Der Ochse von Kulm

On a pasture in Bavaria, an ox frightens members of the American occupying forces. Farmer Alois, the owner of the animal, is sentenced to thirty days in prison for this "political" offense. While Alois begins his sentence, the ox runs riot in the prison yard. No one can tame him, and all the farmers refuse to take the ox into their care. The helpless administration comes up with a crazy solution: Alois must split his person. As inmate Alois, he is assigned to field duty with the livestock owner Alois to supervise the ox, while as livestock owner Alois he has to supervise inmate Alois. The bill he is subsequently presented with for twice the work is enormous.

Directed by Martin Hellberg, Der Ochse von Kulm leans on a strong ensemble — Ferdinand Anton, Lore Frisch, Franz Loskam — 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 drama titles of 1955.