A Jewish ghetto in the east of Europe, 1944. By coincidence, Jakob Heym eavesdrops on a German radio broadcast announcing the Soviet Army is making slow by steady progress towards central Europe. In order to keep his companion in misfortune, Mischa, from risking his life for a few potatoes, he tells him what he heard and announces that he is in possession of a radio - in the ghetto a crime punishable by death. It doesn't take long for word of Jakob's secret to spread - suddenly, there is new hope and something to live for - and so Jakob finds himself in the uncomforting position of having to come up with more and more stories.

The original screenplay was rejected by the East German production company DEFA. Author Jurek Becker published it as a novel, which became a huge success, prompting DEFA to reconsider.

Rosa Frankfurter:
[playing checkers with her dad] You take ages to make a move.


Frankfurter:
You want to win by rushing me, or by playing better?


Rosa Frankfurter:
You're winning.


Frankfurter:
By thinking.


Rosa Frankfurter:
Each game lasts at least 2 hours.


Frankfurter:
Better to win one than lose 5 time.

[he finally makes a move, his Rosa too]


Frankfurter:
No, you'll lose your last checker.

[she makes another move]


Frankfurter:
Wrong move.


Rosa Frankfurter:
What can I do?


Frankfurter:
Nothing

[he smiles]


Frankfurter:
Another game?


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