Ein Schweizer namens Nötzli

Josef Nötzli is a shy and somewhat awkward man. He has been working as an accountant in a chemical plant in West Berlin for 26 years. But Nötzli originally comes from Switzerland. Nötzli started out as an accountant and remained in this position. Due to a misunderstanding, Nötzli suddenly makes someone else's career. At last, Nötzli is able to put his knowledge and concepts into practice. With his ideas, he quickly steers the badly damaged company back into the profit zone. But it is precisely at this moment that Nötzli's high-flying career comes to an abrupt end: the mysterious misunderstanding comes to light and Nötzli is dismissed from his post, accused of deliberately obtaining a position by fraud. Together with his colleague Neubauer, Nötzli ends up back in the accounts department. Now nothing can keep him in the company. He leaves the chemical plant with his friend Neubauer. But is this farewell final?

Directed by Gustav Ehmck, Ein Schweizer namens Nötzli leans on a strong ensemble — Walter Roderer, Ursela Monn, Julia Biedermann — 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 1988.