Der rote Henker

France in the first half of the 17th century, at the time of the Duke and all-powerful Cardinal Richelieu. The courtesan Marion Delorme falls in love with the nobleman Didier de Lassigny, although she is still with another nobleman at the time, the Marquis de Saverny. Marion then leaves the Marquis. This leads to a duel between the two aristocratic gentlemen, although duels were strictly forbidden in these circles by Richelieu. When this becomes known, Didier is put in chains and sentenced to death. Marion sacrifices herself for the sake of her new love, but the sacrifice is in vain. Didier, who refused to flee, is finally beheaded by order of the "red executioner" Richelieu.

Directed by Rudolf Biebrach, Der rote Henker leans on a strong ensemble — Ellen Richter, Ernst Hofmann, Emil Rameau — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1920.