When a young teen (Marian Seidowsky) at a boys' boarding school is caught stealing by an older co-pupil, a cruel form of blackmail begins, the latter telling the former he must do whatever he wants or risk expulsion. Torless (Mathieu Carriere), fifteen or so, is a member of the "in-crowd," is often allowed to witness the torture of the thief, but despite his often sympathetic feelings, the lad finds it difficult to interfere, is much more interested in analyzing the actions than bringing them to a stop. Might he find his answers before his victimized peer meets his fate? A rare, intriguing psychological study. Directed by Volker Schlondorff.

Warning (rated NR): violence; adult themes; sexual themes; profanity.

1966; aka Der junge Torless, Les Desarrois de l'eleue Torless; in German with English subtitles (Note: the subtitles are small and white and are at times a bit difficult to read); 87 minutes; Note: this is not the best print, although it is certainly watchable; anticipate a grainy texture, some small tracking glitches and a couple of brief blackouts; Mathieu Carriere, Marian Seidowsky, Alfred Dietz, Bernd Tischer, Lotte Ledl, Barbara Steele.