HISTORICAL CINEMATIC MASTERPIECES OF THE SOUND ERA 1930-1980
FILMMUSEUM HOME VIDEO releases of historical cinematic masterpieces of the sound era, include exceptional treasures, including multiple international motion pictures produced as early as 1930.
Reap the Wild Wind 1942
Producer: Cecil B. DeMille Script: Charles Bennett, Jesse Lasky, Jr., Alan Le May, Jeanie MacPherson Director: Cecil B. DeMille Cinematography: Victor Milner, William Skall CAST: Ray Milland, John Wayne, Paulette Goddard, Raymond Massey, Robert Preston, Susan Hayward and others. Music: Victor Young Color Process: Technicolor Production: Paramount Pictures 123 min. Release: March 18, 1942 Technicolor sound.
American adventure film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Ray Milland, John Wayne and Paulette Goddard. DeMille's second Technicolor production, the film is based on a serialized story written by Thelma Strabel in 1940 for The Saturday Evening Post. Released shortly after America's entry into World War II, "Reap the Wild Wind" was immensely successful at the box office and earned three Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Special Effects.
Paisan 1946
Producer: Roberto Rossellini, Mario Conti, Rod E. Geiger Script: Sergio Amidei, Federico Fellini, Marcello Pagliero, Alfred Hayes, Vasco Pratolini, Klaus Mann Director: Roberto Rossellini Cinematogrphy: Otello Martelli CAST: Carmela Sazio, Robert Van Loon, Dots Johnson, Alfonsino Bovino, Maria Michi, Gar Moore, Harriet White, Renzo Avanzo, Wiliam Tubbs, Dale Edmonds, Achille Siviero Music: Renzo Rossellini Production: MGM Release: December 10, 1946 126 min. B/W sound Italian w/English subtitles.
Italian noeorealist war drama produced and directed by Roberto Rossellini. In six parts, the film tells the story of the Allied liberation of Italy during the late stage of the Italian campaign during World War II. "Paisan" premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received numerous national and international awards. In 2008, the film was included in the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage's 100 Italian films to be preserved, a list of 100 films that have changed the collective memory of the country between 1942 and 1978.
Five Million Look for an Heir 1938
Producer: Hans Tost Script: Harald Baumgarten (novel), George Hurdalek, Jacob Geis Diirector: Carl Boese Cinematography: Ewald Daub CAST: Heinz Ruehmann, Leny Marenbach, Oskar Sima Music: Lothar Bruehne Production: Terra-Filmkunst Release: April 1, 1938 85 min. B/W German dialog only sound.
German comedy film produced during the Third Reich was directed by Carl Boese and starring Heinz Ruehmann and Leny Marenbach. The story was based on Harald Baumgarten's novel.
Thirteen Chairs 1938
Producer: E.E. Emo, Hans Tost Script: E.W. Emo, Per Schwenzen Director: E.W. Emo Cinematography: Eduard Hoesch CAST: Heinz Ruehmann, Hans Moser, Inge List Music: Nico Obal Production: Emo-Film Release: October 18, 1938 sound 92 min. B/W German w/English subtitles.
German comedy film directed by E.W. Emo and starring Heinz Ruehmann, Hans Moser and Inge List. The story was based on Ilf Petrov's 1928 novel "The 12 Chairs," one of numerous adaptations of the work.
The White Ecstasy 1931
Producer: Henry R. Sokal Script/Director: Dr. Arnold Fanck Cinematography: Richard Angst, Hans Karl Gottschalk, Bruno Leubner, Kurt Neubert CAST: Leni Riefenstahl, Hannes Schneider, Guzzi Lantscher, Walter Riml Music: Paul Dessau Production: Sokal-Film GmbH Release: December 17, 1931 70 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German "mountain film" adventure written, directed and edited by Dr. Arnold Fanck and starring Leni Riefenstahl and Hannes Schneider. The story concerned the skiing exploits of a young village girl (Riefenstahl), and her attempts to master the sport of skiing and ski-jumping aided by local ski expert (Schneider).
Aereograd 1935
Producer/Script/Director: Oleksandr Dovzhenko Cinematography: Mikhail Gindin, Sergei Stolyarov, Eduard Tisse CAST: Stepan Shagaida, Boris Dobronavrov, Vladimir Uralsky Music: Dimitri Kabalevsky Production: MosFilm/VUFKU Release: November 6, 1935 82 min. B/W sound Russian dialog.
Soviet adventure/drama produced, written and directed by Oleksandr Dovzhenko as a co-production between MosFilm and VUFKU. The film's story concerns an adventure set in the Soviet Far East in the USSR of the future.
Baltic Deputy 1936
Producer: Igor Chernyak, Pyotr Podvainy Script: Iosif Kheifits, Aleksandr Zarkhi Director: Iosif Kheifits, Aleksandr Zarkhi Cinematography: Mikhail Kaplan, Edgar Shtyrtskober CAST: Nikolai Cherkasov, Boris Livanov, Oleg Zhakov Music: Nikolai Timofeyev Production: LenFilm Release: 1936 96 min. B/W sound Russian dialog.
Soviet drama film co-written and directed by Iosif Kheifits and Aleksandr Zarkhi. The story is set during the October 1917 Revolution when the Bolsheviks seize power of Russia. Teachers and scientists do not trust the new government. But the elderly professor Dimitri Illarionvich Polezhaev is able to understand the events that occur in Russia. He begins to train the Baltic sailors, after which he is elected a deputy from the sailors of the Russian Baltic Fleet.
The Blood of Jesus 1941
Producer/Script/Director: Spencer Williams Cinematography: Jack Whitman CAST: Spencer Williams, Cathryn Caviness Production: Spencer Williams Productions Release: April 26, 1941 57 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American independent fantasy drama "race" film produced, written, directed and starring Spencer Williams. The story concerned a Southern Baptist woman who, after being accidentally shot by her atheist husband, is sent to a purgatory, where Satan tries to lead her astray. Williams' film was exhibited exclusively at black theaters and Baptist churches. For many years, "The Blood of Jesus" was considered a lost film until it was discovered in a warehouse in Texas in the 1980s. Critical film reviews of Williams' film were positive - Dave Kehr of The New York Times called the production "magnificent" and J. Hoberman of The Village Voice stating "It is a masterpiece of folk cinema that has scarcely lost its power to astonish." Time Magazine referred to the film on its list entitled "the 25th Most Important Films on Race."
The Murderer Dimitri Karamazov 1931
Producer: Eugene Frenke Script: Erich Engels Leonhard Frank, Fedor Ozep, Victor Trevas Direction: Fedor Ozep, Erich Engels Cinematography: Friedl Behn-Grund CAST: Fritz Kortner, Fritz Rasp, Bernhard Minetti, Anna Sten, Max Pohl Production: Terra-Film Release: February 6, 1931 91 min. B/W German dialog w/Czech subtitled.
German drama film directed by Fedor Ozep and Erich Engels starring Fritz Kortner and Fritz Rasp. The story concerns a lieutenant who is suspected of having murdered his father. The production is based on motifs from Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov." "The Murderer Dimitri Karamazov" is a supreme example of cinematic Expressionism during the Weimarian period. The British film critic Raymond Durgnat wrote in a 1993 article about "Ozep for Film Dope: "The Karamazov film is a tour de force of stylistic, eclecticism, Expressionist acting, dynamic angles, Russian editing, marathon tracking shots. It's a real showpiece of formalism geared to psycho-lyrical ends, exactly as Eisenstein intended, except that Dostoievskian soul torments replace Leninist collectivism to which the 'official' montage masters tuned their lyres."
Jungle Book 1942
Producer: Alexander Korda Script: Laurence Stallings Director: Zoltan Kordav Cinematography: Lee Garmes, W. Howard Greene CAST: Sabu, Joseph Calleia, John Qualen, Frank Puglia Music: Miklos Rozsa Production: Alexander Korda Productions Release: April 3, 1942 108 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
British Technicolor action-adventure film by the Korda brothers, loosely adapted from Rudyard Kipling's 1894 novel "The Jungle Book." The production was an overwhelming box-office success in the United States and Canada, earning $1.3 million in theater receipts. The critical response to "The Jungle Book" was positive - Bosely Crowther of The New York Times noted the filmmakers have "used a whole menagerie to get some remarkable effects, and a finer lot of sleek and lithe wild creatures has never been shown on a screen." Harrison Reports wrote: "This is a jungle fantasy, in which animals play an important part. It has been produced in gorgeous Technicolor." Time Magazine said: "The Korda brothers have produced a laborious, sometimes silly tale, saved from disgrace only by some of the best Techni-colored animal photography extant." "Jungle Book was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction - Interior Decoration, Color; Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score and Best Cinematography.
