Adapted from Theodore Fontane’s novel of the same name, Effi Briest is asked for her hand in marriage by her mother’s former lover, Baron Von Instetten.  Effi meets Major Crampas, Instetten’s womanizing friend and becomes infatuated with him.  Continuing our R.W. Fassbinder block, Effi Briest’s alternate title is “Many people who are aware of their own capabilities and needs just acquiesce to the prevailing system in their thoughts and deeds, thereby confirming and reinforcing it.”