Wallenstein (1987)

"Wallenstein" is about the late career and assassination of Albrecht von Wallenstein, who was the commander-in-chief of the armies of the Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II, during the 30-years' War, 1618 to 1648. Freidrich Schiller completed the cycle of three dramas from which this production derives in 1799. The story begins in the middle of the War, when Wallenstein is bivouacked in what is now the Czech Republic, and debating his loyalty to the Emperor or to himself. He considers resigning. But is the Emperor loyal to Him? Wallenstein would prefer to make peace. He is, however, surrounded by spies and turncoats, and some of them, loyal to the emperor, capture one of the Commander's dispatch riders and discover his plans. At this point, it becomes clear that Wallenstein is in danger of being betrayed to the Emperor, and that comes to pass.