1951 West German romantic drama film
The Sinner () is a 1951 West German romantic drama film directed by Willi Forst, starring Hildegard Knef, Gustav Fröhlich and Änne Bruck. It was shot at the Bendestorf Studios and on location in Naples, Rome, and Positano. The film's sets were designed by the art director Franz Schroedter. Upon its release, it attracted significant attention, drawing two million viewers within the first three weeks, largely due to its controversial nature. However, after it became a less contentious subject, interest waned, and in the long run, it was not a financial success.
The film represented a major shift for the director, Forst, who had previously been known for escapist works such as "Operette" and "Vienna Blood", which avoided controversial themes and embraced romanticized settings. "The Sinner" departed from this tradition by adopting a realist perspective, addressing taboo subjects like prostitution and euthanasia, which challenged the moral sensitivities of post-war West German society.
Plot.
It is a poignant love story of Marina, a prostitute, and Alexander, an ailing artist suffering from cancer that leaves him blind and debilitated. The couple experiences a fleeting period of happiness in Italy, but as Alexander's condition worsens, their deep love compels them to make the heartbreaking decision to end their lives together.
Controversy.
Through its presentation of nudity, suicide, and euthanasia, the film’s debut sparked widespread contention in the tumultuous social climate of 1950s West Germany. Amid the focus on denazification and rebuilding, the public lacked a clear moral identity. Due to this dynamic, politicians and the Roman Catholic Church reacted negatively to the film, viewing it as exacerbating the already fragile moral fabric. During its initial screening in Regensburg, Catholic clergy opposing the film fomented riots, and screenings were disrupted by stink bombs, forcing the mayor to halt the screening due to a “threat to public health.” The widespread opposition culminated in unsuccessful calls for a ban of the film, which paradoxically gave it a prominent place in German film history. Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, "The Sinner" marked a turning point in Hildegard Knef’s career, after which she appeared in notable films such as the American-produced "Decision Before Dawn" and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro".
Notes and references.
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