena.

In German with English subtitles

Please note: due to a print shipping error, this film will no longer be screening on 35mm.