This documentary depicts the tumultuous life of Max Ophüls, as well as his specific film style. His first big success came with the drama Flirtation. However, as a Jew, he wasn't allowed to attend the Berlin premiere in 1933 and was soon forced to emigrate to Paris. When the Nazis drew near again in 1941, he had to flee to the USA where he continued working in film and for the radio. In the early 1950s, he returned to Germany where he made his most famous films.