The Sudden Wealth of the Poor People of Kombach

The Sudden Wealth of the Poor People of Kombach (Der plötzliche Reichtum der armen Leute von Kombach) is a film d'auteur from 1971 directed by Volker Schlöndorff. He also co-wrote the script with Margarethe von Trotta. The film was based on a true event that occurred in the Hessian Hinterland in the 19th century.

Plot
On 19 May 1822, eight poor farmers and day laborers from Kombach in the Hessian Hinterland succeed in robbing a money transport that runs from Gladenbach to Gießen every month. Their good fortune, however, does not last, as their sudden wealth is soon treated with suspicion.

Cast

 * Georg Lehn: Hans Jacob Geiz
 * Reinhard Hauff: Heinrich Geiz
 * Karl-Joseph Cramer: Jacob Geiz
 * Wolfgang Bächler: David Briel
 * Harald Müller: Johann Soldan
 * Margarethe von Trotta: Sophie
 * Joe Hembus: Writer
 * Walter Buschhoff: Driver
 * Maria Donnerstag: Frau Geiz
 * Angelika Hillebrecht: Johanna Soldan
 * Harry Owen: Ludwig Acker
 * Wilhelm Grasshoff: Richter Danz
 * Eva Pampuch: Gänseliesel
 * Rainer Werner Fassbinder: Farmer
 * Karl-Heinz Merz: Landschütz Volk

Background
The film is based on the Mail Robbery of Subach (de). Schlöndorff, who grew up in Wiesbaden, used many references to his childhood in Hesse, including shooting at difference locations in Hesse, using Hessian actors, and referencing Hessian authors.

Awards
1971: Deutscher Filmpreis - Best Direction

1971: San Sebastián International Film Festival - OCIC Award