

"He turned resistance into a game"
1938. While the Nazi troops march into Vienna, the lawyer Josef Bartok hastily tries to escape to the USA with his wife but is arrested by the Gestapo. Bartok remains steadfast and refuses to cooperate with the Gestapo that requires confidential information from him. Thrown into solitary confinement, Bartok is psychologically tormented for months and begins to weaken. However, when he steals an old book about chess it sets him on course to overcome the mental suffering inflicted upon him, until it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Dr. Josef Bartok

Franz-Josef Böhm

Anna Bartok

Owen McConnor

Johann Prantl

Alfred Koller

Gustav Sailer

Barkeeper Willem

Dr. Swoboda

Dr. Fink

Maid Klara

Fridl

Policeman Erich

Chess Player

Dr. Wouters

Ship Waiter Harry

Cook
Driver Max

Dr. Auer

Chess Player
Officer in Hotel Library

Seward Claas

Driver
Passport Controller at the Port
Protester
Waiter at Palais Auersperg
Gestapo Man
Gestapo Man

Gestapo Man
Pianist at Hotel Metropole
Officer at Hotel Reception
Gestapo Officer