Das kalte Herz

Heart of Stone

Film adaptation of Wilhelm Hauff's fairytale. Peter Munk who lives in the Black Forrest falls in love with Lisbeth, a young woman from a wealthy family. Working as a charcoal burner, Peter does not earn a lot of money and therefore does not qualify as a spouse befitting her rank. That is why he strikes a deal with the diabolical Holländer-Michel who promises him social advancement in exchange for Peter's heart. Now, there is a stone in Peter's chest where once was his heart and the young man hardens from the inside. He loses empathy and becomes ruthless and brutal. Although these traits help him to accumulate wealth, Lisbeth turns her back on him. It is only then, that Peter realizes he needs to retrieve his heart from Holländer-Michel to become the person he used to be once again and not to lose the love of his life for good.