Watch Wet Asphalt

Wet Asphalt is a 1958 German film that tells the story of an inexperienced journalist, Peter Bille, who gets the opportunity to interview a notorious criminal named Schramm. The film is set in post-war Berlin and provides insight into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by journalists during that time. Horst Buchholz stars as Bille, a young journalist who is eager to make a name for himself in the industry. When he is given the assignment to interview Schramm, he is initially excited at the prospect of creating a sensation. However, he soon realizes that the task is more complicated than he thought.

Schramm is played by Martin Held, who delivers a powerful performance as a complex character. He is a criminal who has been released from prison and is trying to rebuild his life. He is well-spoken and charming, which makes it difficult for Bille to determine whether he is genuinely reformed or simply manipulating the journalist.

Maria Perschy plays Lisa, a woman who becomes romantically involved with Bille. She is also Schramm's former girlfriend, which adds another layer of tension to the story. As Bille becomes more involved in Schramm's life, his relationship with Lisa becomes strained, and he must re-evaluate his priorities.

The film was directed by Frank Wisbar, who masterfully depicts the bleakness and bitterness of post-war Germany. The setting is dark and moody, with stark contrasts between light and shadow. The atmosphere is oppressive, underscored by the crimes committed by Schramm and the corruption inherent in the newspaper industry.

One of the film's strengths is its commentary on the ethics of journalism. Bille is a young journalist who is eager to impress his boss and advance his career. However, he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions when he realizes that his interview with Schramm could potentially ruin the man's life. The film raises important questions about the role of journalists in society and the impact of their reporting on individuals and communities.

Another strength is the film's exploration of human behavior. The characters are complex and flawed, struggling to navigate the complexities of their relationships and their pasts. Schramm is a particularly interesting character, as he is both charming and manipulative. The audience is left to wonder if he is truly reformed or if he is simply using Bille to further his own agenda.

Overall, Wet Asphalt is an engaging and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into post-war Germany and the challenges faced by journalists during that time. Its themes of morality and ethics are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic.

Wet Asphalt is a 1958 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.