In her teens she studied acting and that passion to entertain fuelled her life and livelihood for the rest of her days. Her story is one of the brutalities of enduring cancer (and its many surgeries) and the judgemental whims of the conservative times. She acted in German films and post-war was contracted to an American studio that had no idea of what to do with her. Music was an important driver of her success and provided a singing career that transcended acting and lasted throughout her life.

She also became a noted writer with a series of books that detailed different periods of her life. Her honesty in written form and through interviews pushing her books is startling. Those filmed interviews show how far that medium has fallen in recent days. The questions she endured and thoughtfully answered are in such stark contrast to our current state of the ten-minute talks to plug whatever new project the artist is currently spruiking.

As a history lesson and insight into the state of her times, it is never less than assertive and shows the strength of her character warts and all. Her only child, a daughter named Christina also drops truth bombs throughout the film. Living in the media spotlight most of her life, with its abundant video evidence contributes greatly to this story. Extraordinary times led to a life of extreme highs and lows and her forthrightness is riveting.
Rob Hudson

I Want It All: Hildegard Knef screenings in Brisbane
Palace Barracks Brisbane
Monday 19th May
Thursday 22nd May

Palace James St Cinema
Friday 16th May
Wednesday 21st May
Tuesday 27th May

The 2025 HSBC German Film Festival will take place from 30 April – 28 May 2025, and will take place at the Palace James Street and Palace Barracks cinemas.

Click here for more information about the festival, or head to the official website for more information and to book your tickets!
www.germanfilmfestival.com.au

A beautifully-crafted love story set in 1970s New York, If Beale Street Could Talk gives voice to a couple’s unbreakable bond and a family’s empowering embrace, as told through the eyes of 19-year-old Tish (KiKi Layne). Friends since childhood, Tish and Fonny (Stephan James) fall in love and are soon expecting their first child. But their plans for the future are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.

Valentine’s Day Special Event
A glass of premium red or white wine, a selection of fine cheeses and a screening of IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK is the perfect date night combination for Valentine’s Day!
$33.00 a ticket or $28.00 for members
Palace Barracks – Thursday, February 14, 8.30pm
61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane City

Or upgrade into Platinum with glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne & a delectable mini choc-top platter!
$46.00 a ticket or $42.00 for members
Palace James St – Thursday, February 14, 8pm
39 James St, Fortitude Valley
Tickets are limited!

To BOOK tickets visit www.palacecinemas.com.au