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The saga of the fictional Oppermann family had been previously recorded in a theatrical feature before this 1982 TV movie came about. With more time at its disposal, the television version is able to probe further into the hearts and minds of the titular family. Set in the 1930s and 1940s, the plot concerns the effect that the rise of Hitler has upon the various Oppermanns. Director Egon Monk brings the same keen eye for period detail that he invested in his earlier "docudrama" theatrical features. Originally running close to 4 hours, The Oppermann Family has enjoyed its widest American exposure via videocassette.