Freispruch mangels Beweises

The democratic Munich journalist and editor-in-chief of the "Südkurier" newspaper, Alexander Steinhorst, has reached the pinnacle of social reputation and private wealth. He can rent a theater for his son and women are at his feet. He then takes the liberty of publishing a newspaper with revelations about the dubious sources of the CSU election fund. CSU lawyer Dr. Fabricius sets a photographer on Steinhorst's private life to bring him down. He is charged with "fornication with addicts", but is acquitted due to a lack of evidence. Steinhorst, however, is ruined socially. Friends and colleagues turn their backs on him out of fear for their own careers and his assets are confiscated. Steinhorst commits suicide.

Directed by Richard Groschopp, Freispruch mangels Beweises leans on a strong ensemble — Erich Gerberding, Herwart Grosse, Lissy Tempelhof — 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 1962.