The Boy from the Brothel

It is 1907 and nine-year-old Willi has built a solid reputation on the streets. Although he is becoming a legend among the gangs and street urchins for his ability to plan ahead and sense danger, Willi has other ideas. After separating himself from life in the gutter by securing a space in an unused top-floor store room in a warehouse, he is now free to observe the seedier side of the night life of Vienna and the early morning starving artist community alone.

A year later he heroically saves a young woman from a brutal situation. As a reward, he is offered a meal at an exclusive brothel, where he endears himself to the ladies and is offered an opportunity for employment as a messenger. Through his contact with the brothel's patrons, the Madame's financial genius, and the worldly education he receives from the ladies, he gains vast insight into the workings of upper society and the financial world. As he matures into manhood, Willi partners with a mentor to build a financial empire. But when the Second World War unleashes chaos, Willi becomes a conduit to save downed allied airmen. As the war draws to its final close, he is badly disfigured by an American bomb while rescuing another girl from a horrifying fate. Guided by the many strong women in his life, his path leads him to eventually rebuild Austria and extend his holdings into the United States, now only time will tell if Willi will be set free of his scars to capture the happiness he has always wanted.

In this historical tale, an intuitive orphan rises from the streets of Vienna with the hope of transforming his dark beginning into a future filled with financial success and happiness.