Synopsis

Kaspar Hauser lives in chains, in a prison of sorts, where he cannot see or speak to anyone. He passes the time playing with a little wooden toy, eating and sleeping.

One day, a stranger pulls him out, teaches him to walk and talk and then leaves him in the middle of a square with a letter in his hand addressed to the authorities, requesting that they take care of the foundling.



After a period of turmoil, Kaspar is taken in by Doctor Daumer, who teaches him to read and write, gives him lessons in music, logic and ethics, and holds long conversations with him, surprised by Kaspar’s extraordinary abilities.

Twice, though, Kaspar is attacked by a stranger, who on the second attempt succeeds in killing him. —Thessaloniki International Film Festival

Cast: Bruno S., Walter Ladengast, Brigitte Mira, Willy Semmelrogge, Michael Kroecher, Hans Musäus, Marcus Weller, Gloria Doer, Volker Prechtel, Florian Fricke

Cannes (In Competition): Grand Prix, FIPRESCI Prize, Prize of the Ecumenical Jury