Vienna, March 18, 1863: the poet Friedrich Hebbel, weakened by fever, spends his fiftieth — and final — birthday confined to bed. In feverish reverie, he recalls his life and work. The two blend with each other as well as with the present. A demanding reflection, filmed mostly in monochrome images, on this "ardent man" (a description by Eduard Mörike) and his work.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Magdalena MontezumaJudith, Brunhilde | Judith, Brunhilde |
| WWerner KrennFriedrich Hebbel | Friedrich Hebbel |
| BBrigitte RaimersNot listed | Not listed |
 Wolfgang NeussNot listed | Not listed |
| EEdwin WengoborskiNot listed | Not listed |