Emmi Kurowski, a cleaning lady, is lonely in her old age. Her husband died years ago, and her grown children offer little companionship. One night she goes to a bar frequented by Arab immigrants and strikes up a friendship with middle-aged mechanic Ali. Their relationship soon develops into something more, and Emmi's family and neighbors criticize their spontaneous marriage. Soon Emmi and Ali are forced to confront their own insecurities about their future.

Cast & crew

Rainer Werner Fassbinder

Director

Brigitte Mira

Emmi Kurowski

El Hedi ben Salem

Ali

Irm Hermann

Krista

Barbara Valentin

Barbara

Elma Karlowa

Mrs. Kargus

A

Anita Bucher

Mrs. Ellis

Gusti Kreissl

Paula

Doris Mattes

Mrs. Angermayer

Margit Symo

Hedwig

Katharina Herberg

Bardame

Lilo Pempeit

Mrs. Munchmeyer

Walter Sedlmayr

Mr. Angermayer

Rainer Werner Fassbinder

Eugen

Karl Scheydt

Albert

Peter Gauhe

Bruno

Marquard Bohm

Gruber

Hark Bohm

Doctor

Kurt Raab

Car Mechanic