Lieutenant Kizhe 1934
Producer/Director: Aleksandr Faintsimmer Script: Yury Tynyanov Cinematography: Arkadi Koltsaty CAST: Mikhail Yanshin Music: Sergei Prokofiev Production: Belgoskino Release: December 9, 1934 87 min. B/W sound Russian dialog w/English subtitles.
Soviet comedy film directed by Aleksandr Faintsimmer and promoted by Boris Gusman, based on the novella of the same title by YuryTynyanov.
Mr. Moto's Last Warning 1939
Producer: Sol M. Wurtzel Script: Philiip MacDonald, Norman Foster Director: Norman Foster Cinematography: Virgil Miller CAST: Peter Lorre, John Carradine, Virginia Field Music: David Raksin Production: 20th Century-Fox Release: January 20, 1939 71 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American mystery/thriller directed by Norman Foster for 20th Century-Fox as the sixth in a series of eight feature films starring Peter Lorre as Mr. Moto. The production is an original story featuring the character created by John P. Marquand. The New York Times thought the "method" used by Mr. Moto was a "little tough on the audience" but praised the "rousing old fashioned climax."
Reefer Madness 1936
Producer: George Hirtman, Dwain Esper Script: Lawrence Meade (story), Arthur Hoerl Director: Louis J. Gasnier Cinematography: Jack Greenhaigh CAST: Dorothy Short, Kenneth Craig, Lillian Miles, Dave O'Brien, Thelma White Music: Abe Meyer Production: G & H Productions Release: 1936 68 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American drug exploitation film, revolving around the melodramatic events that ensue when high school students are lured by drug pushers to try marijuana - upon trying it, they become addicted, eventually leading them to become involved in various crimes such as a hit and run accident, manslaughter, murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted rape innocent victims. While all this is happening, they suffer hallucinations, descend into madness, associate with organized crime and commit suicide. The production was initially financed by a church group under the title "Tell Your Children," the film was intended to be shown to parents as a morality message attempting to teach them about the dangers of marijuana use. Soon after the filming, the production was purchased by Dwain Esper, who re-edited the film for release on the exploitation circuit, exploiting vulgar interest while escaping censorship under the guise of moral guidance, beginning in 1938-1939 through the 1940s and the 1950s. "Reefer Madness" was rediscovered in the early 1970s as a popular midnight show attraction and gained new life as a cult film and unintentional satire among advocates of cannabis policy reform.
House of Rothchild 1934
Producer: William Goetz, Raymond Griffith, Darryl F. Zanuck Script: George Hembert Westly, Nunally Johnson Director: Alfred L. Werker Cinematography: J. Peverell Marley CAST: George Arliss, Robert Young, Loretta Young, Boris Karloff Music: Alfred Newman Production: 20th Century-Fox Release: April 7, 1934 88 min. B/W/Technicolor (ending scene) sound English dialog.
American pre-code historical drama film directed by Alfred L. Werker featuring an all-star cast, including George Arliss, Robert Young, Loretta Young, Boris Karloff adapted by Nunally Johnson from the play by George Hembert Westly and chronicles the history of the Rothchild family of European bankers. "House of Rothchild" was produced by Darryl F. Zanuck, as an attack against Nazism and anti-Semitism following Hitler's accession to power in January 1933. Aside from a rare three-strip Technicolor scene at the film's conclusion, most of the production was filmed in black & white. The special Technicolor sequence was the very first such three-strip Technicolor process. The production was the biggest box-office hit of 1934. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
The Outlaw 1943
Producer: Howard Hughes Script: Jules Furthman Director: Howard Hughes Cinematography: Gregg Toland CAST: Jane Russel, Walter Huston, Jack Beutel Music: Victor Young Production: Howard Hughes Productions Release: February 5, 1943 121 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western film produced and directed by Howard Hughes and starring Jane Russell, Walter Huston and Jack Beutel. In producing the film, Howard Hughes removed original director Howard Hawks and replaced the original cinematographer Lucien Ballard with Gregg Toland. "The Outlaw" is notable as Jane Russell's Hollywood breakthrough role to becoming a sex symbol. Variety reported: "Beyond sex attraction of Miss Russell's frankly displayed charm, picture according to the accepted screen entertainment standards falls short."
Withering Coolness 1932
Producer: Georhe Hoellering Script: Bertolt Brecht, Ernst Ottwalt Director: Slatan Dudow Cinematography: Guenther Krampf CAST: Hertha Thiele, Ernst Busch, Adolf Fischer, Martha Wolter Production: Prometheus-Film Release: May 14, 1932 71 min. B/W sound German w/English subtitles.
German political drama film concerning unemployment, homelessness and left-wing politics during the Weimar Republic directed by Slatan Dudow and produced by Prometheus-Film. The story was conceived by noted playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht whom also directed the concluding scene which was a political debate between strangers on a train concerning the world coffee market. "Whithering Coolness" was promptly banned in Weimar Germany in 1932 due to the accusations that it depicted the Reichs President (Paul von Hindenburg), the legal system, and organized religion in a negative light, but following protests, the ban was lifted for a re-edited version. Dudow's film remained largely unseen for many years and only recently has a new 35mm film print been recovered which is the official FILMMUSEUM edition.
Quick 1932
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Felix Gandera (play), Harris Mueller Director: Robert Siodmak Cinematography: Otto Baecker, Guenther Rittau CAST: Hans Albers, Lillian Harvey, Paul Hoeriger, Kathe Haack Music: Hans-Otto Borgmann, Werner R. Heymann Production: Ufa Release: August 8, 1932 97 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film produced by Ufa mogul Erich Pommer and directed by Robert Siodmak and starring thee lovely Lillian Harvey and Hans Albers. The story pertained to a woman (Lillian Harvey) residing at a health spa goes to the theatre every night in order to see "Quick," a comic performer (Hans Albers) wearing clown make-up. She meets him off stage, without make-up, and doesn't recognize him. He courts her, hoping she'll like him for herself, but she maintains her crush on "Quick."
The 47 Ronin 1941
Producer: Sintaro Shirai Script: Kennichiro Hara, Yoshikata Yoda Director: Kenji Mizoguchi Cinematography: Kohei Sugiyama CAST: Chojuro Kawarasaki, Kanemon Nakamura, Kunitaro Kawarazaki Music: Shiro Fukai Production: Shochiku Release: December 1, 1941 + February 11, 1942 223 min. B/W sound Japanese dialog w/English subtitles.
Japanese historical film presented in two parts directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, adapted from the play by Seika Mayama. Mizoguchi's epic depicts the legendary forty-seven Ronin and their plot to avenge the death of their lord, Asano Naganon, by killing Kira Yoshinaka, a shogunate official responsible for Asano being forced to commit "seppuku." During the war, Kenji Mizoguchi was forced to make artistic compromises, producing propaganda for the Imperial Japanese government. In 1941, the Japanese government wanted ferocious morale booster based on the familiar "rekishi geki" (historical drama) of the Loyal 47 Ronin. Instead, Mizoguchi chose for his source "Mayama Chushingura," a cerebral play pertaining to the story. The Japanese government foisted the project on the director as a wartime morale booster, and as jurisdiction for the expansionist, nationalistic, and ultimately suicidal Second World War that Imperial Japan was embroiled in during the middle of the 20th century. "The 47 Ronin" was prefaced y the words in the main titles "Defend the Homes of Those Who Fight for a Greater Asia."
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms 1938
Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck, Raymond Griffith Script: Don Attlinger, Karl Tunberg, Ben Markson, William M. Conselman Director: Allan Dwan Cinematography: Arthur C. Miller CAST: Shirley Temple, Randolph Scott, Jack Haley Music: Mark Gordon, Harry Revel, Lew Pollack, Sidney D. Mitchell, Samuel Pokrass, Jack Yellen, Raymond Scott Production: 20th Century-Fox Release: March 18, 1938 81 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American musical comedy film directed by Allan Dwan starring Shirley Temple, Randolph Scott and Jack Haley in the third adaptation of Kate Douglas Wiggin's 1903 novel (previous versions in 1917 and 1932). The storyline concerned a talented orphan's (Shirley Temple) trials and tribulations after winning a radio audition to represent a popular breakfast cereal. Variety: "The national number 1 box-office star (Shirley Temple) has seldom shone so brilliantly in her singing, dancing and repartee. That means she is going right ahead to bigger and better grosses."
Yiddle with His Fiddle 1936
Producer: Jozef Frankfurt, Edward Hantowitz Script: Joseph Green, Konrad Tom Direction: Joseph Green, Jan Nowina-Przybyiski Cinematography: Jakob Jonilowicz CAST: Molly Picon, Simcha Fostel, Leon Liebgold, Max Bozyk Production: Green Films Release: September 30, 1936 92 min. B/W sound Yiddish dialog w/English subtitles.
