Feuerreiter

Frankfurt 1796. Recommended by his friend Isaac von Sinclair, who is in love with him, the young poet Friedrich Hölderin becomes a tutor in the home of banker Gontard. Hölderin however, falls madly in love with Susette, the lady of the house. Anxious about the advance of Napoleon’s troops, the banker asks Hölderin to bring his family to Hamburg. When they are obliged to return the two lovers plan to run away together. Mad with jealousy, von Sinclair betrays the couple and they are forced to begin a secret affair. During this time Hölderin writes his finest poetry. The fatal illness and death of Susette will break Hölderin completely. He will live the next 37 years in complete isolation.