Arquivo

Based on a book by Austrian writer Heimito von Doderer (1896-1966), this film is set in Vienna, one of the world centers for trade, industry, and culture at the start of the twentieth century. Robert Clayton has just returned from England bent on setting up a business in machinery on the banks of the Danube. The firm prospers and when his son Donald is of age, Robert makes him one of the partners in the business. In the board of directors, the Claytons can rely on trustworthy Josef Chwostik. Seen thus, this would seem a perfect, organized world with the men furthering their careers, improving on their business connections, and enticing new women... all of this in the greatest discretion and refinement with no room for scandal. And so until a woman comes on the scene - seductive, voluble - Monica Bachler, who is to add a considerable dose of thrill and instability into the controlled day-to-day life of the Clayton family.