Polish/Yiddish musical film directed by Joseph Green and Jan Nowina-Przybyyiski from a screenplay by Joseph Green and Konrad Tom starring Molly Picon, Simcha, Leon Liebgold, Max Bozyk, and others. Following the commercial success of "Joseph in the Land of Egypt," a silent film dubbed into the Yiddish language by Joseph Green, met with box-office success, he had decided to produce an entirely Yiddish feature film, and returned to hid native Poland to accomplish this task. Green's "Yiddle with His Fiddle" was the most successful Yiddish feature film of all time and by far the most popular of Green's productions. "Yiddle" became an overnight box-office sensation and more than covered Green's expenses even before opening in the United States. When the film premiered at the Ambassador Theater, Frank S. Nugent wrote in The New York Times: "It must be set down to her credit that, despite the fact that there is not a single thing in the whole bag of tricks emptied on the screen, Miss Picon puts so much infectious gayety, not forgetting the proper modicum of sadness, into the action that the result is genuine entertainment." In a review for Night and Day from July 29, 1937, British author and journalist Graham Greene wrote of the film: "a story which even the music seems to have the dignity and patina of age and race. An odd feeling of freedom pervades the film full of ugly people in bowler hats strumming in courtyards. Freedom even from the closer tyranny of a well-made script, as if the whole picture were an impromptu performance, like the stories in the "Decameron." Several film prints of "Yiddle" were shipped to Nazi Germany, where German Jews were not allowed to attend regular cinemas, and viewing was restricted to "members of the Jewish race." The only German premiere took place in the hall of the Judischer Kulturbund" on May 2, 1938, and then it ran in Jewish communities through the Nazi regime. The Nazis, in their attempts to obliterate Jewish culture in Germany attempted to destroy all prints of the film. A segment from the film was incorporated into the body of the German anti-Jewish hate film "The Eternal Jew" (1940) which became a celluloid blueprint for genocide during the Holocaust.
Jew Suess 1934
Producer: Michael Balcon Script: Lion Feuchtwanger (novel), Dorthy Farnum, A.R. Rawlingson Director: Lothar Mendes Cinematography: Bernard Knowles CAST: Conrad Veidt, Benita Hume, Frank Vosper, Sir Cedric Hardwick Music: Jack Beaver, Bretton Bryd, John Greenwood Production: Gaumont Release: October 4, 1934 105 min. B/W (color version available) sound English dialog.
British historical romantic drama film based on German author Lion Feuchtwanger's acclaimed 1925 literary work of the same title concerning the rise and fall of Josef Suess Oppenheimer, a Jewish financial advisor in the 18th century to Duke Karl Alexander of Württemberg. Unlike the Nazi anti-Semitic version ("Jud Suess," 1940) of Feuchtwanger's work produced during the Third Reich, Mendes' feature film was purposely intended to be sympathetic to the Jews, and is generally considered to be a faithful adaptation of Feuchtwanger's novel. It was hoped the historical analogy, condemning anti-Semitism in 1930 Germany, would be a successful means of evading the ban by the British censors on political topics in motion pictures at the time.
Scipio of Africa 1937
Producer: Vittorio Mussolini, Frederic Curiosi Script: Carmine Gallone, Camillo Mariani, Silvio Maurano Director: Carmine Gallone Cinematography: Ubaldo Arata, Anchise Brizzi CAST: Annibale Ninchi, Camillo Pilotto, Fosco Giachetti, Francesca Braggiotta Music: Idebrando Pizzetti Production: Consorzio Scipione l'Africano/Ente Nazionale Industrie Release: September 21, 1939 83 min. B/W sound Italian dialog.
Italian fascist historical propaganda epic film directed by Carmine Gallone about Roman general and statesman Scipio Africanus from the ancient time of his election as proconsul until his military defeat of Hannibal at the Battle of Zama. The expensive production received financial backing from Benito Mussolini's fascist regime and Il Duce's own son Vittorio Mussolini oversaw the production as producer. Prior to a premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 4, 1937, Benito Mussolini attended a personal screening of the film. On August 25th that same year, "Scipione Afircanus" received the Coppa Mussolini (Mussolini Cup) for Best Italian Film. Gallone's production was distributed in the United States by Esperia Film Distribution. The Hollywood publication Variety said: "undramatic and wooden" while Bosley Crowther, writing in The New York Times, stated that "there are moments in the film when one feels that it is not so much the noble days of Republican Rome that one is witnessing as the last act of "Aida." Time Magazine stated at the time: "It is also as spectacular a show as the movies have been since the Italian "Quo Vadis" first made the U.S. spectacle conscious.
The North Star 1943
Producer: Samuel Goldwyn, William Cameron Menzies Script: Lillian Hellman (play + script) Director: Lewis Milestone Cinematography: James Wong Howe CAST: Erich von Stroheim, Anne Baxter, Dana Andrews, Walter Brennan, Farley Granger Music: Aaron Copland Production: Samuel Goldwyn Productions Release: November 4, 1943 106 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American pro-resistance war film directed by Lewis Milestone featuring an all-star cast, including Erich von Stroheim, Anne Baxter, Dana Andrews, Walter Brennan, Farley Granger and others. The production was produced by Samuel Goldwyn Productions and released by RKO Radio Pictures. The anti-Nazi storyline concerned the resistance of Ukrainian villagers, through guerilla tactics, against the German invaders of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR). "The North Star" is considered by contemporary film critics and cinema historians as anti-Nazi propaganda at the height of W.W.II. After the war, the House Committee on Un-American Activities would later site "The North Star" as one of the three noted examples of pro-Soviet cinematic works produced by Hollywood, the other being Warner Bros.' "Mission to Moscow" (1943) and MGMs "Song of Russia" (1944). The extent to which "The North Star" incorporated official Soviet propaganda about collective farms prompted British anti-communist writer Robert Conquest, a member of the British Foreign Office's Information Research Dept. in the 1950s, to later write "a travesty great than could have been shown on Soviet screens to audiences used to lies, but experienced in to a degree requiring of least a minimum of restraint."
Blood on the Sun 1945
Producer: William Cagney Script: Garrett Fort, Lester Cole Director: Frank Lloyd Cinematography: Theodor Sparkuhl CAST: James Cagney, Silvia Sidney, Porter Hall Music: Miklos Rozsa Production: William Cagney Productions Release: June 28, 1945 94 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American anti-Japanese espionage propaganda war film directed by Frank Lloyd and starring James Cagney, Silvia Sidney and Porter Hall. This obvious propaganda film is based on the fictional account behind the Tanaka Memorial document which was an alleged Japanese strategic planning document from 1927 in which Japanese Prime Minister Baron Tanaka Gilchi had laid out a strategy to take over the world for Emperor Hirohito. "Blood on the Sun" won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction for a Black and White Film in 1945.
Four Steps in the Clouds 1942
Producer: Giuseppe Amato Script: Giuseppe Amato (co-writer), Alessandro Blasetti, Aido De Bendetti, Piero Tellini, Cesare Zavatinni Director: Alessandro Blasetti Cinematography: Vaclav Vich CAST: Gino Cervi, Adriana Benetti, Guiditta Rissone, Carlo Romano Music: Alessandro Cicognini Production: Societa Italiania Cines 87 min. B/W sound Italian dialog.
Italian comedy-drama film directed and co-written by Alessandro Blasetti, starring Gino Cervi, Adriana Benetti, Guiditta Rissone, Carlo Romano and others. The story concerns married man who agrees to act as the husband of a young pregnant woman who has been abandoned by her boyfriend. "Four Steps in the Clouds" was produced during the fascist era.
Alice in Wonderland 1931
Producer: Hugo Maienthau Script: Lewis Carroll (novel), John E. Goodson (adaptation), Ashley Ayer Miller (script) Director: Bud Pollard Cinematography: Charles Levine CAST: Ruth Gilbert, Leslie T. King, Ralph Hertz, Vie Quinn Production: Metropolitain Studios Relese: September 30, 1931 22 min. B/W silent w/music score English Inter-titles.
American silent independently produced Pre-Code fantasy film based on Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," directed by Bud Pollard filmed entirely in Fort Lee, NJ in 1931. This was originally designed as the first sound version of the timeless literary classic but ended up having to be a "silent" production due to an inferior dialogue soundtrack so inter-titles were added and a new music score. Cinema historians and film scholars consider Polland's film to be a lost classic.
Tomfoolery 1936
Producer: Fritz Klotsch Script: Jochen Huth, Willi Forst Director: Willi Forst Cinematography: Werner Bohne, Theodore J. Pauie CAST: Renate Mueller, Jenny Jugo, Anton Walbrook, Heinz Ruehmann Music: Peter Kreuder Production: Cine-Allianz Release: June 12, 1936 96 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German comedy film directed by Willi Forst and starring Renate Mueller, Jenny Jugo, Anton Walbrook, Heinz Ruehmann and others. The story concerns a pair of friends who manage to fall in love with the same woman, before realizing they are already in love with two other women. Racing to his romantic interest, one of the friends essayed by Heinz Ruehmann takes by chance part in the Monaco Grand Prix.
