A Friendship in Vienna 1988

Drama

History

Runtime

98 mins

Language

English

Directed by

John Cameron Mitchell

Made by

Finnegan/Pinchuk Productions

Test your knowledge of A Friendship in Vienna with our quiz!

A Friendship in Vienna Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for A Friendship in Vienna (1988). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Set in 1938 Austria, just before and during the Anschluss, the film follows two 13-year-old best friends, Lise Mueller, [Kamie Harper], and Inge Dournenvald, [Jenny Lewis], as they navigate a country on the edge of radical change. Lise is Catholic while Inge is Jewish, and their friendship becomes a quiet, stubborn pull against the growing pressure around them. Their families are caught in the tides of power: Lise’s father is a Nazi sympathizer who travels back and forth to Germany to ready for the impending union, dragging his wife along and pulling his eldest son into the regime’s orbit. In contrast, Inge’s father, Franz Dournenvald, [Stephen Macht], refuses to believe that Hitler would actually annex Austria, even as old family warnings—delivered by Grandfather Oskar Reikman, [Ed Asner]—start to feel more like a premonition than a memory.

As the Nazi grip tightens, the regime’s brutal policies begin to reshape daily life. Jewish teachers are purged from public schools, books with non-Aryan characters are burned, and Jewish men are humiliated publicly as part of a broader campaign to erase Jewish presence from everyday society. The school uniform and seating charts become instruments of exclusion, pushing Jewish students to the back of classrooms and carving out a segregated space in a world that should have room for both girls. When Lise defies her father’s demand to stay away from Inge and instead sits beside her, she pays a painful price as her father strikes out in anger, a stark reminder of how fragile their friendship has become in a climate that rewards conformity and punishes defiance.

As the pressure intensifies, the characters face logistical and existential challenges that threaten their future. Oskar Reikman, the girls’ grandfather, manages to secure a visa for Yugoslavia and leaves, while Hannah Dournenvald, [Jane Alexander], Lise’s mother, loses her job under what the regime calls “needed cutbacks,” a euphemism for the Aryanization campaigns that aim to push Jews out of public life. Franz, Inge’s father, weighs the danger of his daughter’s friendship against his own fear of public disgrace, even as he admits that the burgeoning Nazi power could endanger their family entirely. The plot thickens when a fellow servant, Gustl, [Jeff Kizer], pressures the family with a false accusation of improper behavior involving their Aryan maid, Mitzi, promising to drop the claim only if they pay him a steep sum—ten thousand schillings—which they simply cannot afford.

To escape the mounting peril, the family looks toward emigration, but it’s not a simple path. The Yugoslav consul requires baptismal proof dating back to 1936, a rule the Dournenvalds cannot easily satisfy. They seek help from Father Bernard, a cautious priest at the cathedral, who questions the legal and spiritual implications of such a ceremony. Yet Inge reveals a practical, if risky, path: baptism could unlock the visas they need to leave. Lise’s resolute push persuades Father Bernard that their lives depend on the act, and a covert, hurried ceremony is carried out. With the rite completed, the Dourenvalds receive their visas, gather what little they can carry, and board a train leaving Austria behind—still pursued by Gustl and his crew.

Before departing, they say goodbye to Mitzi, the maid who remains loyal to their family despite the perilous laws, and Inge gives Lise a golden Jewish star as a tangible reminder of what they are leaving behind and what they are fleeing from. The journey is fraught with tension, fear, and the constant reminder of the choices that have led them to this moment. In the final moments, the narrator’s voice, provided by Jean Simmons, [Jean Simmons], reflects on the letters Inge writes to Lise after they separate. The film closes with a quiet, unanswered question: did Lise ever receive those letters, and did the light of their friendship survive the storm that tore them apart? The answer lingers in the open possibilities of memory and the enduring ache of friends who had to part ways to survive.

A Friendship in Vienna Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of A Friendship in Vienna (1988) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Secret friendship in Vienna cathedral

Lise and Inge meet secretly in the large cathedral in Vienna, preserving their bond despite mounting pressure from their families. They share small acts of solidarity and quiet conversations about life under rising Nazism. This hidden friendship becomes the backbone of their eventual plan to endure the coming upheaval.

late 1937 – early 1938 Vienna Cathedral

Parents sever contact

Lise's father forbids Inge to visit, and Inge's parents follow suit, cutting off the girls' exchanges. The two families become distant as political tension intensifies around them. Yet Lise and Inge continue to meet in secret when they can.

early 1938 Vienna

Franz's disbelief and Oskar's warning

Inge's father Franz refuses to believe Hitler will annex Austria and dismisses warnings from Grandfather Oskar. He misses the chance to apply for immigration visas to get the family out. The tension foreshadows the coming danger for both girls.

early 1938 Inge's home

Anschluss and Lise's forced entry into the Hitler Youth

In March 1938 the Anschluss occurs and Lise's father rises to a high rank within the Nazi SA. Lise is compelled to join a girls' Hitler Youth organization, wear the uniform, and participate in the welcome procession for Hitler in Vienna. She is required to salute and pledge allegiance as her family sinks deeper into Nazi life.

