The Student of Prague

The student Balduin is at his wits′ end. He has no money, but dreams of being a wealthy, society man. As Balduin mumbles this wish to himself one day, suddenly the adventurer Scalpinelli appears and dumps a load of money in front of him. All this money can be his to fulfill his dream of wealth and luxury. Scalpinelli doesn′t ask for much in return, just something from Balduin′s modest home. He agrees right away, what could Scalpinelli possibly find? However, much to Balduin′s dismay, Scalpinelli decides to take the poor student′s mirror image, which literally steps out of the mirror to follow its new master. From that moment on, Balduin lives a life of luxury among Prague′s high society.

One day he meets the daughter of Count Schwarzenberg, who is engaged to her cousin, the Baron Waldis Schwarzenberg. Balduin falls in love with her, and she too returns his feelings. The situation intensifies to the point that the two rivals, Balduin and Waldis, challenge each other to a duel. The old Count Schwarzenberg hears about the duel and asks Balduin, known as Prague′s best fencer, to spare his nephew. Balduin agrees, but when he appears at the duel as a mere formality, he is met by his double, carrying a bloody sword in his hand. The duel had already taken place! From this point on, Balduin is stalked by his double. No matter where he flees, his "alter ego" accompanies him as a constant reminder of his past.

Source: German Films Service & Marketing GmbH