11 Nov The Hessen Conspiracy
The Hessen Conspiracy, WWII Movie starring Billy Zane
(2009) In 1945, right after the defeat of Germany, a group of army soldiers are stationed at a lavish castle, or schloss, in Kronberg, a town in Hesse, Germany. The owner of the castle, Princess Sophie of Hesse, was pulling out just as the movie began. Her home was requisitioned to be a recreation facility for U.S. troops.
It seems that she left behind, encased in a secret room, the crown jewels of Germany. With the help of a German townsman three of the Americans find the treasures and the rest of the movie is all about getting them to the U.S. where they can be sold.
I watched the entire movie because in the beginning it said that it was based on a true story. I must admit that when I heard the German civilian say they had found the “crown jewels of an entire country” I had doubts.
But after just a little research I discovered that there is a castle in Kronberg. Today it is a luxury hotel with many of the original furnishings. And Americans did steal the crown jewels of Hesse. I was horrified to learn that not only did they take the priceless pieces, they removed the jewels from their settings! It was true.
The best part of the story wasn’t in the movie at all. Here is how the case ended. Interesting that two of the characters in the movie were named after the real thieves. In this article you can see a photo of the court-martial board in Frankfurt, Germany with jewels spread out for all to see.
Now I feel better.
The Hessen Conspiracy at amazon.com
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