At the close of the First World War, Germany enters into the new Weimar Republic following the collapse of the Kaiser's Imperial Reich. Max Rothman, a veteran of the Great War and now art dealer, searches for new talent on the streets of Munich. Into Max's life comes an eccentric young artist, also an Army veteran, named Adolf Hitler. Impressed by Hitler's artistic ability, Max befriends the former Army Corporal and attempts to guide him into the life of a successful artist. Hitler, however, soon finds himself losing interest in art and begins studying the art of public speaking. Max must convince Hitler that art is the better of line of work...before it's too late.

To help get this controversial movie financed, producer/star John Cusack took no salary for acting in the lead role.

Max Rothman:
Come on Hitler, I'll buy you a glass of lemonade.

Anachronisms: The family gathers to listen to the reports of the Armistice Agreement Terms on a radio. However, broadcasting in Germany didn't start until 1923 and was strictly experimental and limited before that. This scene took place in 1918.