A TV Talk Show turns Deadly

The plot thickens when Persico, a disheveled but charismatic woman in her mid-40s, is found dead in a studio restroom during a TV talk show. She was scheduled to confront Florsheim, a celebrated author and socialite, on the topic of “dropouts.” Detectives Roiter and Zorowski initially suspect Dizzi, the show’s talent scout, believing he and Persico were involved in a shady deal. The circumstances surrounding Persico’s death immediately raise red flags, suggesting a motive far beyond a simple argument.

Unraveling the Victim’s Secrets

As the investigation progresses, Roiter and zorowski discover that Persico was living a double life. Far from being a homeless person, she maintained a permanent residence and possessed a refined taste for Asian art.A recurring image of a phoenix-shaped jewelry amulet piques their interest. Experts estimate the original piece’s value at a staggering half a million dollars, hinting at a past far more lucrative and hazardous than her current appearance suggests.

Echoes of the Past: Stasi Art Smuggling

The detectives’ investigation leads them to a dark period in Germany’s recent history. Persico, whose real name was Lamberz, along with Florsheim and a Dr. Hassler, were involved in illicit activities. They exploited a Stasi-run art buisness,targeting valuable private art collections owned by East German citizens. These stolen artworks were than sold to the West in exchange for foreign currency, lining the pockets of those involved while devastating the cultural heritage of a nation. This ancient context adds layers of complexity to the murder, suggesting that old sins may have resurfaced.

The illegal trade of art during the Cold War was a meaningful issue, with estimates suggesting that millions of dollars worth of art were smuggled out of East Germany. This illicit activity not only deprived the country of its cultural treasures but also funded the Stasi’s operations.

Rediscovering a Classic: Winfried Glatzeder’s legacy

rbb Television is re-airing this classic crime drama, “The Phoenix Deal,” in a technically enhanced version, coinciding with the 80th birthday of Winfried Glatzeder, the actor who portrayed Commissioner Roiter. This remastered broadcast offers a new generation the chance to experience a compelling story that blends crime, history, and the enduring allure of valuable art.

Cast and Crew

• Main commissioner Roiter: Winfried Glatzeder
• Assistant Zorowski: Robinson Reichel
• Dizzi: Rainer Strecker
• Persico: Arno Wyzniewski
• Susi: katja Woywood
• dr. Hassel: Hans-Peter hallwachs
• Florsheim: michael Gwisdek
• Brandwain: Tilo Prückner
• Editor: Judith Engel
• Music: Arno Fisser
• camera: Arthur W. Ahrweiler
• Writer: Frank Grützbach
• Director: Peter Keglevic