Der Tod zu Basel

Mysterious deaths are occurring in Basel: people are dying out of the blue in public with no apparent cause of death. The coroner, Professor Rüegg, the cantonal doctor Zäslin, and politicians are at a loss and becoming fearful. There are even serious considerations to cancel the upcoming carnival. Rüegg's assistant Andreas Zinstag, who is also dealing with the deaths, lives with his uncle, Jean-Jacques Zinstag, a retired doctor. The latter begins to take an interest in the mysterious deaths. Among his friends, Zinstag develops the theory that people are not dying from a specific disease, but from "death" itself. The Grim Reaper himself is making his presence felt in Basel, as he once did in the Dance of Death.

Directed by Urs Odermatt, Der Tod zu Basel leans on a strong ensemble — Günter Lamprecht, Dietmar Schönherr, Wolfram Berger — 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 1992.