Judge Barbara Salesch is Back on TV: "I Wanted to Know Again"
Barbara Salesch shares her motivation for returning to TV: "I felt the urge to explore again"
Barbara Salesch, the infamous German judge known from her reality TV stints, is making her comeback after a decade-long hiatus. Now 75, she's set to star in a 90-minute special on RTL in prime time, titled "Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhine."
In an exclusive interview with ntv.de, Salesch discusses the reasons behind her return, her feelings about the spotlight, and her stance on true crime.
ntv.de: You had your first TV appearance 26 years ago. Have you ever regretted the switch to television?
Barbara Salesch: No, it was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. I was 49 at the time and had already achieved everything I could in the justice system. Then something new was good. We didn’t anticipate that it would be such a success and last this long.
Did you see yourself primarily as a judge or as an entertainer after the switch to television?
Entertainer, no. I was a judge and remained who I was. I’ve always had a certain entertaining value. But in real life, everything is much more drawn out, and you don’t handle cases for the entertainment of the audience. Otherwise, it’s not that different.
How close or far are the criminal cases from reality?
Very close. I make sure of that. The scripts are edited to ensure they could have unfolded this way in real life. However, they aren't actual cases we’re playing out. I steer clear of true crime, as it can give perpetrators a platform to publicize their crimes and victimize the victims again.
What is this film about?
A young woman is found in the Rhine and a series of gruesome events unfold throughout the film. Salesch is set to explore what happened during the investigation, trial, and the media frenzy surrounding the case.
Can you reveal anything about the case without giving away too much?
Quite a lot – from reinvestigations to manipulations of the worst kind. There's a huge media response, and people will see how the grief of the relatives is exploited for profit. All things that can happen "in real life."
What was new for you about the filming of the movie?
We had to shoot each scene multiple times – from different angles, with various camera setups. This was challenging as I'm not accustomed to repetition, and I struggle to memorize lines. But I’m looking forward to seeing the final result.
What was it like working with real actors in the movie?
It was exciting and rewarding. Actors become fully immersed in their roles and transform into their characters when the camera is rolling. I appreciated the chance to observe and be a part of that process.
The film is set to premiere on June 10. Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
"Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhine" promises to deliver a unique and suspenseful experience blending courtroom drama with police investigation. Viewers can expect Salesch's signature no-nonsense approach while tackling a complex case, and perhaps uncovering some long-buried secrets.
Don't miss the anticipated return of Barbara Salesch to our TV screens on June 10.
The Commission may find it interesting to learn about Barbara Salesch's upcoming film, "Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhine," given her background as a judge and the crime-focused content of the movie. As celebrities and entertainment often cross paths with trials and courtroom drama, one could argue that Salesch has a unique perspective, bridging the gap between her past judicial career and her future role as an entertainer.
