Brennende Betten (1988)

Gina works for the vehicle inspection authority in Hamburg. Things are rocky in her relationship with her boyfriend, Karl. When he asks her to become his wife, she breaks up with him. While looking for a new apartment, at her first viewing she uses a series of tricks to beat all the other applicants. There she meets Harry, a small, mobility-impaired Englishman from the queue, whom she immediately pretends is her infertile husband in order to convince the landlord that the supposed couple will not have children. Gina gets the apartment, and Harry insists that, in return for his help, he should at least get a room. The two reach an agreement, with Gina resolving to make her roommate want to leave as soon as possible. Harry, who is a pyromaniac, starts several small fires in the apartment during their time living together, but quickly gets them under control. Just as Gina is beginning to accept that she cannot get Harry out of the apartment, he suddenly moves in with a friend. One evening, she sits alone on the bed, lights a cigarette, stares at the flame of the lighter—and holds it to the bedspread. Harry happens to stop by just in time to collect his things. Together they put out the bedroom fire. After that, the two become a couple.