The US military presence in West Germany in the early 50s is opening up a new world, paving the way for a new era of individual freedom, permissiveness and capitalism. This development in the fictitious town of Kaltenstein is the setting for Between Two Worlds, the powerful story of friendship between two women who both strive to create lives for themselves during a time of great change, coming into conflict with the old order: the conservative forces of politics, the Church and society. Confronted with the temptations of the New World, the two unalike women develop in opposing directions, putting their friendship
to the test.
Marie is a farmer’s daughter in the small town. The down-to-earth, dutiful young woman must assume responsibility for the farm and family after the Americans expropriate the Kastners‘ land, and her father falls into melancholy.
Erika is the daughter of the mayor of Kaltenstein. She’s an extroverted woman with a zest for life who sees the presence of the Americans as a blessing. While her best friend Erika welcomes the new world with open arms and enjoys the easy life with the local Americans, Marie eagerly awaits the return of her fiancé (and Erika’s brother) Siegfried, lost in Russia. Gradually, however, she allows herself to be drawn into the maelstrom of freedom. Marie begins to work in the Colonel’s household, becomes enthusiastic about art and literature – and falls in love with George, an American GI.
Erika no longer seems to believe in her brother’s return. Her brazen behavior provokes her parents, who threaten to send her to a convent. Generations and tempers collide.