Birgitt Haas Must Be Killed

This French/German co-production was clearly inspired by the then recent phase of nationwide terror from the German leftist "Bader-Meinhoff" organization. The title character in this multi-layered thriller is a charismatic young revolutionary who heads "Red Cell 17", an organization determined to force drastic change in German government policy, through any means necessary, regardless of cost to lives and property.

International government forces are devising a plan to "eliminate" the politically troublesome Birgitt Haas in a way that it would appear she had become entangled in a "crime of passion". Sent as "bait", a French government agent, was to become Haas' romantic interest, then set the woman up for assassination. The unexpected "twist" may be confusing, but nonetheless makes for very entertaining cinema.

I remember seeing this film on cable TV shortly after its theater run, always wishing I could find it somewhere to see it again. For fans of the genre, "Birgitt Haas Must Be Killed" will not disappoint!