The Kaiser's Lackey

Overview

Diederich Heßling, a man paralyzed by fear, discovers that aligning with the powerful is his ticket to success. Embracing a philosophy of subservience to the elite and oppression of those beneath him, he navigates his way through life. From a student in a fierce fraternity to a cunning businessman in a paper factory, he ingratiates himself with the corpulent district president, Von Wulkow, while undermining competitors. During his honeymoon with wealthy Guste, he seizes an opportunity to honor the Kaiser. Yet, as he delivers a speech at the Kaiser’s memorial, a storm descends, signaling chaos ahead.