Old Heart Goes on a Journey 1938
Producer: Georg Witt Script/Director: Carl Junghans Cinematography: Hebert Koerner CAST: Eugen Kloepfer, Malay Delschaft, Helga Marold, Gerhard Bienert Music: Werner Egk Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: 1938 (1947) 86 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German light-hearted romantic film written and directed by Carl Junghans and starring Eugen Kloepfer, Malay Delschaft, Helga Marold, Gerhard Bienert and others. The film was based on the novel of the same title by Hans Fallada (1936) and adpated for the German screen by Carl Junghans. Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels banned the film in 1938 due to the fact that Carl Junghans had not adhered to the approved version of the screenplay. The production was not released until 1947 in West Germany.
Anna and Elisabeth 1933
Producer: Hermann Ephraim, Frank Wisbar Script: Gina Fink, Frank Wisbar Director: Frank Wisbar Cinematography: Franz Weihmayr CAST: Dorthea Wieck, Hertha Thiele, Mathias Wieman, Maria Warick Music: Paul Dessau Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH 74 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German drama film directed by Frank Wisar and starring Dorthea Wieck, Hertha Thiele, Mathias Wieman, Maria Warick and others. The story concerns a wealthy young aristocratic woman who uses a wheelchair, hears of Anna, a young peasant girl who is apparently able to work miracles. She brings the reluctant village girl to live with her, and appears to have been cured simply through her sheer belief in Anna's powers. However, an attempt to demonstrate Anna's skills to the public fails, and in her despair, Elisabeth throws herself off a cliff while Anna returns to her simple village life.
Uproar in Damascus 1939
Producer: Otto Lehmann Script: Jacob Geis, Phillip Lothar Mayring, Herbert Tjadens Director: Gustav Ucicky Cinematography: Paul Rischke, Oskar Schnirch CAST: Brigitte Horney, Joachim Gottschalk, Hans Nielsen, Paul Otto Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH 93 min. Color sound German dialog.
German action-thriller film directed by Gustav Ucicky and starring Brigitte Horney, Joahim Gottschalk, Hans Nielsen, Paul Otto and others. The story is set during W.W.I. with German Reichswehr (Army) troops battling the Arab Revolt led by T.E. Lawrence and the British Army.
Bel Ami or the Tale of a Scoundrel 1939
Producer/Script (co-writer)/Director: Willi Forst Script (additional writers): Guy de Maupassant (novel), Axel Eggebregt Cinematography: Theodore J. Pahle CAST: Willi Forst, Olga Chekhova, Hilfe Hildebrandt, Ilse Werner Music: Theo Mackeben Production: Forst-Films/Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH 96 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German musical film produced, co-written and directed by Willi Forst for his own production company Forst-Films and starring Forst, Olga Chekhova, Hilde Hildebrandt, Ilse Werner and others. Forst's production is loosely based on Guy de Maupassant's 1885 novel of the same title, but with considerable changes for the film's plotline. "Bel Ami" was produced on the eve of the outbreak of W.W.II., at the time when Nazi Germany was planning on waging war against France. The production was controlled by Joseph Goebbels' Ministry of Propaganda. While the film was not conceived as an outright propaganda film, the theme of corruption in French society and politics - primarily present in the original Maupassant novel had been well suited to the thrust of Nazi propaganda at the same time the film was being produced.
Berlin Alexanderplatz 1931
Producers: Arnold Pressburger, William A. Szekeley Script: Alfred Doeblin (novel), Karlheinz Martin, Hans Wilhelm Director: Phil Jutzi Cinematography: Nicholas Farkus, Erich Giese CAST: Heinrich George, Maria Bard, Bernhard Minetti, Albert Florath, Kaethe Haack Music: Allan Gray Production: Cine-Allianz-Tonfilm /Sued-Film 90 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German social drama film directed by Phil Jutzi for Cine-Allianc-Tonfilm and starring Heinrich George, Maria Bard, Bernhard Minetti, Albert Florath, Kaethe Haack and others. The production was adapted from the 1929 novel by Alfred Doeblin. who also penned the screenplay. The social drama concerned a blue collar German Berlin worker (and small-time criminal) recently released from prison finds himself being drawn into the Berlin underworld of the twenties after his prostitute-lover is found murdered. "Berlin Alexanderplatz" is regarded as a cinematic masterpiece of the Weimarian cinema.
Court Theatre 1936
Producer/Script (co-writer)/Director: Willi Forst Script (additional writer): Jochen Huth Cinematography: Theodore J. Pahle CAST: Werner Krauss, Carl Esmond, Hortense Raky, Olga Chekhova Music: Peter Kreuder Production: Willi Forst-filmproduktion/Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH Release: November 13, 1936 102 min. sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
Austrian drama film produced, co-written and directed by Willi Forst for his own production company Forst-Filmproduktion starring Werner Krauss, Carl Esmond, Hortense Raky, Olga Chekhova and others. Although produced during the Third Reich in 1936, the film contains no propaganda.
City of the Dead aka Horror Hotel 1960
Producer: Seymour S. Dorner, Max Rosenberg, Millton Subotsky, Donald Taylor Director: John Liewellyn Moxey Cinematography: Desmond Dickenson CAST: Christopher Lee, Patrica Jessel, Dennis Lotis, Betta St. John Music: Douglas Gamley, Ken Jones Production: Vulcan/British Lion 78 min. Color sound English dialog.
British supernatural horror film directed by John Liewellyn Moxey and starring Christopher Lee, Patricia Jessel, Dennis Lotis, Betta St. John and others The story concerns a young New England student doing a paper on the history of witchcraft visits a secluded Massachusetts village only to discover the original 17th century inhabitants are still very much part of a diabolical satanic coven bent on destructive bloodlust of humankind. A cult classic.
Colonel Tateo Kato's Flying Squadron 1944
Producer: Toho Script (co-writer)/Director: Kajiro Yamamoto Additional Script: Kenta Yamazaki Cinematography: Akira Mimura CAST: Susumu Fujita, Minoru Takada, Denjiro Okochi, Takashi Shimura Music: Seiichi Suzuki Production: Toho 111 min. B/W sound Japanese dialog w/English subtitles.
Japanese war propaganda feature film co-written and directed by Kajiro Yamamoto and starring Susumu Fujita, Minoru Takada, denjiro Okachi, Takashi Shimuro and others. The story concerns the military missions of an imperial Japanese air combat squadron serving the empire of Japan. This film introduced sophisticated special effects featured for the first time directed by Eji Tsuburaya, best known for his cinematic work on the "Godzilla" and "Ultraman" film franchises. This film is regarded as a Japanese militarist propaganda feature film.
Back Then 1943
Producer: Walter Botz Script: Bert Roth, Peter Groll, Rolf Hansen Director: Rolf Hansen Cinematography: Franz Weihmayr CAST: Zarah Leander, Hans Stuewe, Rossano Brazzi, Jutta von Alpen Music: Ralph Benatsky, Lothar Bruhne Production: Ufa Release: March 3, 1943 94 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German drama feature film co-written and directed by Rolf Hansen and starring Zarah Leander, Hans Stuewe, Rossana Brazzi, Jutta von Alpen and others. This film drama was produced during the Third Reich but contains no propaganda.
The Mountain Calls 1938
Producer: Heinrich Schier Script: carl Haensel, Richard Billinger, Hanns Sassmann, Luis Trecker Director: Luis Trencker Cinematographer: Sepp Allgeier, Albert Benitz, Otto Martini, Walter Riml, Klaus von Rautenfeld CAST: Luis Trencker, Heidemarie Hatheyer, Peter Eisholz, Herbert Dirmoser Music: Giuseppe Beece Production: Trencker-Film Release: January 6, 1938 95 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German "mountain" adventure feature film co-written and directed by Luis Trencker for his own production company Trencker-Film. The stylish production takes as its subject matter the struggle between Edward Whymper (English mountaineer and explorer) and Jean-Antoine Carrel (Italian mountain climber and guide) for the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. "The Mountain Calls" is one of two 1938 Trencker remakes of "Struggle for the Matterhorn" (Der Kampf ums Matterhorn) in which Trencker acted in the 1928 silent version, the other being the British "The Challenge" (1936). Although produced during the Third Reich, this film does not contain propaganda.
