Made more than 50 years ago when the mere notion of lesbianism was taboo, Mädchen in Uniform is an integral part of the history of Sapphic representation on film.
Young Manuela is left an orphan after the untimely death of her mother and is sent to study at a boarding school. Still distraught and heartbroken from her loss, she seeks kindness in a school where totalitarian figures rule the roost, demanding obedience from all. Yet amidst her cold surroundings, she finds a ray of warmth in her teacher, Fräulein von Bernburg. Though a favourite of all the pupils, Manuela feels more than innocent affection for her teacher — she falls deeply in love with her.