Set in Germany in 1946, this thoughtful political drama is based on the true story of Dr Wilhelm Furtwängler (played here by Stellan Skarsgård), Germany's leading conductor & head of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra during World War 2. Following the end of the war & the collapse of the Third Reich, the allied forces are intent on imposing law & order on a bombed-out occupied Berlin, & are keen to set an example by being seen to prosecute an eminent public figure for Nazi collaboration. US Major Steve Arnold (Harvey Keitel) is sent, disguised as an insurance salesman, to investigate the strong & complex connections between Furtwängler & the Nazi regime. But to his dismay, nothing is as simple as he had hoped it would be, & his desire for a swift & ruthless prosecution is thwarted by the complex web of loyalties & politics in which he finds himself increasingly entangled. ...

Dublin, 1922. Working class Annie Reilly is thrilled to win a scholarship to Eccles Street School. Through a classmate she meets Peter Scanlon, a student in Belvedere College. Peter sides with the rebels in the Civil War & carries messages for them. When Annie's life is threatened, he has to decide where his loyalties lie. ...

Presents controversial issues in a debate-style format designed to stimulate student interest & develop critical thinking skills. This title is framed with an issue summary, an issue introduction, & a postscript or challenge questions. It also features an annotated listing of selected World Wide Web sites. ...