Which actor plays Monsieur Gustave’s prison ally Ludwig in The Grand Budapest Hotel?

Harvey Keitel plays Ludwig, Monsieur Gustave’s prison ally in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Ludwig is one of the inmates who helps Gustave escape from prison after he is falsely accused of murdering Madame D.

The character appears during the film’s central prison sequence, when Gustave is held after being blamed for the death of the wealthy dowager. Gustave organizes an escape with assistance from Ludwig and other prisoners, using tools concealed in pastries prepared by Agatha.

The Grand Budapest Hotel was released in 2014 and features Ralph Fiennes as Monsieur Gustave H., the hotel’s celebrated concierge. Harvey Keitel’s role is brief but memorable, adding another recognizable performer to a large ensemble cast.

Ludwig is often confused with other supporting characters because the film introduces many actors in quick succession. F. Murray Abraham plays the older Zero Moustafa, Jeff Goldblum plays Deputy Vilmos Kovacs, and Edward Norton plays Inspector Henckels. Keitel is the actor associated with Ludwig.