A Vilna Legend - The Rabbi's Power 1933
Producer/dDrector: George Roland Script: Jacob Mestel Commentator: Joseph Buloff Cinematography: Chas Handley Art Director: Joseph Crain CAST: Jacob Mestel, L. Kodeson, B. Fishbein, Ben Basenko , Ida Kaminska, Siegmund Turkoff Production: Leo-Forbert Release: 1933 60 min. B/W sound Yiddish dialog w/English subtitles.
Yiddish language film classic produced and directed by George Roland starring Jacob Mestel, L. Kodeson, . Fishbein, Ben Basenko, Ida Kaminska, Siegmund Turkoff and others. This rare Yiddish language film is a cinematic precursor to the 1937 classic "Dybbuk," featuring the same classic tale of frustrated love and destiny and the breaking fulfillment of sacred vows. A Yiddish cultural classic film.
Rules of the Game 1939
Producer: Claude Renoir Script: Carl Koch, Claude Renoir Director: Claude Renoir Cinematography: Jean Bachelet CAST: Nora Gregor, Paulette Dubost, Marcel Dalio Music: Roger Desormiere, Joseph Kosma Production: Nouvelle Edition Francaise Release: July 7, 1939 110 min. B/W sound French w/English subtitles.
French satirical comedy drama film directed by Jean Renoir and starring Nora Gregor, Paulette Dubost, Marcel Dalio and others. Renoir's cinematic depiction of the wise, mournful Octave anchors the fatalistic mood of this pensive comedy of manners. "Rules of the Game" depicts members of upper class French society and their servants just before the outbreak of W.W.II., revealing their moral callousness on the eve of destruction. Renoir's film is regarded as a cinematic masterpiece by contemporary film historians and scholars.
High School 1934
Producer: Reinhold Meisner Script: Heinrich Oberlaender Director: Erich Engel Cinematography: Bruno Mondi CAST: Rudolf Forster, Angela Salloker Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: ABC-Film Release: December 31, 1934 90 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
Austrian drama film directed by Erich Engel and starring Rudolf Forster and Angela Salloker. "High School" is an outstanding example of the genre of the "Vienna Film," Engel's bittersweet love story is set in the Austrian officer classes turned out to be one of the most successful German language releases of 1935.
The Fledermaus 1946
Producer: Alf Teichs, Viktor von Struewe Script: Richard Genee (libretto), Karl Haffner (libretto), Ernst Marisschka Director: Geza von Bolvary Cinematography: Willy Winterstein CAST: Willy Fritsch, Marte Harell, Johannes Heesters, Siegfried Breuer Music: Johann Strauss (operetta), Allois Melichar Production: Terra-Filmkunst/DEFA Release: August 16, 1946 100 min. Color sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
East German epic operetta film directed by Geza von Bolvary and starring Willy Fritsch, Marte Harell, Johannes Heesters, Siegfried Breuer and others. The lavish Sovcolor production was based on Austrian composer Johann Strauss's 1874 work of the same title. The film had been originally engaged in production with Terra-Filmkunst during the war in 1945, which had been one of the major movie studios used by the Nazis during the Third Reich. Although the elaborate production had begun in 1944, "The Fledermaus" was not released until 1946 when it was distributed by the communist-controlled DEFA (formally Ufa) film studios in the Soviet Zone of East Germany.
The Unknown 1936
Producer/Script (co-wrter)/Director: Frank Wisbar Additional literary adaptation: Reinhold Conrad Muschler (novel) Cinematography: Werner Bohne, Alexander von Lagorio CAST: Sybille Schmitz, Joan Galland, Ilse Abel, Edwin Juergensen Music: Hans-Otto Borgmann, Herbert Windt Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: November 12, 1936 92 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German drama film produced, co-written and directed by Frank Wisbar for Terra-Filmkunst and starring Sybille Schmitz, Joan Galland, Ilse Abel, Edwin Juergensen and others. The story had been inspired by "The Unknown Woman of the Seine" (1900) and based on a novel of the same title by Reinhold Conrad Muschler.
Dear Stupid Mom 1934
Producer: Otto Ernst Lubitz Script: Walter Wassermann Director: Carl Boese Cinematography: Franz Koch CAST: Leopold Konstantin, Luise Ullrich, Hermann Thimig, Gustav Waldau Music: Hans Carste Production: Atalanta-Film Release: March 1, 1935 90 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film directed by Carl Boese for Atalanta-Film starring Leopold Konstantin, Luise Ullrich, Hermann Thimig, Gustav Waldau and others. The story concerned a youngster who takes over an upmarket hotel that the mother has been running into the ground and turns it into a successful enterprise.
1984 (1954)
Producer/Director: Rudolph Cartier Script: Nigel Kneale CAST: Peter Cushing, Andre Morell, Donald Pleasance, Richard Williams (commentator) Music: John Hotchkis Production: BBC-TV Release; 1954 107 min. B/W sound English dialog.
British television adaptation of George Orwell's 1949 novel of the same title as produced and directed by Rudolph Cartier, originally broadcast on BBC Television in December 1954. The production starred British cinema greats Peter Cushing, Andre Morell, Donald Pleasance and others. The production proved to be hugely controversial with serious questions asked in Parliament and many viewer complaints over its supposed subversive nature and horrific content.
Hollywood Funtime: The Havana-Madrid Show 1941
Producer: Minoeo Prods. CAST: Carlos & Zerda Music: Maya's Pan-American Orchestra Production: Minoeo Productions Release: 1941 48 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American variety program film produced by Minoeo Productions featuring the Havana-Madrid Show showcasing Maya's Pan-American Orchestra.
S.O.S. Iceberg 1933
Producer: Carl Laemmle, Paul Kohner Script: Tom Reed Director: Dr. Arnold Fanck, Tay Garnett (U.S. version) Cinematography: Richard Angst, Hans Schneeberger CAST: Leni Riefenstahl, Rod La Rocque, Sepp Rist, Ernst Udet, Walter Riml Music: Paul Dessau Production: Deutsche Universal-Film AG, Universal Pictures Release: September 22, 1933 76 min. B/W sound English dialog version..
German/American pre-Code mountain adventure film produced by Carl Laemmle and directed by Dr. Arnold Fanck for Deutsche Universal/Universal Pictures and starring Leni Riefenstahl, Rod La Rocque, Sepp Rist, Ernst Udet, Walter Riml and others. The storyline of the production follows the real-life account of Alfred Lothar Wegener's polar expedition of 1929-1930. Although produced during the Third Reich, this film contains no propaganda.
1860 (1934)
Producer/Script (co-writer): Emilio Cecchi Script (additional writers): Gino Mazzuchi, Alessandro Blasetti, Emilio Cecchi Director: Alessandro Blasetti Cinematography: Anchise Brizzi, Giulio De Luca CAST: Giuseppe Gulino, Aida Bella, Gianfranco Giachetti, Mario Ferrari Music: Nino Medin Production: Societa Italiana Cines Release: April 2, 1934 75 min. B/W sound Italian dialog.
Italian historical fascist propaganda film produced, co-written and directed by Alessandro Blasetti starring Giuseppe Gulina, Aida Bella, Gianfranco Giachetti, Maria Ferrari and others. Blasetti's historical production presages Italian neorealism in that it was filmed mainly on location while some scenes were shot at the Cines Studios in Rome. At the time most contemporaneous historical film epics used a well-known movie star to focus on grand historical characters. "1860" focuses on a character who no one knows or will ever know, a true patriot riding to get the assistance of Giuseppe Garabaldi.
Boycott 1930
Producer/Script (co-writer)/Director: Robert Land Script: Arnold Ulitz (novel), Alfred Schirokauer, Karl Wilczynski, Eugen Kuerschner Cinematography: Franz Koch CAST: Lil Dagover, Theodor Loos, Max Schreck, Ernst Stahl-Nachbaur Music: Franz Grothe, Alexander Laszlo Production: Muenchener Lichtspielkunst Release: December 15, 1930 75 min. German dialog w/English subtitles.
German drama film produced, co-written and directed by Robert Land for Muenchener Lichtspiel starring Lil Dagover, Theodor Loos, Max Schreck, Ernst Stahl- Nachbaur and others . The story concerns young German pupils of a posh Berlin gymnasium in their final term and their class instructor teaching them about tolerance and humanism, a lesson that would be badly needed three years later during the birth of the Third Reich. A Weimarian period cinematic classic.
A Gentleman for Hire 1930
Producer: Julius Heimann Script: Walter Reisch Director: Geza von Bolvary Cinematography: Willy Goldberger CAST: Willi Forst, Paul Hoerbiger, Else Elster, Trude Lieske Music: Robert Stolz Production: Super-Film Release: December 19, 1930 80 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German musical comedy film directed by Geza von Bolvary starrinf Willi Forst, Paul Hoerbiger, Else Elster, Trude Liescke and others. One of the outstanding, entertaining German musical cinematic classics of the Weimarian period.
