Drei Töchter - Armer Vater (1977)

On his 65th birthday, Richard Gorbacher wants to change something in his life and decides to adopt his former colleagues Eva, Marion, and Renate. He explains that he feels sorry for the young women and wants to be there for them as a father now that he will have time. The women turn down his offer in bewilderment, which irritates Gorbacher a little, since he hadn’t expected that. Nevertheless, they feel honored, and Marion is the first to reverse her hasty decision. She likes having someone who is there for her and whom she can ask for advice, especially now that she is pregnant and unsure whether she should marry her fiancé now or wait until later. Renate also changes her mind after realizing at home that no one is waiting for her because her husband is away for a longer stretch again. Renate does, however, make a few demands. As her father, he would have to make a little more effort with his appearance. Shortly afterward, Eva gets in touch too. She is the oldest and most level-headed of the three. She, too, has realized that she acted hastily. Given her cool, proud nature, she finds it difficult to let another person into her life. But she would make an exception for Richard Gorbacher as a fatherly friend who seems to know her deep down. Eight weeks later, Richard has not only a daughter living with him, but a grandchild as well. Marion’s boyfriend has just broken up with her, so fatherly advice is once again much in demand. Richard also has his hands full with his other parental duties: to put Renate’s marriage back on track, he has pretended to be her lover, which has driven Renate’s husband back into her arms. Eva puts the greatest strain on him, however, since he constantly has to go out with her and attend one cultural event after another. Eva has blossomed since then, having previously lived in her husband’s shadow. According to his three daughters’ latest plans, Richard would have no goals of his own left, so he decides to put a stop to it: if he can mend his “daughters’” relationships, he’ll have more time for himself again. So he simply talks to his daughters’ partners and arranges a meeting for the three couples. He also arranges a place of their own for Renate and her Jürgen. The women gladly accept the offer and enjoy the breath of fresh air Richard has brought into their relationships. Richard, too, enjoys his newfound freedom, though secretly he hopes the three of them will soon come back to him.