Tischlein deck dich

Once upon a time, there had been a tailor who sent his three sons out into the world, so that they might find fortune and learn something proper. The oldest went to a carpenter and was gifted a small table at the end of his apprenticeship. It set itself with all kinds of delicacies when ordered to. When he visits a hostelry, however, he gets cheated from the table by the innkeeper. The second son became the apprentice to a miller and received a donkey as a parting gift which could spew gold. But he as well got cheated out of the wages of his apprenticeship by the criminal innkeeper. The third son conveniently received a club as a parting gift from his turner master. Spontaneously, he helps his brothers reclaim what was theirs, and the thievish innkeeper experiences a bad surprise.

Directed by Jürgen von Alten, Tischlein deck dich leans on a strong ensemble — Rolf Bollmann, Hans Elwenspoek, Louise Hinné — 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 1956.