Darling of the Gods 1930
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Hans Mueller (play), Robert Liebmann, Richard Rillo Director: Hans Schwarz Cinematography: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet, Guenther Rittau CAST: Emil Jannings, Renate Mueller, Olga Chekhova, Eduard von Winterstein Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: Ufa Release: October 13, 1930 95 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German musical drama film directed by Hanns Schwarz starring Emil Jannings, Renate Mueller, Olga Chekhova, Eduard von Winterstein and others. The story was based on the play "Die Tokaier" by Hans Mueller. Schwarz's uplifting, lighthearted production is an example of cinematic musical films produced during the heyday of the Weimar Republic.
The Three at the Filling Station 1930
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Franz Schultz, Paul Frank Director: Wilhelm Thiele Cinematography: Franz Planer CAST: Lillian Harvey, Willy Fritsch, Fritz Kampers, Kurt Gerron Music: Werner Richard Heymann Production: Ufa Release: 1930 90 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German operetta film directed by Wilhelm Thiele starring Lillian Harvey, Willy Fritsch, Fritz Kampers, Kurt Gerron and others. Thiele's lighthearted musical is typical of the style of filmmaking during the Weimarian period.
Burglars 1930
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Robert Liebmann, Louis Vernuil (play) Director: Hanns Schwarz Cinematography: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet, Guenther Rittau CAST: Lillian Harvey, Willy Fritsch, Heinz Ruehmann, Ralph Arthur Roberts Music: Friedrich Hollaender, Franz Waxman Production: Ufa Release: December 16, 1930 93 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German musical comedy film directed by Hanns Schwarz starring Lillian Harvey, Willy Fritsch, Heinz Ruehmann, Ralph Arthur Roberts and others. "Burglars" is based on the French play "Guignol le cambrioleur" by Louis Verneuil, who also penned the screenplay. One of Weimar Germany's enchanted musical comedy productions.
The Fire at the Opera House 1930
Producer/Director: Carl Froelich Script: Walter Reisch, Walter Supper Cinematography: Reimar Kuntze, Fritz Arno Wagner CAST: Gustav Froehlich, Gustaf Gruendgens, Alexa Engstrom, Hans Peppier Music: Hanson Milde-Meissner Production: Carl Froelich-Film Release: October 14, 1930 85 min. German dialog w/English subtitles.
German drama film produced and directed by Carl Froelich for his own company starring Gustac Froehlich, Gustaf Grundgens, Alexa Engstrom, Hans Peppier and others.
The Song is Ended 1930
Producer: Julius Haimann Script: Walter Reisch Director: Geza von Bolvary Cinematography: Willy Godberger CAST: Liane Haid, Willi Forst, Margarete Schiegel, Otto Wallburg Music: Robert Stolz Production: Super-Film Release: October 7, 1930 95 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German romantic musical film directed by Geza von Bolvary starring Liane Haid, Willi Forst, Margarete Schiegel, Otto Wallburg and others. One of the bittersweet, lighthearted romantic musicals produced during the Weimarian period.
The Theft of the Mona Lisa 1931
Producer: Julius Haimann Script: Walter Reisch Director: Geza von Bolvary Cinematography: Willy Goldberger CAST: Trude von Molo, Willi Forst, Gustaf Gruendgens, Fritz Odemar, Paul Kemp Music: Robert Stolz Production: Super-Film Release: August 25, 1931 82 min. B/W German dialog.
German drama film directed by Geza von Bolvary starring Trude von Molo, Willi Forst, Gustaf Gruendgens, Fritz Odemar, Paul Kemp and others. This film was based on a true account from 1911.
No More Love 1931
Producer: Noe Bloch, Arnold Pressbuerger, Gregor Rabinovich Script: Irma von Cube, Anatole Litvak, Felix Jackson, Curt J. Braun, Felix Falkenstein Director: Anatole Litvak Cinematography: Robert Baberske, Franz Planer CAST: Lillian Harvey, Harry Liedtke, Felix Bressart, Margo Lion Music: Mischa Spoilansky Production: Bloch-Rabinovich-Produktion Release: July 27, 1931 76 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German musical comedy film directed by Anatole Litvak starring Lillian Harvey, Harry Liedtke, Felix Bressart, Margo Lion and others. The story was based on Julius Berstl's novel "Dover-Calais." One of the extremely popular musical comedies of the Weimarian period.
Inquest 1931
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Max Alsberg (play), Ernst Hesse (play), Robert Liebmann, Hans Mueller, Robert Siodmak Director: Robert Siodmak Cinematography: Otto Baecker, Konstantin Irmen-Tschet CAST: Albert Bassermann, Gustav Froehlich, Hans Brausewetter, Charlotte Ander Production: Ufa Release: April 20, 1931 86 min. B/W sound German dialog w/German subtitles.
German crime drama co-written and directed by Robert Siodmak starring Albert Bassermann, Gustav Froehlich, Hans Brausewetter, Charlotte Ander and others. Siodmak's production was a precursor to the film noir entertainment genre which had been based on a 1927 play by Max Alsberg and Ernst Hesse. The story concerned a prostitute whom is murdered in a cheap Berlin boarding house. An investigating judge suspects that the murderer is in reality her boyfriend, unaware that his own son and daughter are also mixed up in the criminal case.
Bombs on Monte Carlo 1931
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Jeno Heltal, Hans Mueller, Franz Schultz Director: Hanns Schwarz Cinematography: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet, Guenther Rittau CAST: Hans Albers, Heinz Ruehmann, Ida Wuest, Kurt Gerron, Peter Lorre Music: Werner R. Heymann Production: Ufa Release: August 31, 1931 100 min. B/W sound German dialog..
German musical comedy directed by Hanns Schwarz starring Hans Albers, Heinz Ruehamnn, Ida Wuest, Kurt Gerron and others. The story is based on the 1930 novel "Bomben auf Monte Carlo" by Fritz Reck. The production is known for the German a capella band Comedian Harmonists, who perform the well-known song "Das ist die Liebe der Matrossen."
The Virtuous Sinner 1931
Producer: Arnold Pressburger Script: Valentin Katanev (novel), Alfred Polgar (play), Fritz Kortner Director: Fritz Kortner Cinematography: Guenther Krampf CAST: Max Pallenberg, Heinz Ruehmann, Dolly Haas, Josefine Dora Music: Nicholas Brodszky Production: Cine-Allianz-Tonfilm Release: October 22, 1931 87 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film co-written and directed by Fritz Kortner starring Max Pallenberg, Heinz Ruehmann, Dolly Haas, Josephine Dora and others. The production was based on the play "The Embezzlers" by Valentin Katanev which in turn was based on a novel penned by the same author. The story concerns Pichler and Wittek, two junior employees of a bank from a provincial Austrian village, journey to Vienna, where they become accidentally embroiled in their employer's scheme to embezzle the bank's funds and flee with his mistress. Events manage to sort themselves out and the dishonest banker is arrested, and Pichler is appointed to replace him while Wittek is able to marry Pichler's daughter Hedwig.
Jim, the Man with the Scar aka The Man who Seeks His Killer 1931
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Ludwig Hirschfeld, Curt Siodmak, Billie Wilder Director: Curt Siodmak Cinematography: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet, Otto Baecker CAST:Heinz Ruehmann, Lien Deyers, Raimund Jamitschek, Hans Leibelt Music: Friedrich Hollander Production: Ufa Release: 1931 50 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film co-written and directed by Curt Siodmak starring Heinz Ruehmann, Lien Deyers, Raimund Jamitschek, Hans Leibelt and others. This film was banned by order of Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels on October 1, 1937.
Love Command 1931
Producer: Julius Haimann Script: Fritz Gruenbaum, Roda Roda Director: Geza von Bolvary Cinematography: Willy Goldberger CAST: Dolly Haas, Gustav Froehlich, Anton Pointier, Walter Erdhofer Music: Robert Stolz Production: Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH Release: 1931 100 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German romantic comedy directed by Gez von Bolvary starring Dolly Haas, Gustav Froehlich, Anton Pointier, Walter Erdhof and others. The story is set in the time of the Austro-Hungarian empire when a young girl substitutes her brother in a prestigious military academy.
Ariane 1931
Producer: Seymour Nebenzahl, Ernst Wolff Script: Paul Czinner, Carl Mayer Director: Paul Czinner Cinematography: Adolf Schlassy CAST: Elisabeth Bergner, Rudolf Forster, Theodor Loos, Annemarie Steinsieck Music: Andre Roubaud Production: Nero-Film AG Release: February 20, 1931 79 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German drama film co-written and directed by Paul Czinner starring Elisabeth Bergner, Rudolf Forster, Theodor Loos, Annemarie Steinsieck and others. The production is an adaptation of the 1920 French novel of the same title by Claude Anet. "Ariane" was the original inspiration for the 1957 Billy Wilder film "Love in the Afternoon." Billy Wilder regarded "Ariane" as "touching and funny."
