Zobel (Götz George) and Karl (Christian Redl) are a long term gay couple who live together in a mobile trailer home with Lizzie (Jeanette Hain), Zobel's spunky daughter from a heterosexual misadventure. Together these three form a travelling trio of thieves who make a living as pickpockets. The relationship of Zobel and Karl has become stale, and Lizzi stands between the two men who have been father and mother to her. Team chemistry sours when Karl decides to live a more conventional and comfortable lifestyle. Because of an accident, Karl becomes unable to work, forcing Zobel and Lizzie to find a new partner. Lizzie recruits bi-sexual Rudolf (Felix Eitner), a boyishly charming misfit. Reluctantly, Zobel allows Rudolf to join them but warns him to never break the golden rule: "No exchanging of bodily fluids within the team." This dictum becomes increasingly difficult to live by as Lizzie's desires and Zobel's own passions toward Rudolf intensify. Both father and daughter have a strong sexual interest in Rudolf. Eventually, the golden rule is broken by Lizzie, then again by Zobel (unknown to Lizzie). An intricate love triangle soon develops among the three that is shaped by deception, desire, and betrayal. Lizzi leaves, accusing Dad of using her to procure younger men.The film resolves by the trio adjusting to this way of life in a fairly amicable manner, their love-triangle having been worked out.
Because all the characters are totally immoral without any conscience, it's difficult to sympathize with these pickpockets. Basically this film is a German update of "The Grifters", a sexually ambiguous family of thieves who don't trust anyone, not even themselves. Viewers have a wide range of opinons about "Das Trio". Some think it is a funny drama, others think it is boring, or they are put off by the immorality. As usual, many object to the German language with subtitles. There are a few brief scenes of full frontal male nudity. Niki Reiser composed the music score. Horst Johann Sczerba and Volker Einrauch wrote the screenplay. Hermine Huntgeburth directed.
