The Kaiser's Lackey
1951, German. Directed by Wolfgang Staudte.
Diederich Heßling is scared of everything and everyone. But as he grows up, he comes to realize that he has to offer his services to the powers-that-be if he wants to wield power himself. His life motto now runs: bow to those at the top and tread on those below. In this way, he always succeeds: as a student in a duel-fighting student fraternity and as a businessman in a paper factory. He cajoles the obese district administrative president Von Wulkow and wins his favor. He slanders his financial rivals and hatches a plot with the social democrats in the town council. On his honeymoon with his rich wife Guste, he finally finds a chance to do his beloved Kaiser a favor. And when a memorial to the Kaiser is unveiled in the town where Diederich lives and works, he delivers the address. He stands behind the lectern in the pouring rain, saluting his Kaiser. The crowd is dispersed. Everything is laid in ruins...
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Kaiser's Lackey
The Kaiser's Lackey isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online.
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KanopyAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Wolfgang StaudteDirector
- Werner PetersDiederich Heßling
- Paul EsserRegierungspräsident von Wulckow
- Blandine EbingerFrau von Wulckow
- Renate FischerGuste Daimchen
- Carola BraunbockEmmi Heßling
- Emmy BurgMagda Heßling
- Sabine ThalbachAgnes Göppel
- Friedel NowackMrs. Göpel
- Friedrich MaurerGöpel
- Erich NadlerFather Heßling
- Gertrud BergmannMother Heßling
- Ernst LegalZillich
Details
- Released
- 31 August 1951
- Original title
- Der Untertan
- Country
- East Germany
- Written by
- Wolfgang Staudte, Fritz Staudte
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News & fan talk
What The Kaiser's Lackey is based on
The Kaiser's Lackey is based on Der Untertan (1918) by Heinrich Mann.
1918
Der Untertan
By Heinrich Mann
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Kaiser's Lackey: quick answers
Is The Kaiser's Lackey worth watching?
The Kaiser's Lackey doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Kaiser's Lackey?
The Kaiser's Lackey runs 109 minutes (1h 49m).
Does The Kaiser's Lackey have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Kaiser's Lackey. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Kaiser's Lackey parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Kaiser's Lackey yet.
Which OTT platform is The Kaiser's Lackey on?
The Kaiser's Lackey isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Kaiser's Lackey?
If you liked The Kaiser's Lackey, try Wittgenstein, Soul Kitchen, Mary.
Who directed The Kaiser's Lackey?
The Kaiser's Lackey (1951) was directed by Wolfgang Staudte and stars Werner Peters, Paul Esser, Blandine Ebinger.
What is The Kaiser's Lackey based on?
The Kaiser's Lackey is based on Der Untertan (1918) by Heinrich Mann.