The Glass Cell is a 1978 West German crime film directed by Hans W. Geißendörfer and starring Brigitte Fossey, Helmut Griem, and Dieter Laser. It is based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 51st Academy Awards. It was shot at the Bavaria Studios and on location around Munich and Frankfurt. The film's sets were designed by art director Heidi Lüdi.

Plot

The film tells the story of architect Phillip Braun, who is released from prison after serving five years. He was convicted for a fatal accident at a construction site, though in reality, the responsibility lay with the developer Lasky. Upon his release, Phillip attempts to reintegrate into his former life. However, during his absence, his wife has grown distant, as has his now 11-year-old son, who has become a stranger to him. Phillip suspects his wife of infidelity with his lawyer and best friend David during his incarceration. When Lasky exacerbates these suspicions, Phillip snaps: he murders David, with Lasky as a witness. As Lasky begins to blackmail him, Phillip feels increasingly cornered and searches for a way out.

Cast