Rosenmontag (1955)

In a small German town shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, young Lieutenant Hans Rudloff becomes engaged to Ingeborg Wagner, the extroverted, brunette daughter of the respected Commercial Councillor Wagner. When he meets Anna Krüger, a stunningly beautiful flower girl and the daughter of Heinrich Krüger, an old railway signalman from humble origins, he is smitten. Lieutenant Rudloff falls head over heels for the modest, introverted young woman, setting off a scandal. The young officer is pressured and made to understand that he will jeopardize his career and social standing if he persists in this supposed mésalliance. Even when Rudloff resigns his commission to marry Anna, the intrigues and malice of the people around him against him and his great love do not stop. Over time, society gossip and the ever-present envy begin to gradually undermine his love and trust in Anna. An accusation that she has been unfaithful gives Hans his first doubts, although the claim eventually proves false and turns out to be yet another plot. After returning from his forced transfer, Lieutenant Rudloff arrives back in his hometown and, on Rose Monday, discovers that Anna is merrily enjoying herself amid the general Carnival revelry. Rudloff makes a scene, feeling that his honor has been injured. As the ultimate proof of her faithfulness, Anna is prepared to kill herself. At the last moment, the dashing young officer realizes his mistake and asks his beloved to forgive him for his lack of trust. The two young people can now begin a future together.