Disregarding the Peace Up High
Situated high atop the Swiss Alps, Davos offers an enchanting facade of tranquility. Yet, this charming exterior belies the brutal reality brewing in the trenches of Belgium and France, where countless young men lay injured and bleeding during the merciless First World War. Even amidst this turmoil, the wealthy flock to the region for its healing properties, indulging in lavish celebrations at the Davos resort.
This peculiar juxtaposition of life and death sets the stage for the intriguing German TV series "Davos 1917." Airing on Erste this December 20th (at 20:15), the series will also be available on the ARD media library the same day.
The plot unfolds around the captivating Swiss-American actress, Dominique Devenport. Known for her role in the RTL series "Sisi," Devenport stars as Johanna Gabathuler, a Swiss nurse who returns home to Davos from the Western Front. Excitingly, she's brought along a little secret - a child, conceived during a heartfelt romance with a German soldier. However, the Gabathuler family, to put it mildly, disapproves of Johanna's liaison and seeks to restore their family's honor by orchestrating a devious plan.
The night Johanna gives birth, her baby is swiftly taken away from her and placed in care. Inconsolable and devastated, Johanna's life begins to take a dramatic turn. Enter the German Intelligence Service, desperately seeking an inroad to their adversaries' inner circle. Johanna, with her unique access to the upper-class Swiss spa hotel, Curhaus Cronwald, as well as the intel stored within its walls, becomes their prime target.
But the Germans aren't the only ones with ulterior motives. Johanna's liaison agent, Countess Ilse von Hausner (Jeanette Hain), masterfully manipulates the young nurse, tangling her further in the web of espionage.
As Adrian Illien, the screenwriter, reveals, the historical figure Ilse von Hausner served as the inspiration for the Countess' role. The unique mentor-mentee dynamic between Ilse and Johanna proves to be a captivating storyline, as it breaks away from the typical male-female relationships often found in espionage narratives.
Alongside Devenport, the series boasts an illustrious ensemble, including Jeanette Hain, David Kross, and Sunnyi Melles.
The First World War has proven to be a rich source of inspiration for various TV shows and documentaries. An intriguing example is the Sky documentary "23 - The mysterious death of a hacker."
Germany and Switzerland join forces in the production of "Davos 1917," further illustrating the indissoluble bonds between European media markets. With the collaboration of RTL, the series continues to create a magnetic draw, as evidenced by Devenport's past work.
Fleshing Out the Series
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, "Davos 1917" senses the uneasy stillness that gripped Europe before the powder keg explosion. The series emphasizes the complexities of espionage while delving into Swiss neutrality and its strategic importance during the First World War.
In "Davos 1917," Johanna's mission revolves around safeguarding a secret Swiss coding device from falling into the wrong hands, highlighting the intricate diplomatic machinations during this critical period in wartime history.
Though neutral, Switzerland played a crucial role in the war as a trading hub for weapons and other war essentials. The country also served as a safe haven for anyone seeking refuge, from wounded soldiers to spies. The series underscores this reality by embracing the diverse tapestry of characters inhabiting the luxury resort.
From wealthy consumptives who sought solace in the mountains' fresh air to traumatized frontline soldiers seeking healing, Davos 1917 presents a kaleidoscope of human experiences against the harsh backdrop of relentless war.
Each episode seamlessly weaves together intricate plotlines, maintaining a delicate balance between Johanna's personal life and her role as a spy for the German Intelligence Service. Through this balancing act, the series beautifully illustrates the human cost of war and its devastating consequences for the average person.
Key highlights from the series include Johanna's struggles to protect her child and maintain her family's honor in the face of societal scorn. Her lifelong friendship with Countess Ilse von Hausner flourishes amidst the constant danger, as both women navigate the treacherous world of espionage.
As the war simmers and tensions in Europe rise, Johanna's loyalties are tested. Unraveling unexplored chapters of Switzerland's wartime history, "Davos 1917" offers compelling historical drama that resonates with viewers today.
