Asphalt

Marion Austerlitz is a stubborn person, much to the chagrin of her husband, Dr. Fritz Austerlitz. There's constantly some kind of excitement going on in their house: this time, Marion takes in a barking dog, much against the wishes of her husband; that time she's harrasses the old servant; then countless traffic tickets from the police come in the mail; or high bills for extravagant huts are delivered by the mailman. Finally, Fritz blows a fuse. In the presence of his friend, Professor Endres, and Marion's mother, a big fight breaks out between the couple.

On a windswept country road outside Berlin, commuters have waited 25 weeks under a sign promising a new bus shelter. VEB engineer Schulz vows to escalate their plight, but bureaucrat Engerling stalls for more “expert opinions.” When residents seize matters into their own hands and build the shelter themselves, Dr. Wirth finally grants the permit, only for Engerling to claim credit at the official unveiling.