Kings of the Road

Original title: Im Lauf der Zeit

19761976
Not RatedNot Rated
2h 55min

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

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A traveling projection-equipment mechanic works in Western Germany along the East-German border, visiting worn-out theatres. He meets with a depressed young man whose marriage has just broke... Read allA traveling projection-equipment mechanic works in Western Germany along the East-German border, visiting worn-out theatres. He meets with a depressed young man whose marriage has just broken up, and the two decide to travel together.A traveling projection-equipment mechanic works in Western Germany along the East-German border, visiting worn-out theatres. He meets with a depressed young man whose marriage has just broken up, and the two decide to travel together.

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Awards
- 3 wins & 1 nomination

Videos1

Trailer [DE]

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Rüdiger Vogler and Hanns Zischler in Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (1976)

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Near the Eastern borders with West Germany, Bruno, a solitary, permanent citizen of the road and film projection equipment repairman, witnesses the sad sight of a VW beetle car storming straight into the River Elbe. After a while, however, the depressed driver, Robert, instinctively accepts an offer for a lift in Bruno's repair van, and just like that, an impromptu relationship begins. Now, against the backdrop of the German countryside, the new companions find themselves sharing the same need for freedom, visiting dilapidated movie theatres for maintenance, and getting to know each other one small town after another. But, no one knows, or cares, how long is the road that stretches out ahead of them. After all, the only thing that matters is one's commitment to a precious ideal. Have the kings of the road found life's true meaning? —Nick Riganas

existential loneliness germany border travel new german cinema 43 more

Taglines
- Dieser männer bringen was ins rollen.
Genre
- Drama
Certificate
- Not Rated
Parents guide

Trivia
There had basically been no script for the movie. Except for the first scene after the opening credits when the two protagonists meet each other, everything is improvised or developed on set.

Goofs
The VW beetle driven into the Elbe river is not visible anymore when Robert reaches the waterside. Later after Bruno hands over an espresso to Robert, the beetle is shown as finally sinking.

Quotes
Robert Lander: What are you writing?
Little Boy: I'm describing a train station. Everything I see.
Robert Lander: And what do you see?
Little Boy: The tracks, the gravel, the timetable, the sky, the clouds. A man with a suitcase. An empty suitcase!

Crazy credits
Opening credits provide the aspect ratio and other technical specifications of the film to come.

Connections
Featured in Century of Cinema: Die Nacht der Regisseure (1995)

Soundtracks
Just Like Eddie
Written by Geoff Goddard
Performed by Heinz Burt (as Heinz)

Top review

10/10

A quiet beautiful film. Find a very comfortable seat.

This is one of my all time favorite films. I love to sit back and just watch it go by. Every scene is worthy of a still photograph and there is little dialog to interfere with this quiet journey. Wenders seems to know what it's like to travel simply to escape ones current reality. The two main characters establish a friendship with few words, and seem to know inherently that too much talk would ruin the moment. It is a long film that moves slowly, so be prepared and get comfortable. It reminded me of the feeling I get on a long roadtrip when its just good to be anywhere but home.

helpful•24

5

golem
May 5, 1999

Release date
- January 1977 (United States)
Country of origin
- West Germany
Languages
- German
- English
Also known as
- Im Lauf der Zeit
Filming locations
- Künsche, Lüchow, Lower Saxony, Germany
Production companies
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Budget
- DEM 680,000 (estimated)

See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

Runtime
- 2h 55min
Color
- Black and White
Sound mix
- Mono
Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1

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Top Gap

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