The Trunks of Mr. O.F. 1931
Producer: Mark Asarow, Hans Conradi, Ernst Nolle Script: Alexis Granowsky, Hans Homberg, Leo Lania Director: Alexis Gronowsky Cinematography: Heinrich Balasch, Reimar Kuntze CAST: Alfred Abel, Peter Lorre, Harold Paulsen, Ludwig Stossel, Hedy Lamar Music: Karol Rathaus, Kurt Schroeder Production: Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH Release: December 2, 1931 75 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film co-written and directed by Alexis Granowsky starring Alfred Abel, Peter Lorre, Harold Paulsen, Ludwig Stossel, Hedy Lamar and others. The story concerned thirteen suitcases arrive at a hotel in a small village, labeled "As belonging to the mysterious Mr. O.F.," provoking much curiosity and speculation.
The Ugly Girl 1933
Producer: Conrad Flockner Script (co-writer)/Director: Henry Kosterlitz Script (co-writer): Felix Joachimson Cinematography: Robert Baberske CAST: Dolly Haas, Max Hansen, Otto Wallburg, Genia Nikolaieva Music: Otto S. Fenes Production: Avanti-Film Release: September 8, 1933 75 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film co-written and directed by Henry Kosterlitz starring Dolly Haas, Max Hansen, Otto Wallburg, Genia Nikolaieva and others. This film was produced during the transition from the Weimar Republic to Nazi Germany, and had its Reich premiere in September that same year. The premiere of the film was greeted with riots led by Nazi brown-shirts protesting the male lead, Max Hansen, who was supposedly "too Jewish." The producton's representation of "the ugly girl" as an outsider has been described by contemporary cinema critics as "a metaphorical way to explore the outsider existence of the Jews." "The Ugly Girl" was a particular target of the Nazis at the time due to its Jewish characterization and Propaganda Minister Goebbles banned the film following a brief release due to the general reaction by the German moviegoing public at the time.
Tugboat M17 1933
Producers/Direction: Werner Hochbaum, Heinrich George Script: Willy Doll Cinematography: A.G. Weitzenberg CAST: Heinrich George, Bertha Drews, Joachim Steubel, Betty Amann Music: Will Meisel, Alex Stone Production: Orbis-Film Release: April 19, 1933 75 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German drama film produced and directed by Werner Hochbaum and Heinrich George starring George, Bertha Drews, Joachim Steubel, Betty Amann and others. The story concerns average life on a German tug boat on the country's waterways in the vicinity of Berlin.
Crimson Romance 1934
Producer: Nat Levine Script: Milton Krims, Doris Schroeder, Al Martin, Sherman L. Lowe Director: David Howard Cinematography: Ernest Miller CAST: Erich von Stroheim, Ben Lyon, James Bush, Jason Robards, Sr. Production: Mascot Pictures Release: October 12, 1934 60 min. B.W sound English dialog.
American romantic drama directed by David Howard for Mascot Pictures and starring Erich von Stroheim, Ben Lyon, James Bush, Jason Robards, Sr. and others. The story concerned two civilian pilots who volunteer for air service with the German Luftstreikkraefte (Air Strike Force) during W.W.I.
The Student of Prague 1935
Producer/Script (co-writer)/Director: Arthur Robinson Script (co-writers): Hanns Heinz Ewers, Henrik Galeen, Hans Kyser Cinematography: Bruno Mondi CAST: Anton Walbrook, Theodor Loos, Dorthea Wieck, Erich Fiedler Music: Theo Mackeben Production: Cine-Allianz Release: December 10, 1935 75 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German horror film produced, co-written and directed by Arthur Robinson starring Anton Walbrook, Theodor Loos, Dorthea Wieck, Erich Fiedler and others. The story is based on the eponymous novel by Hanns Heinz Ewers, which had previously been adapted into several celebrated silent classics (available from FILMMUSEUM) on two separate occasions. Though the first two German screen versions had been praised by the-then German cinema critics during the silent era, the Nazi era version was not as well received as its predecessors. Writing for "The Spectator" in 1936, Graham Greene characterized Robinson's production as "dull and a curiosity, a relic of the Classical German film of silent days." Negatively comparing the 1935 production to Henrik Galeen's 1926 version, Greene found that the story was "less believable and the acting less memorable." In favor of the Robinson's 1935 film, Greene noted "one can say at any rate that it is on the right side."
Ferryman Maria 1936
Producer: Eberhard Schmidt Script: Frank Wisbar, Hans-Juergen Nierentz Director: Frank Wisbar Cinematography: Franz Weihmayr CAST: Sybille Schmitz, Aribert Moog, Peter Voss, Karl Platen Music: Herbert Windt Production: Pallas-Film Release: January 7, 1936 80 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German supernatural film co-written and directed by Frank Wisbar starring Sybille Schmitz, Aribert Moog, Peter Voss, Karl Platen and others. Wisbar's eerie production had its official Reich premiere in Hildesheim on January 7, 1936. The Nazis had changed film censorship standards in 1934. Propaganda Minister Goebbels, when considering nominating "Ferryman Maria" for an award dismissed Wisbar's production as "an experiment, but not a good one.," although Goebbels did honor the film with a special accolade for "artistic value."
Lumpacivagabundus 1936
Producer: Heinrich Haas Script: Max Wallner Director: Geza von Bolvary Cinematography: Werner Brandes CAST: Heinz Ruehmann, Paul Hoerbiger, Hans Holt, Hilde Krahl Music: Hans Lang Production: Styria-Film Release: 1936 85 min. B/W sound German dialog.
Austrian film comedy film directed by Geza von Bolvary starring Heinz Ruehmann, Paul Hoerbiger, Hans Holt, Hilde Krahl and others. The comedy film is based on the play "The Evil Spirit of Lumpacivagabundus" by Johann Nestroy. One of the memorable comedies produced in Austria during the 1930s.
The Man Who was Sherlock Holmes 1937
Producer: Alfred Greven Script: Karl Hartl, Robert Adolf Stemmle Director: Karl Hartl Cinematography: Fritz Arno Wagner CAST: Hans Albers, Heinz Ruehmann, Hilde Weissner, Paul Bildt Music: Hans Sommer Production: Ufa Release: July 15, 1937 107 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy mystery film co-written and directed by Karl Hartl starring Hans Albers, Heinz Ruehmann, Hilde Weissner, Paul Bildt and others. The outrageous story concerned Detetcive Morris (Albers) and his wily assistant Mackey McMacpherson (Ruehmann), masquerading as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, investigate two attractive sisters, Mary and Jane Berry, and the theft and forgery of valuable postage stamps. This film was a popular cinematic attraction in Germany in 1937.
The Grand Illusion 1937
Producer: Albert Pinkvich, Frank Rollmer Script: Charles Spaak, Jean Renoir Director: Jean Renoir Cinematography: Christian Matras CAST: Jean Gabin, Marcel Dallo, Erich von Stroheim, Dita Parlo Music: Joseph Kosma Production: Realisation d-Art Cinematographie Release: June 8, 1937 114 min. B/W sound French dialog w/English subtitles.
French war drama film co-written and directed by Jean Renoir starring Jean Gabin, Marcel Dallo, Erich von Stroheim, Dita Parlo and others. The story concerns class relationships among a small group of French officers who are German POWs during W.W.I. and are plotting to escape. The title of "The Grand Illusion" is taken from the 1909 literary work of the same title by British journalist Norman Angell, which argued that war is futile because of the common economic interests of all European nations. Renoir's production is regarded by contemporary critics and film historians as one of the great cinematic masterpieces of French film and among one of the greatest motion pictures ever produced. Orson Welles regarded "The Grand Illusion" as one of the two motion pictures he would take with him "on the ark." Director Sidney Pollack chose Renoir's film as one of his ten favorite movies of all time."
The Step from the Past 1939
Producer: Gustaf Gruendgens, Eduard Kubat Script: Georg C. Klaren, Eckart von Naso Director: Gustaf Gruendgens Cinematography: Ewald Daub CAST: Marriane Hoppe, Karl Ludwig Diehl, Paul Hartmann, Max Guelstorff Music: Mark Lothar Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: February 9, 1939 101 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German historical drama film co-written and directed by Gustaf Gruendgens starring Marriane Hoppe, Karl Ludwig Diehl, Paul Hartmann, Max Gulstorff and others. The production is an adaptation of Thedor Fontaine's 1896 novel "Effi Briest."