March 1938 Vienna

Anti-Jewish laws sweep through schools

The regime begins implementing bigoted laws, removing Jewish teachers, censoring books, and publicly humiliating Jewish men. Jewish schoolbooks disappear and students face discriminatory seating, foreshadowing expulsions. The social fabric of the city tightens around fear and exclusion.

1938 onward Vienna schools

Lise defies orders and is punished

Lise sits next to Inge in class despite being told not to, and is subjected to a sadistic beating at home for her defiance. The punishment illustrates the brutal reach of Nazi policy into everyday life. Their friendship remains a fragile thread amid escalating surveillance.

1938 Lise's home and school, Vienna

Oskar secures a Yugoslav visa and leaves

Oskar secures a visa to Yugoslavia and departs Austria, seeking safety beyond Europe’s borders. His departure underscores the urgent choices families face to escape persecution. The family is left facing an increasingly precarious future.

1938 Vienna

Hannah is fired under Aryanization

Hannah, Lise's mother, is fired from her editing job via the Aryanization policy, symbolizing how Jews lose employment and social standing. The 'needed cutbacks' pretext hides a systemic purge meant to isolate Jews. The family clings to any means of survival while the societal walls close in.

1938 Vienna

Franz warns of arrest risk

Franz warns Inge that Lise's father could arrest their whole family to end the embarrassment of their friendship. The warning stirs fear that their ties could carry a dangerous price. The two families' bond becomes a quiet act of defiance against the regime.

1938 Dourenvald home

Gustl's extortion and threats

Gustl threatens the Dourenvalds with false accusations of indecorous behavior and demands a 10,000 schillings bribe before his appointment with the block warden. The quote shows how corruption and fear are weaponized against Jews. The family cannot pay, highlighting their growing desperation.

1938 Dourenvald home

Baptism becomes passport to Yugoslavia

The Yugoslav consul reveals that only baptized Christians since 1936 can enter Yugoslavia, forcing the family to seek baptism to survive. Inge brings them to Father Bernard at the cathedral, who hesitates but agrees to perform the rite. The ethical dilemma is resolved by faith as a means to escape.

late 1938 Vienna Cathedral

Baptism, visas, and farewell to Mitzi

After the baptism, the Dourenvalds obtain their visas and prepare to depart. They bid farewell to Mitzi, offering her any possessions she desires since they cannot take them with them. The sense of impending departure thickens as they hurry to the train.

the day of baptism Vienna Cathedral / departure point

Inge's farewell star

Inge gives Lise a golden Jewish star as a final keepsake of their friendship. The symbol marks both a memory and a painful reminder of their divided identities. Their bond remains in memory even as they part.

departure day Departure area

Escape by train

The friends board a train leaving Austria, with Gustl and his accomplices in pursuit. The future beyond borders remains uncertain as their homeland slips away. The escape encapsulates the peril and urgency of wartime exile.

departure day Vienna train station

Letters and fading connection

Inge writes to Lise after leaving Austria, but never receives a reply. The film closes with the uncertainty of their fates and the lasting ache of separation. The audience is left to wonder what happened to them beyond the frame.

post-departure Post-departure

A Friendship in Vienna Characters

Explore all characters from A Friendship in Vienna (1988). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Lise Mueller (Kamie Harper)

A 13-year-old Catholic girl whose friendship with Inge draws her into conflict with her Nazi-supporting father. Lise demonstrates quiet courage by sitting beside Inge in class and choosing friendship over family pressure, despite the danger it brings. Her inner conflict drives much of the emotional core of the story.

👧 13-year-old 🤝 Friendship 🛡️ Dilemma

Inge Dournenvald (Jenny Lewis)

A Jewish girl whose bond with Lise becomes a lifeline amid growing persecution. Inge endures anti-Semitic laws, maintains hope through solidarity, and ultimately faces separation as her family seeks safety abroad.

👧 Jewish student 🕊️ Persecution 🤝 Friendship

Franz Dournenvald (Stephen Macht)

Inge's father, a Nazi sympathizer who ascends to a position of power within the regime. He embodies the tension between family loyalty and the brutal demands of the political system.

