Peterle und die Weihnachtsgans Auguste

Peterle throws snow from the sidewalk into the open window of his sisters' room and is made to come inside immediately by his mother. Meanwhile, his father buys a goose at the Christmas market and brings it home to the delight of the children, who pet and love it. Peterle does not rest until "Guste", as he calls her, is allowed to sleep in his room, as he thinks she is freezing in the cellar. The children and their parents have become so accustomed to the animal that their father cannot bring himself to slaughter "Guste". His attempt to sedate her with sleeping pills beforehand does not have the desired effect either. The plucked goose wakes up in the fridge. Her mother gives her a knitted suit for Christmas. Peterle now proudly takes his "Guste" for a walk, to the amazement of passers-by.

Directed by Rainer Simon, Peterle und die Weihnachtsgans Auguste leans on a strong ensemble — Barbara Adolph, Siegfried Kilian, Nico Turoff — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about family titles of 1964.