Filmaufbau

First part of two of the saga of the troubled Buddenbrook family and their business in mid 19th century Germany.

Meant to be a diatribe against yellow journalism and current social ills, this weakly limned drama by Josef von Baky features a reporter who works for one of the tabloid papers. The reporter digs up dirt on the past life of a local hotel owner, and wanting to take full advantage of the muck, he strings out his revelations in a series of perjorative, damning articles on the man. The result of this campaign turns out to be much worse than simply ruining the hotel owner's reputation.

Story of heavy drinking poet Dichter Albert, who being worn out by much younger Fanny. At the same time Elise, the writer's wife, tries to capture the young Beau Fabrizio, who shows no interest in her.

A young man and woman meet on a bridge, both about to commit suicide by jumping into the river, and recount to each other their experiences.