The Pedestrian (German: Der Fußgänger) is a 1973 film directed by Maximilian Schell. It is about the trial of an elderly war criminal. The film was a co-production between companies in Germany, Switzerland and Israel; the movie was distributed in the United States by Cinerama Releasing Corporation.
Contents
Plot
A tabloid newspaper is investigating the life of industrialist and state parliament member Heinz Alfred Giese, following a car accident that resulted in the death of his son Andreas. Although a case for negligent homicide was dropped due to evidence that Andreas had interfered with the steering wheel, Giese's driver's license was revoked, and he was sentenced to traffic lessons. Sensing a scandal, the tabloid delves into Giese's past.
The newspaper surveils Giese, documenting his activities such as a visit to the Natural History Museum with his grandson, rendezvous with his lover, and attendance at a class. They covertly follow him, photographing his movements, waiting outside his house, and even breaking in to steal a picture from his youth. Suspicions arise regarding Giese's involvement in the wartime liquidation of a Greek village. However, incriminating photos are inconclusive, leaving doubts about Giese's direct participation.
Despite lacking concrete evidence, the newspaper publishes an article insinuating Giese's connection to the massacre, sparking public outrage. Riots erupt outside Giese's company, with him being labeled a "murderer." Giese obtains a defamation injunction, but faces further scrutiny on a televised discussion where his silence is interpreted as guilt. The newspaper also suggests a link between Andreas' death and a potential dispute over Giese's past.
Returning home, Giese confides in his son Hubert, urging to leave the past behind and avoid being tainted by his family's history.
Cast
Gustav Rudolf Sellner - Heinz Alfred Giese
In alphabetical order:
Peggy Ashcroft - Lady Gray
Gertrud Bald - Henriette Markowitz
Elisabeth Bergner - Frau Lilienthal
Lil Dagover - Frau Eschenlohr
Käthe Haack - Frau von Rautenfeld
Peter Hall - Rudolf Hartmann
Ruth Hausmeister - Inge Marie Giese
Dagmar Hirtz - Elke Giese
Johanna Hofer - Frau Bergedorf
Silvia Hürlimann - Hilde
Christian Kohlund - Erwin Gotz
Walter Kohut - Dr. Rolf Meineke
Alexander May - Alexander Markowitz
Herbert Mensching - Reporter
Peter Moland - Reporter
Françoise Rosay - Madame Dechamps
Maximilian Schell - Andreas Giese
Margarete Schell Noé - Frau Buchmann
Norbert Schiller - Himself
Walter Schmidinger - Policeman
Franz Seitz - Dr. Karl Peters
Awards
The Pedestrian won the 1974 Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language.
The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 46th Academy Awards. It was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film by the U.S. National Board of Review.