The Total Family
1981, German. Directed by Ernst Schmidt Jr..
Baron Childerich III of Bartenbruch considers himself to be a descendant of the Merovingian dynasty and he has drawn up a chart of marriages and adoptions which show that he is his own father, grandfather, father-in-law, and son-in-law. He aims at achieving the "total family" based on one man. He persuades his french relative, Pippin, to help him. But the latter lets him down and breaks up the family... Among those who belong to the (surrounding) world of the Baron are Dr. Döblinger, a writer, who has formed a band of muggers and Professor Horn, a psychiatrist, who quiets his patients by leading them on nose rings and beating them up... Family satire with numerous personal and literary allusions based on the novel of the Austrian writer, Heimito von Doderer.
- Runtime
- 1h 26m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Total Family
The Total Family isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 16 October 1981.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 16 October 1981
- Original title
- Die totale Familie
- Country
- Austria
- Written by
- Günther Janicek, Ernst Schmidt Jr.
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News & fan talk
What The Total Family is based on
The Total Family is based on The Merowingians (novel) (1962) by Heimito von Doderer.
1962
The Merowingians (novel)
By Heimito von Doderer
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Total Family: quick answers
Is The Total Family worth watching?
The Total Family doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Total Family?
The Total Family runs 86 minutes (1h 26m).
Does The Total Family have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Total Family. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Total Family parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Total Family yet.
Which OTT platform is The Total Family on?
The Total Family isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 16 October 1981. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Total Family?
If you liked The Total Family, try Beethoven, The Phoenician Scheme, The Boys from Brazil.
Who directed The Total Family?
The Total Family (1981) was directed by Ernst Schmidt Jr. and stars Armin Akermann, John D. Weiler, Franz West.
What is The Total Family based on?
The Total Family is based on The Merowingians (novel) (1962) by Heimito von Doderer.