Trace of Stones

Spur der Steine

Based on Erik Neutsch's novel of the same title, TRACE OF STONES is a complex political drama blended with an at times comic triangular love story.

Foreman Balla is the self-proclaimed king of a massive construction site. His co-workers stick close to him, like musketeers, as long as he makes sure they are paid. But things stop running smoothly when materials get scarce and two newcomers arrive on the site: Kati, a young engineer, and Werner Horrath, the new Party Secretary. Balla's swaggering, reminiscent of Hollywood gunslingers, melts away as he realizes he is in love with Kati.

Arguably the most important DEFA film of the 1960s, TRACE OF STONES was censored and shelved by East German officials for 25 years following its release.

Winner of a FIPRESCI Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.