He was soon to become the second most powerful man in Nazi Germany|Oct. 13, 1969|Italy | West Germany|156 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama;Thriller;Violence(Slasher);War;Western
Description: The Damned 1969 is a film set in 1930s Germany, focusing on the Essenbeck family, a wealthy and powerful industrialist clan that begins collaborating with the Nazi Party. The story unfolds during the Reichstag fire in early 1933. Baron Joachim von Essenbeck, the family’s conservative patriarch, represents the old aristocratic Germany and despises Hitler. On his birthday, his grandchildren perform for him: Gunther plays the cello, while Martin stages a drag act, which is interrupted by the news of the Reichstag fire.
Sophie, Martin’s possessive mother and Joachim’s widowed daughter-in-law, has been secretly involved in a long affair with Friedrich Bruckmann, a steelworks executive. Both fear exposure, as Sophie risks disinheritance and Friedrich losing his job. Friedrich is close to Aschenbach, an SS leader who knows Friedrich’s ambitions for the Baron’s title and wealth. The Baron’s will splits control of the company between his unscrupulous nephew Konstantin, an SA officer, and his grandson Martin, who inherits enough shares to influence the company’s future.
Acting on Aschenbach’s suggestion, Friedrich kills Joachim and frames Herbert Thalmann for the crime using Sophie’s handgun. Herbert escapes, leaving his family behind. When Herbert’s wife, Elizabeth, seeks Sophie’s help, Sophie betrays her, declaring that the old Germany is dead and arranging for the Gestapo to arrest Elizabeth and her children.
Aschenbach persuades Friedrich and Martin to halt weapons sales to the SA, aiding the SS in weakening the rival group to secure the support of Germany’s generals for Hitler.
Cast director: Luchino Visconti
Cast actor: Dirk Bogarde, Ingrid Thulin, Helmut Griem, Helmut Berger, Renaud Verley, Umberto Orsini, Reinhard Kolldehoff, Albrecht Schoenhals, Florinda Bolkan, Nora Ricci
Original name: La caduta degli dei