AllMovie

In this fictionalized version of the sensational Marie Bachmeier case of the early 1980s, Marianne Grunwald (Bachmeier), played by Gudrun Landgrebe wears tight clothing and revealing blouses and occupies center stage from beginning to end. Director Burkhard Driest has placed his female star, rising in West Germany at this time, on the crest of the story. The drama opens with Marianne, her 7-year-old daughter Anna, and Marianne's live-in companion in their home in the country. Marianne has just sold a bar and has a little money to spend before she eventually buys a new place in the city -- which she does, and when the bar opens it is very popular because of Marianne's obvious physical appeal. But her personal life is not ideal, and her lover has talked about leaving. Meanwhile, a doctor and his wife want to adopt Anna. Marianne finally agrees to the adoption, and just as the couple are about to start the legal process, Anna disappears. Her strangled and sexually abused body was found later, with the accused criminal (Klaus Grabowski in real life) captured soon thereafter. Marianne is again the focus at the end of the movie, when the courtroom proceedings are set in motion and she pulls out her handgun, making a decision that will change her life forever. For some viewers, this version of Marie Bachmeier's story will trivialize the human tragedy at the core of the events, placing more emphasis on an actress' physical attributes than a mother's anguish.