Prinz Kuckuck (1919)

The eccentric millionaire Jeremias Kraker once adopted the young Henry Felix. But Henry proves to be unrestrained and wasteful in every way. One day, old Kraker dies, leaving all his possessions to Henry. Kraker’s nephew Carl and niece Berta feel cheated out of their inheritance and are unwilling to accept Kraker’s final wishes without a fight. Instead, they demand their share from “Prince Cuckoo,” who, in their eyes, has made himself at home in the wealthy Krakers’ cozy nest. Carl, in particular, is extremely persistent in asserting his claims against Henry, his cuckoo relation. He feigns friendship and intimacy, becomes Henry’s constant companion, and tries to tempt him into sexual debauchery that is meant to lead him straight to social ruin. When none of his schemes produces the desired result, Carl launches a treacherous attempt on Henry’s life. The attack fails; Carl himself is killed in the process. Henry, meanwhile, returns to his old ways and lavishly squanders his inheritance.