Taking Sides - Der Fall Furtwängler

Summary

Germany, after the end of World War II. During the process of denazification US-major Steve Arnold has to cross-examine the legendary German conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler. The Americans want to make an example of his case, as Furtwängler, instead of seeking exile abroad, had continually worked on his career even after Hitler came to power. According to Steve Arnold the conductor has become partly responsible for the nazi crimes. Furtwängler however regards himself merely as an artist and vehemently denies any involvement in the political events. There are several witnesses in favor of the conductor, but Arnold is determined not to be talked out of is belief that Furtwängler was a collaborateur. So the striving interrogations become more and more a personal crusade of Arnold, seething with hatred against "Adolf's Bandleader". Even Arnold's assistant, a young jew of German origin, and the woman that takes down the minutes and whose father had been executed for high treason by the nazis, are shocked at the unscrupulous methods of the American. Finally an informer delivers alleged "explosive" informations to Arnold about Furtwänglers political attitudes…

Source: Filmfestival goEast 2002