The Damned (1969)

In the tumultuous aftermath of World War I and the ensuing depression, the Von Essenbeck family's power and fortune remain unscathed, a testament to their resilience. As 1934 dawns, the family's imposing patriarch, the baron, orchestrates a dinner gathering that sees the arrival of a cousin rising within the ranks of the burgeoning Nazi party and an ambitious manager from the baron's industrial empire. Amidst the tense undercurrents of the dinner, two innocent girls, oblivious to the changing world, recite poetry and engage in a game of hide-and-seek with their cousin Martin. The night, however, veers into chaos when a scream echoes through the grand hallways - the baron has been shot with their father's gun, forcing him to flee the country. Simultaneously, the film takes a deep dive into the early days of Nazi Germany, painting a vivid picture of a noble family grappling with the daunting shift from democracy to dictatorship. This transition is powerfully depicted through the lives of the Von Essenbeck family, whose influence extends beyond their lineage to a thriving German industrial firm. The narrative ingeniously weaves the family's evolving relationship with Adolf Hitler - from initial resentment, to reluctant acceptance, and ultimately, a willing embrace. "The Damned" (1969) is a sweeping tale of power, betrayal, and the corrosive influence of political change, steeped in the rich tapestry of a nation on the brink of a new era. This masterful cinematic portrayal invites viewers into a world where the personal and political collide with inescapable force.

The Damned is a drama movie featuring Dirk Bogarde and directed by Luchino Visconti.

The Damned is currently streaming on TCM.