🧔 Nazi supporter ⚖️ Power and loyalty 🛡️ Family pressure

Hannah Dournenvald (Jane Alexander)

Inge's mother, a Jewish editor who loses her job under Aryanization and fights to protect her family. She endures public discrimination while remaining determined to safeguard those she loves.

👩 Jewish mother 🕊️ Resilience 🗃️ Employment persecution

Gustl (Jeff Kizer)

A manipulative figure who exploits the new laws for personal gain and uses false accusations to threaten the family. His actions catalyze tense confrontations and illustrate the regime's everyday corruption.

🪪 Manipulation 🗣️ Threats 🧭 Corruption

Father Bernard (Ferdy Mayne)

A Catholic priest who wrestles with the legal and moral implications of baptizing the family to obtain Yugoslav visas. He balances compassion with caution and ultimately assists them when needed.

🙏 Compassion 🕊️ Guidance 🧭 Moral conflict

Oskar Reikman (Ed Asner)

Lise's grandfather, who offers warnings, support, and a hopeful path toward safety abroad. He embodies memory and intergenerational concern for the family's welfare.

👴 Grandfather 🧭 Guidance 🕯️ Memory

A Friendship in Vienna Settings

Learn where and when A Friendship in Vienna (1988) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1938

The story unfolds in 1938 Vienna, during the days before and during the Anschluss when Austria is absorbed into Nazi Germany. The period is defined by aggressive propaganda, rapid legal discrimination against Jews, and the tightening grip of authoritarian rule. Families scramble for visas and safety as they confront escalating persecution and the threat of arrest.

Location

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria is the film's central setting, a city rich in history and culture. The large cathedral and historic streets provide a backdrop for secret meetings and growing danger. In 1938, Vienna becomes a focal point of Nazi influence, with anti-Jewish laws reshaping daily life and forcing families to choose between safety and loyalty.

🏛️ City of culture 🕍 Cathedrals 🇦🇹 1930s Vienna

A Friendship in Vienna Themes

Discover the main themes in A Friendship in Vienna (1988). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🤝

Friendship

A fragile yet powerful friendship crosses social and religious divides at great personal risk. Lise and Inge meet in secret and support each other despite family opposition and a hostile environment. The theme centers on loyalty, trust, and the resilience of human connection under oppression.

🕎

Discrimination

The film traces the daily impact of antisemitic laws, including expulsion from schools, job losses, and public humiliation. Jewish families are isolated as society enforces Aryan norms and punishes perceived transgressions. The narrative shows how prejudice permeates institutions and personal interactions alike.

🚂

Escape

Visas, baptisms, and clandestine plans become tools for survival as the characters seek to leave Austria. The pursuit of safety involves bureaucratic hurdles, moral compromises, and the ever-present risk of capture. The escape arc highlights courage and the urgency of seeking a safer future.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore the mobile app

A Friendship in Vienna Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of A Friendship in Vienna (1988). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the autumn of 1938, a city of grand cafés and snow‑capped rooftops is slipping quietly into darkness. The looming presence of a new political order casts a pall over daily life, turning streets once filled with laughter into corridors of whispered caution. Within this shifting landscape, the film follows two 13‑year‑old girls whose worlds could not be more different yet whose bond feels inevitable. Inge Dournenvald, a bright‑eyed Jewish girl, carries the weight of a family history marked by warning and resilience, while Lise Mueller, raised in a devout Catholic home, is pulled between loyalty to her parents and the fierce affection she feels for her friend.

Their friendship blossoms in schoolrooms and hidden back alleys, a quiet rebellion against the growing insistence that differences must be erased. As the nation’s atmosphere tightens, the girls discover that even the simplest act of sitting together can become an act of defiance, prompting their families to draw ever‑clear lines. The contrast between Lise’s father, whose sympathies tilt toward the rising regime, and Inge’s father, who clings to denial and hope, creates a fragile tension that filters through every shared secret and stolen moment.

Against a backdrop of muted colors and a score that swells with both melancholy and hope, the story captures the delicate balance of youthful innocence confronting adult intolerance. The girls’ secret meetings become a sanctuary, a place where music, stories, and the promise of tomorrow linger just out of reach of the watchful eyes of authorities who would prefer they remain apart. Their bond, forged in the shadows of a city on the brink, hints at choices that will test the limits of courage and loyalty when the political tide finally turns.

The film’s tone is simultaneously tender and unsettling, inviting viewers to feel the weight of history through the intimate lens of friendship. While the world outside grows harsher, the girls’ connection offers a flicker of light—an unspoken promise that even in the darkest of times, the simple act of caring for one another can become a quiet, stubborn act of resistance.

Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.