Where to Watch Der Untertan (1951) in the US

What it's about

Diederich Heßling is scared of everything and everyone. But as he grows up, he comes to realize that he has to offer his services to the powers-that-be if he wants to wield power himself. His life motto now runs: bow to those at the top and tread on those below. In this way, he always succeeds: as a student in a duel-fighting student fraternity and as a businessman in a paper factory. He cajoles the obese district administrative president Von Wulkow and wins his favor. He slanders his financial rivals and hatches a plot with the social democrats in the town council. On his honeymoon with his rich wife Guste, he finally finds a chance to do his beloved Kaiser a favor. And when a memorial to the Kaiser is unveiled in the town where Diederich lives and works, he delivers the address. He stands behind the lectern in the pouring rain, saluting his Kaiser. The crowd is dispersed. Everything is laid in ruins...

Cast and crew

Director

Wolfgang Staudte

Writer

Heinrich Mann, Fritz Staudte, Wolfgang Staudte

Starring

Werner Peters, Paul Esser, Renate Fischer

Details

Release date

Aug 31, 1951

Language

German, French

Country

East Germany

Where to Watch Der Untertan (1951) in the US — common questions

Where to watch Der Untertan in the United States?

Der Untertan is available free with a participating library card in the United States. Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy.

Can I stream Der Untertan or do I have to rent it in the United States?

We have not confirmed a subscription, rental, or purchase option for Der Untertan in the United States.

Can I watch Der Untertan for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy.