Nach dem Gesetz (1919)

The journalist Sonja Waler meets the doctor Albert Holm through her brother, Erich, who is also a doctor, and her fiancé Arthur, who is also a journalist. Holm is developing a serum that promises to cure lupus. But without the necessary funding, he will probably never be able to bring it to market, as there is not enough money to manufacture and distribute it. Sonja is impressed by the doctor and does everything she can to raise the funds he needs. Her efforts come to nothing, so Sonja resorts to a desperate act: she strangles the despicable loan shark Heere and robs him of all his money. She gives the money to Holm, who can now complete his development of the serum. When the loan shark’s murder is discovered, Sonja’s conscience begins to trouble her, and she turns herself in. A sensational trial follows, ending with Sonja’s conviction. Before she has to spend four years behind bars, she makes a statement in the courtroom with her head held high: “Under the law I am guilty, but I feel free.”