The story itself seems simple - a little parable about what you need a soul for, and what makes you human. Maybe life is easier without guilt and conscience, maybe power and wealth do make happy - but wouldn't you feel something lacking if you had to give up your soul for it?
What makes this worth seeing is the acting, the dry dialogue, and plenty of short scenes. These scenes are very good at giving you an impression of the transitions Bum undergoes, and his rise in wealth, society and power - without many words, just a second or two each.
Made for TV in the early sixties of last century, the production is close to its time and the place the story takes place in (most likely Berlin), but not fixed to it. While it is also interesting to see what things and places looked like at that time, the story could easily be transferred through the ages, even back to ancient Rome or Greece.
This is nothing for your average movie-goer, but a fine and thoughtful little story that gives you a bit to think about. I hope it is also entertaining and fun to watch for others, as it was to me.
