Wilfried Meichtry

Documentary about a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot, Franz von Werra, the only German soldier of the Second World War who managed to escape from captivity as a prisoner of war and return to Germany.

Both aspire to remain true to themselves and to build their lives freely. This bold vision in the 1950s is that of Katharina von Arx and Freddy Drilhon, when they meet during a trip to Polynesia. A passionate love unites them; she becomes famous as a reporter and illustrator, and he as a photographer. When the couple settled with their daughter in Romainmôtier to turn the ruined priory into their new home, their relationship was put to the test. While Katharina put all her energy into restoring the impressive building, Freddy began to feel depressed in this remote village in the canton of Vaud. A serious crisis erupted between the two and they broke up. Freddy left Katharina to start a new life on the south coast of England—but the love that united them did not fade.

With his blue eyes, blond hair and boyish laugh, he conquered German cinema audiences in the 1950s and 60s: Berlin-born Hardy Krüger made it all the way to Hollywood as an actor. But he was just as passionate a writer, pilot and globetrotter.

The Valais poet and author Maurice Chappaz (1916–2009) looks back on his career – from his youth in Valais to his commitment to nature conservation.