The young Friedrich Schiller begins his life as a poet with a dramatic escape. After the sensational success of his first drama "The Robbers", he deserts from the Duke's army. At the Mannheim Court and National Theatre, he initially receives a friendly reception, but his new play "Fiesko" is not well received by the artistic director Dalberg. In the successful actor and author August Wilhelm Iffland, Schiller finds a strong competitor for the position of in-house playwright and vies with him for the love of the same woman. The young poet's situation becomes increasingly precarious; he has no money, suffers from hunger and falls seriously ill. Nevertheless, he works feverishly for recognition and success with no regard for his own health.

• DirectorMartin Weinhart
• Release29 April 2005
• GenreDrama
• Duration1h 30m
• Budget?
• Revenue?
• Rate
  

  4.7
  7 reviews
• Productions

  ARTE, Bavaria Film, BR, ARD Degeto, Maran Film, MDR, SWR, ARD