Loggerheads 1978

Twin brothers introduced in Weimar Germany

In Weimar Germany, twin brothers Hermann and Gustav are introduced as ideological opposites. Hermann grows into a Nazi sympathizer and a mediocre illusionist whose tricks always end with the death of his assistant. Their stark contrast sets the stage for a decades long ideological duel.

Gustav opposes Nazis with propaganda

Gustav, an anarchist, secretly prints and distributes anti Nazi propaganda. He moves through underground networks to spread dissent as the Nazi movement rises. His actions foreshadow the conflict that will pull the brothers apart.

Hermann joins the SS as the Nazi rise accelerates

With the rise of Adolf Hitler to power, Hermann enlists in the SS. He begins to align himself with the regime and take part in its growing influence.

Hermann becomes a colonel and friend of Hitler

Hermann's loyalty earns him a high rank as a colonel in the SS. He becomes a personal friend of Hitler, cementing a dangerous personal bond.

Gustav's first assassination plot

Gustav secretly engineers an assassination attempt against Hitler. The plan is ambitious and dramatic, reflecting his defiant stand against the regime. The attempt ultimately fails, showing the regime's tight grip on power.

Gustav pursues further assassination attempts that fail

Gustav persists with additional, even more extravagant plots against Hitler. Each scheme ends in failure, underscoring the futility of his resistance.

Hans is drafted in Berlin and separated from Irma on their wedding night

As World War II looms, many young men are drafted into the army. In Berlin, newly wed Hans is drafted and separated from his wife Irma on their wedding night.

Hermann visits Gustav at his hideout

Hermann, aware of his brother's opposition to the regime but unaware of his assassination plots, visits Gustav at his hideout. The meeting lays bare their opposing beliefs and brittle kinship.

A fateful challenge to settle their ideological fight

Arguing that fate should decide which ideology prevails, Hermann challenges Gustav to a game of Russian roulette. Gustav accepts, and the duel becomes a defining ritual for the brothers.

The game continues indefinitely, paused and resumed

The Russian roulette game is paused and resumed day by day, with the gun stubbornly failing to fire. The ritual drags on for years, becoming a symbol of their endless conflict.

Germany's defeat and Hermann returns to illusionism

After Germany's defeat and Hitler's death, Hermann returns to his work as an illusionist. He tries to live beyond the war, but the past continues to shadow him.

Hans and Irma reunite but perish on a landmine

Hans returns home and is finally reunited with Irma. As they embrace for the first time in years, they both step on a landmine and are killed. The war steals their happiness in a single, brutal moment.