Das Riesenrad (1961)

The story chronicles a wealthy, aristocratic Viennese family over three generations: from the final years of the Habsburg Empire, through the First Republic and Austria’s annexation under Hitler, to the early postwar period. The giant Ferris wheel in Vienna’s Prater, which gives the film its title, is a meeting place and focal point for decisive events and encounters in the protagonists’ lives. It also symbolizes the one thing that remained constant over many decades of the turbulent 20th century. Rudolf von Hill is considered the black sheep of a dynasty of watchmakers. He is wounded while serving as an officer in the First World War. Even so, a promising future lies ahead of him. He takes over the factory from his father and marries Elisabeth, the young daughter of a bookseller. The turbulent 1920s leave their mark on the von Hills, too. When Elisabeth goes too far and gives in to her appetite for pleasure, their marriage enters a crisis, which the two nevertheless manage to overcome. In 1940, the von Hills suffer a devastating blow: they lose their only son. When the Second World War ends, Elisabeth dies of leukemia, and their daughter Gisela, newly married, leaves for America. Rudolf is left alone and soon feels lonely and abandoned. Then, one day, a decisive turn comes in his life, and someone else will carry on his work. Sitting on the Ferris wheel and lost in memories, Rudolf dies with a beatific smile on his face.