Rosemary

Rosemary

Year: 1958

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: German

Director: Rolf Thiele

DramaComedy

Based on true events, the film follows a young woman known as Rosemary, who rises in 1950s West Germany as the nation becomes an economic powerhouse. Ambitious and charismatic, she seduces members of the industrial elite, extracting confidential business information and passing it to French rivals. When her espionage is exposed, Rosemary discovers she cannot outmaneuver the authorities.

Rosemary (1958) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Rosemary (1958) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the glittering wake of post‑war recovery, 1950s West Germany pulses with ambition. The streets of Frankfurt hum with the promise of prosperity, while the shadows behind bustling cafés and polished boardrooms whisper of rivalry and hidden agendas. The film captures this duality—a city proud of its newfound wealth yet still haunted by the lingering tensions of a continent rebuilding itself.

Rosemary arrives as a striking, penniless blonde whose charisma instantly draws attention. Armed with an unrelenting drive, she navigates the glittering social scene, learning to wield her allure as a means of ascent. Her beauty becomes both a passport and a weapon in a world where connections are currency and every conversation may conceal an opportunity.

Soon, she catches the eye of Hartog, a distinguished industrialist who offers her a foothold within the elite circle, while Fribert, a sophisticated French figure, sees in her a potential conduit for information across national lines. Behind the scenes, two small‑time crooks—Horst Frank and Jo Herbst—serve as the unwitting architects of her early forays, setting the stage for a game that balances seduction with subtle espionage. This uneasy alliance places Rosemary at the crossroads of profit and peril, where personal ambition collides with the clandestine interests of powerful nations.

The atmosphere is steeped in classic noir elegance, blending the polished veneer of high society with an undercurrent of tension that never fully dissipates. As Rosemary moves deeper into this treacherous dance, the film maintains a palpable sense of intrigue, leaving the audience to wonder how far a woman can stretch her influence before the delicate balance she has crafted begins to unravel.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:22

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Ambitious Downfall Tragedies like Rosemary

Charismatic protagonists climb the ladder of power only to plummet from a fatal mistake.If you liked Rosemary's story of ambition and catastrophic downfall, you'll find similar movies here. These films follow charismatic figures who rise to power through morally questionable means, only to face a tragic and inevitable collapse. Discover other tense dramas about the high cost of social climbing and corruption.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a clear arc: a driven individual from a modest background leverages their talents (often seduction, deception, or espionage) to infiltrate a powerful world. Their ascent is thrilling but precarious, built on secrets. The story's tension builds towards a tipping point—usually a betrayal or exposure—that triggers a swift and devastating fall from grace.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on the 'rise and fall' archetype, a dark tone that critiques power structures, and a steady pacing that allows for methodical character development. They deliver a specific blend of glamour, tension, and tragic inevitability.

Tense Corporate Espionage Movies like Rosemary

High-stakes thrillers where business secrets are the ultimate currency and danger.Looking for more movies like Rosemary that delve into the dangerous world of industrial espionage? This list features tense thrillers and dramas about spies who steal corporate secrets, navigating a world of power, corruption, and betrayal. Find your next watch if you enjoyed the high-stakes business intrigue and tense atmosphere of Rosemary.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a mole or informant embedded within a powerful corporation or industrial elite. The narrative is driven by the constant risk of exposure as the protagonist gathers sensitive information. Key beats include tense meetings, close calls, and the psychological strain of deception, often leading to a climax where their cover is blown with severe repercussions.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films by their specific setting and plot mechanics: the high-stakes, dangerous world of corporate and industrial spying. They share a tense, dangerous mood, a focus on power dynamics and betrayal, and a steady pacing that builds suspense around the act of espionage itself.

Unlock the Full Story of Rosemary

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Rosemary Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Rosemary, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Rosemary Summary

Rosemary Timeline

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Rosemary Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rosemary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rosemary

More About Rosemary

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Discover movies like Rosemary that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.