The Consequence (1977)

This early Wolfgang Petersen film tackles the controversial theme of inter-generational gay love with distinction.A convict, Martin, was jailed for having a sexual relationship with a fifteen year old boy. Martin is an actor and while in jail produces a play written by one of his fellow inmates. He needs a young actor and the son of the jail warden, Thomas, volunteers. Thomas, who is sixteen but looks about 20 (my only - minor - gripe about this film) clearly has gay tendencies and develops a crush on Martin. A relationship results with Thomas illegally staying over in Martin's cell. One of the inmates spills the beans and Martin's parole gets cancelled. He keeps in contact with Thomas, and when released they continue their relationship. Martin decides to play open cards with Thomas's father and informs him about their relationship. The callous warden subsequently stops the relationship en sends his son to a reformatory. It turns into a nightmare for the young man, and changes him psychologically, resulting in serious depression, and worse.This somber film, suitably filmed in B/W, boasts great performances by the protagonists. Directing and script were excellent, with the viewer made aware that some tragedy was in the making, right from the first few minutes. I score this excellent film 8/10.

This movie was superb! I truly believe that any gay or even possibly straight individual for that matter could find some enjoyment in this movie. I am touched though by the frankness of real love that could be felt all throughout this movie by the 2 leading characters. It was such a sigh of relief to finally see a movie like this one that is soooo in your face, The English subtitles are also some of the worst that I've ever seen as well, so be prepared to see that during the film. I am however, very saddened by the outcome of the film. i still though highly recommend this film as above most of the many other gay romance movies to date! Overall, this movie was a sigh of relief in all of its candidness. There was no doubting throughout this movie, that it truly felt like the love that Thomas and Martin shared between the two of each other (the 2 main characters in the film.Very moving film indeed. Definitely a classic epic worth watching and commenting on!!!!

The Consequence is a Black & White,poignant & at times sad movie about the cruel treatment of Homosexuals in Prisons & other institutions in West Germany during the 1970's.This 1977 film, was directed by WOLFGANG PETERSON, this was only his fourth film (4 years later he made DAS BOOT).The screenplay was by Alex Zeigler who adapted his novel to the screen. The star is JURGEN PROCHNOW (before he starred in DAS BOOT & is now one of Germany's leading actors. Here is portrays a convict who happens to care too much for young lads. He is also an actor who is appearing in a prison play, The wardens not yet 18 year old son is also in the play. You guessed it, they fall in love & this is what the rest of the film is about,there lives & affair over the next few years in & out of prisons & other institutions.18 year old Ernest Hannawald (in his first role) plays the young NOT SO INNOCENT young man. He does show some promise & has been on German TV over the years.It is a sad but poignant tale, well acted & well made,This was filmed in Black & White. The English sub-titles are clear & easy to read.For an early film by both director & star,it shows future promise,which we know has born fruition.I liked it BUT did not feel it was that worthwhile a movie to rave about,.It had a very limited release in the US & maybe elsewhere as well. I happen to be only the second person in 8 years to comment on the film. There have been better films on this subject over the years. Some of you may like it better than I did.See it for the star & director & the following reason, It is also very interesting to see how Homosexuals were thought of & treated in Europe back in the seventies.Ratings *** (out of 4) 81 points (out of 100) IMDb 7 out of 10

Beautiful black and white cinematography is the main pillar this modest and distressing coming-out drama rests. The script is intelligent without being intellectual, and has some amazing and surprising scenes. Main cast members Prochnow and Hannawald are excellent; Wolfgang Petersen handles the laymen cast very well.I do not think that (20 years after date) this film has lost any actuality. Besides, this film is honest, unsentimental and without sensationalism, something that can not be said of the average mainstream coming-out film of the 80' and 90's.