Docu-drama, based on the screenplay by Strauß biographer and Grimme Prize winner Werner Biermann, traces the rise of the young Franz Josef: from the artisan milieu of Munich's Schellingstraße to one of the most prominent politicians in German post-war history - including experiences never before told on television by Strauß during his childhood and youth, during the Nazi era, during the war and immediately afterwards. These are experiences that shaped Strauß as a politician.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Bernhard UlrichFranz Josef Strauß | Franz Josef Strauß |
| JJoachim BergerOberstleutnant | Oberstleutnant |
 Andreas BittlVater Strauß | Vater Strauß |
 Edith KonrathMarianne Strauß | Marianne Strauß |
 Piet FuchsWilly Müller | Willy Müller |
| GGeorg MarinZellinger | Zellinger |
| NNika WandererVeronika Huber | Veronika Huber |
| CChris NonnastWalburga Strauß | Walburga Strauß |