As Director, As Writer
The Zernik Murder Case
1972
5.2
Gerhard Klein
Directing
Birth Date
May 1, 1920
Place of Birth
Berlin, Germany
Date of Death
May 21, 1970
Biography
Gerhard Klein was a German film director and screenwriter, notable for his contributions to East German cinema. A native Berliner, Klein's work often reflected his deep connection to the city. During World War II, he was arrested for participating in the resistance against the National Socialists. After the war, he began his career as a cartoonist and documentary filmmaker. In 1952, he joined the DEFA Studio for Feature Films, where he was instrumental in establishing the production of children's films. Klein's notable works include A Berlin Romance (1956), Berlin – Ecke Schönhauser (1957), and The Gleiwitz Case (1961). His films often explored social issues and the lives of young people in post-war Berlin, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of East German cinema.
