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The script for this true-life crime film by New German Cinema director Reinhard Hauff was written by the criminal, Burkhard Driest and is based on his autobiography of the same title. Driest also stars in the film as Nick Dellmann, a man who leaves prison after serving eight years and launches into writing a novel on his experiences. Everything is looking up for him when a former lover rekindles their romance and helps him get established as a writer. He runs into various characters from the literary and film world, some portrayed by real directors who will be recognized by the "in" film crowd. But then life veers off-course as a former friend from prison shows up and convinces Dellmann to reconsider the quick financial advantages of his old life of blackmail, kidnapping, and theft. Wavering between his new and old persona, Dellmann must make a major decision that will permanently affect his future.