Das Stacheltier - Endstation Kanal

Children's book illustrator Müller-Olbernhau has a secure livelihood in East Berlin. He and his wife Brigitte, who is very impressed by the "western glamor", are visited by Uncle Rüdiger Lorenz from the Rhine. Under their influence, he moves to West Germany, also annoyed by the publishing house and because, according to his wife, he lacks "pizzazz". There he was asked to illustrate comics with violent and cruel depictions for a Frankfurt publisher. He witnesses arguments between three other graphic artists and the publishing house manager. When he asks one of them, Hertwig, who is no longer "playing along", what he is doing now, he is told that he is going to a "real children's book publisher" in East Berlin. Brigitte is astonished: "Isn't that where we just came from?" As she looks at Leo in surprise, he writes on her forehead in lipstick: "That's it."

Directed by Richard Groschopp, Das Stacheltier - Endstation Kanal leans on a strong ensemble — Ursula Dücker, Willy Krause, Ruth-Maria Kubitschek — 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 comedy titles of 1956.