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.
as Dr. Josef Bartok
as Franz-Josef Böhm
as Anna Bartok
as Owen McConnor
as Johann Prantl
as Alfred Koller
as Gustav Sailer
as Barkeeper Willem
as Dr. Swoboda
as Dr. Fink
as Maid Klara
as Fridl
as Policeman Erich
as Chess Player
as Dr. Wouters
as Ship Waiter Harry
as Cook
as Driver Max
as Dr. Auer
as Chess Player
as Officer in Hotel Library
as Seward Claas
as Driver
as Passport Controller at the Port
as Protester
as Waiter at Palais Auersperg
as Gestapo Man
as Gestapo Man
as Gestapo Man
as Pianist at Hotel Metropole
as Officer at Hotel Reception
as Franz-Josef Böhm/Mirko Czentovic
as Gestapo Officer