Der gläserne Turm (1957)

The elegant Katja Fleming lives as if in a gilded cage. Her husband is industrial magnate Robert Fleming, a typical product of the Wirtschaftswunder years under Konrad Adenauer. He expects nothing from his wife except that she look beautiful and be a good wife to him. Fleming is a domineering man, accustomed to having his wishes obeyed, and regards his wife merely as a presentable accessory. But a life of hollow luxury has long since ceased to be enough for Katja. The former stage actress wants a life of her own, too—to finally pursue and fulfill the dreams she once gave up for her husband. The make-believe world of excess that Robert has created around her weighs on her ever more heavily and threatens to suffocate her. Robert cannot understand Katja’s growing discontent at all and rules like a patriarch. Then one day, in the form of John Lawrence, Katja’s salvation appears. Lawrence is not only attractive and sophisticated, but also a writer—an artist, like Katja. Inspired by the young author, who encourages her to rediscover and use her talent, Katja decides to return to the theater. Soon Katja Fleming is back on stage rehearsing, much to Robert’s displeasure. He leaves no stone unturned in trying to put every possible obstacle in the way of her return to her former profession. The actress realizes that she has no future at Robert’s side, especially as she is on the verge of falling in love with John. Fleming is not willing to let his wife simply walk away; he considers Katja his property. And he is not at all particular about the means he uses to keep her. When Katja tries to leave him, Robert attempts to kill the new couple and himself with poisoned vermouth. But the attempt fails, and only Robert dies. Katja is then accused of deliberately killing her husband. A trial follows, and the evidence against her is overwhelming. Nevertheless, thanks to testimony from Fleming’s servant Karl Blume and a tape recording, Katja Fleming is ultimately acquitted. At last, she can put the past behind her and begin a new life at John’s side.