- Heino Ferch's fascination with the figure in question.
Fans had to wait three years for a new film in the beloved "Allmen" series. The fifth installment, titled "Allmen and the Secret of the Koi," debuted in March 2021 and shattered viewership records with 4.86 million viewers. On August 24 (8:15 PM), ARD will air another thrilling adventure of the suave playboy Johann Friedrich von Allmen in "Allmen and the Secret of the Koi."
In the latest installment of the series, based on the novels by top-selling author Martin Suter (76), the entire narrative unfolds on Tenerife, rather than Zurich. For Heino Ferch (61), who embodies the lead role of the dandy detective, this was an "extraordinary pleasure." He discusses further changes in store for fans in an interview with news agency Spot on News.
With "Allmen and the Secret of the Koi," the fifth film in the series is now airing. How much do you relish slipping into the role of the dandy detective?
Heino Ferch: It's always a joy from the outset to work with Allmen. I eagerly await the first scripts and Martin Rauhaus's brilliant dialogues. And in this case, the wardrobe is also incredible, as we have a summer movie instead of the usual Zurich-based storyline. So it was a special pleasure and great anticipation for the five weeks on Tenerife.
Apart from filming on Tenerife, did you also find time to explore the island?
Ferch: With daily shooting, there's no time to explore the island personally. However, the film beautifully captures the incredible atmosphere and breathtaking locations where we shot. In the villas on the cliffs and other exquisite locations, such as at the peak of Teide, the blend of the storyline, the carefree feeling, and our scenes was truly enjoyable. Otherwise, it was a packed schedule.
Besides the setting, what other changes can fans expect in the new film?
Ferch: This time around, Martin Suter envisioned a vacation trip for Jojo to invite Allmen to, in hopes of giving both of them a breather from their tumultuous relationship. However, due to a series of events, Allmen gets blackmailed soon after arriving on the island and must confront a case. As a result, the story unravels in an unexpected way. Jojo's character and significance in the investigation are also more prominent.
It seems that things are getting serious between Allmen and his partner Jojo Hirt?
Ferch: Yes. When Jojo picks up Allmen upon arrival, she suggests they take a week off, a break. Allmen must ultimately accept this as well.
Which aspects of your role do you envy?
Ferch: I admire Allmen's "Anything Goes Attitude," his impeccable sense of style regardless of economic circumstances, his precision with food and wine. None of us would contact our London tailor if we were financially strapped and order an expensive suit. But Allmen does just that because he trusts that everything will work out in the end. I greatly respect this quality in the character.
Over the years, you've portrayed a range of characters, including criminal psychologist Richard Brock, Commissioner Simon Kessler, special investigator Ingo Thiel, and the bon vivant Johann Friedrich von Allmen. Do you enjoy reprising the same character multiple times?
Ferch: Yes, I do enjoy it a lot. Playing the same character from different perspectives provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into their complexities. And with Allmen, who I genuinely enjoy playing, the character grows and evolves as well. New themes emerge, and authors allow the characters to develop, making it enjoyable to continue interacting with them.
Heino Ferch mentioned that working on the fifth installment of the "Allmen" series on Tenerife was an "extraordinary pleasure" for him, as it was a summer movie instead of the usual Zurich-based storyline, which was a special treat (First sentence). In an interview with Spot on News, Ferch also discussed how Martin Suter envisioned a vacation trip for Jojo to invite Allmen to, providing both characters with a break, but things quickly took an unexpected turn when Allmen got blackmailed upon arrival (Second sentence).
