Journalist Gerd Heidemann always gets his story. When he hears of a diary written by Adolf Hitler, he can't resist the scoop of the century-except the diary is the creation of charismatic art dealer, petty criminal, and prolific forger Konrad Kujau. When Heidemann tracks him down, he's excited to learn that Kujau has many more diaries, and convinces respected magazine Stern to pay a huge sum to buy them-but a rookie reporter isn't convinced they're real.
Gerd Heidermann needs a real scoop- Stern's star reporter hasn't had a big story in a while. Konrad Kujau needs money and gets the idea to forge Hitler's diaries. Heidermann gets his hands on a diary and it's exactly the jackpot he's been hoping for.
In search of proof for the diaries' authenticity, Heidemann and his department head travel to Brammbach. Kujau sets aside his doubts about Heidemann. Hans Stöckel can no longer hide his Nazi past, and Elisabeth tries to help him.
Needing to verify the diaries, Heidemann turns to Kujau for help. To secure rights from Hitler's heirs, Heidemann travels to Boston, and while there he gets a surprising call. Leo Gold blackmails Elisabeth, demanding information about the diaries.
Stern sets about selling the international rights to the story. An American media mogul, Clark, breaks off negotiations, forcing Heidemann and Bloom to present a dossier on the diaries to convince him. Elisabeth learns a deeply upsetting secret.
The upcoming Stern special edition must be rushed to press - but the editors don't know about the diaries yet. Kujau panics and comes up with a way to force Heidemann to keep his identity a secret. Gold throws Stern into utter chaos.
Following the publication, Stern asserts that the diaries are real; but an examination by the federal archives brings the matter to a definitive close. Kujau turns himself in and Heidemann is forced to take responsibility for his part in the scandal.
