© 2026 The Couch Critic
Status
Released
Release
1960
Runtime
1h 42m
No streaming, rental, or purchase options are currently listed in US.
Werner von Basil, a Austrian intellectual, was captured by the Nazis in 1938. They want to break him to confess smuggling. Without any mental sustenance, the only thing left to keep his mind busy is an old tactics book for chess.
17 Cast Members
Curd Jürgens
Werner von Basil
Claire Bloom
Irene Andreny
Hansjörg Felmy
Hans Berger
Mario Adorf
Mirko Centowic
Hans Söhnker
Bishop Ambrosse
Rudolf Forster
Hotelmanager
Jan Hendriks
First Officer
Albert Lieven
Hartmann
Dietmar Schönherr
Rabbi
Wolfgang Wahl
Mondgesicht
Albert Bessler
Scientist
Alan Gifford
Mac Iver
Harald Maresch
Ballet Master
Karl Stepanek
Baranow
Dorothea Wieck
Countess (uncredited)
Rijk de Gooyer
Secretary (uncredited)
Susanne Körber-Harlan
Young Woman (uncredited)
