Photographer Philippe Halsman became one of the most sought after celebrity portrait artists of his generation, creating memorable images of famous personalities (Salvador Dali, Marilyn Monroe, etc) often jumping in midair for LIFE magazine. Before coming to the U.S., however, Halsman suffered a terrible fate. Set in 1928 Austria during the rise of National Socialism, writer/director Joshua Sinclair (Cry, the Beloved Country) brings us the true story chronicling what was considered by many to be the first trial of a Jew by a National Socialist (Nazi) government. Philippe Halsman (Ben Silverstone) and his bullying father Morduch (Heinz Hoeing) share a troubled relationship, which turns increasingly sour as the two embark upon a hiking tour in Austria. Morduch is more interested in flirting with local barmaid Anna (Sybil Danning) than spending time with his son, and Philippe becomes more withdrawn as the weekend wears on. When Morduch is found murdered on the trial, Philippe is charged and convicted of the crime. Is the assumption of guilt based on strong evidence, or on the Halsman family’s Jewish faith? In defending his client, Philippe’s passionate lawyer, Richard Pressburger (Patrick Swayze), has a daunting task before him: to convince the government and people of Austria of both Philippe’s innocence and their own prejudices against the Jewish people.