Kitty and the World Conference 1939
Producer/Script (co-writer)/Director: Helmut Kaeutner Script (additional writer): Stefan Donat (play) Cinematography: Willy Winterstein CAST: Hannelore Schroth, Fritz Odemar, Paul Hoerbiger, Maria Nicklisch Music: Michael Jary Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: August 25, 1939 97 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film produced, co-written and directed by Helmut Kaeutner starring Hannelore Schroth, Fritz Odemar, Paul Hoerbiger, Maria Nicklisch and others. The storyline is that of a screwball comedy set against the backdrop of an international peace conference. Following the outbreak of W.W.II. in 1939, Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels ordered the production withdrawn from theatrical exhibition as he felt it presented a too favored view of England.
I am Sebastian Ott 1939
Producer/Director: Willi Forst Script: Axel Eggebrecht, Eberhard Keindorff Cinematography: Carl Hoffmann, Karl Loeb CAST: Willi Forst, Gustav Diessel, Paul Hoerbiger, Trude Marien Music: Theo Mackeben Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: August 11, 1939 95 min. B/W sound German dialog .
German crime thriller produced, directed and starring Willi Forst with a cast of players, including, Gustav Diessel, Paul Hoerbiger, Trude Marien and others. The story concerns art fraud with Willi Forst essaying the dual role of twins, one honest and the other a criminal.
Operetta 1940
Producer: Karl Hartl, Willi Forst Script: Axel Eggebrecht, Willi Forst Director: Willi Forst Cinematography: Hans Schneeberger CAST: Willi Forst, Maria Holst, Paul Hoerbiger, Leo Slezak, Curt Juergens, Siegfried Breuer Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: Wien-Film Release: December 20, 1940 110 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German musical extravaganza co-produced, written, directed and starring Willi Forst with a supporting cast, including, Maria Holst, Paul Hoerbiger, Leo Slezak, Curt Juergens, Siegfried Breuer and others. "Operetta" was produced by Wien-Film, a Vienna, Austria-based company set-up after Austria was absorbed into Nazi Germany following the 1938 "Anschluss" (annexation). This was the first motion picture Willi Forst's "Viennese Trilogy" followed with "Wienerblut" (1942) and "Wiener Maedeln" (1945) NOTE: (these titles are available from FILMMUSEUM.) "Operetta" portrays the life of Franz Jauner (1832-1900), a major musical figure in the city of Vienna. The production is classified as both an operetta film and a "Wiener Film."
Ride between the Fronts (Comrades) 1941
Producer: Hans Schweikart Director: Curt Prickler Script: R. Nicholas, K. Seifert, .E. Luethge, Emil Burri, Peter Francke Cinematography: Franz Koch CAST: Willy Birgel, Karin Hardt, Maria Nicklisch, Hedwig Wangel, Alexander Golliing Music: Alois Melichar Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: 1941 90 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German historical-militarist drama film directed by Curt Prickler starring Willy Birgel, Karin Hardt, Maria Nicklisch, Hedwig Wangel, Alexander Golling and others. The story concerns the suffering in the Kingdom of Prussia under the yoke of Napoleon.
Anuschka 1942
Producer: Gerhard Staab Script: Helmut Kaeutner, Axel Eggebrecht Director: Helmut Kaeutner Cinematography: Erich Claunigk CAST: Hilde Krahl, Siegfried Breuer, Friedl Czepa, Rolf Wanka Music: Bernhard Eichhorn Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: March 24, 1942 101 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German historical drama film co-written and directed by Helmut Kaeutner starring Hilde Krahl, Siegfried Breuer, Friedl Czepa, Rolf Wanka and others. The story is set in rural Moravia where a young woman by the name of Anuschka manages to lose the family farm when her father passes away heavily in debt. She accepts an offer to travel to Vienna for employment as a domestic maid to the surgeon named Felix von Hartberg who had previously treated her father following an accident. However, his wife Eva is having an affair and when he gives her husband's gift of an expensive lighter to her lover, she allows Anuschka to wrongly take the blame.
The Rainer Case 1942
Producer: Herbert Engelsing Script: Jacob Geis, Wilhelm Krug, Herbert Reinecker (novel), Paul Verhoeven Director: Paul Verhoeven Cinematography: Fritz Arno Wagner CAST: Luise Ullrich, Paul Hubschmid, Sepp Rist, Karl Schoenboeck Music: Norbert Schultze Production: Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH Release: May 12, 1942 82 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German legal drama co-written and directed by Paul Verhoeven starring Luise Ullrich, Paul Hubschmid, Sepp Rist, Karl Schoenboeck and others. The story is set in November 1918 during the closing stages of W.W.I.
Melody of a Great City 1943
Producer: Heinrich Jonen Script: Geza von Cziffra, Maria von der Busche, Else Feldbinder, Wolfgang Leibeneiner Director: Wolfgang Leibeneiner Cinematography: Richard Angst, Walter Pindler CAST: Hilde Krahl, Werner Hinz, Karl Johns, Paul Henckels, Beppo Brem Music: Werner Bochmann, Michael Jary, Rudolf Perak Production: Berlin-Film Release: October 4, 1943 107 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German musical drama film co-written and directed by Wolfgang Leibeneiner for Berlin-Film starring Hilde Krahl, Werner Hinz, Karl Johns, Paul Henckels, Beppo Brem and others. The story concerned an ambitious young girl who moves to Berlin in order to seek employment as a press photographer in contemporary Nazi Germany. Although produced during the tainted period of the Third Reich, this film does not contain direct propaganda.
The Golden Spider 1943
Producer: Eduard Kubat Script: Erich Ebermayer, Erich Engels, Wolf Neumeister, Ulrich Vogel Director: Erich Engels Cinematography: E.W. Fiedler CAST: Franz Arzdorf, Wilhelm Bendow, Traute Bengen, Robert Burkner Music: Werner Eisbrenner Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: December 23, 1943 88 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German thriller film co-written and directed by Erich Engels for Terra-Filmkunst starring Franz Arzdorf, Wilhelm Bendow, Traute Bengen, Robert Burkner and others. Considered a wartime German thriller containing no propaganda.
The Black Robe 1944
Producer: Franz Vogel Script: Erich Ebermayer, Iva Raffay, Fritz Peter Buch Director: Fritz Peter Buch Cinematography: Kurt Schulz CAST: Lotte Koch, Richard Haeussler, Kirsten Heiberg, Peter Widmann Music: Werner Bochmann Production: Berlin-Film Release: September 4, 1944 107 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German courtroom drama film co-written and directed by Fritz Peter Buch for Berlin-Film starring Lotte Koch, Richard Haeussler, Kirsten Heiberg, Peter Widmann and others. The story concerns an ambitious public prosecutor who rejects her husband in order ot pursue her career, but is forced to change when her husband becomes caught up in an intense court case.
The Great Freedom Nr. 7 1944
Producer: Hans Tost Script: Helmut Kautner, Richard Nicholas Director: Helmut Kautner Cinematography: Werner Krien CAST: Hans Albers, Ilse Werner, Hans Soehnker, Hilde Hildebrandt, Gustav Knuth Music: Werner Eisbrenner Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: December 10, 1944 111 min. Color sound German dialog.
German musical drama film co-written and directed by Helmut Kautner for Terra-Filmkunst starring Hans Albers, Ilse Werner, Hans Soehnker, Hilde Hildebrandt, Gustav Knuth and others. The main title of the production was taken by a Hamburg street named "Grosse Freiheit" (Great Freedom), next to the Hansatic shipping city's Reeperbahn red-light district in the St. Pauli section. The story concerns the tale of the blond "singing sailor" Hannes Kroger (essayed by Hans Albers) who is employed by a St. Pauli nightclub located on Grosse Freiheit Street Nr. 7 and manages to fall in love with an attractive young girl essayed by Ilse Werner. But Kroger acts too slowly and she falls in love with his rival Wilhelm (Hans Soehnker) so Hannes returns to sea once again. Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels was extremely dissatisfied with "The Great Freedom Nr. 7," and demanded many countless changes to make the production more "German," for instance by renaming the lead role from Jonny to Hannes. Following an entire year of re-editing, Goebbels ended up banning the film anyway on December 12, 1944, and was only exhibited outside of Germany proper, with the official Reich premiere on December 15, 1944 in Nazi-occupied Prague. Kautner's color film remained banned during the Third Reich, opening on September 6, 1945 at Berlin's Filmbuehne Vienna following the victory of the Allies.
In Flagranti 1944
Producer/Director: Hans Schweikart Script: Ernst Marischka, Hans Schweikart Director: Hans Schweikart Cinematography: Franz Koch CAST: Ferdinand Marian, Margot Hielscher, Oskar Sima, Fritz Kampers Music: Peter Kreuder Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: January 31, 1944 85 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German crime film produced, co-written and directed by Hans Schweikart for Bavaria-Film starring Ferdinand Marian, Margot Hielscher, Oskar Sima, Fritz Kampers and others. The story concerns a rookie police detective's first case is to observe an engineer, but she behaves so clumsily in her job, that she is mistaken for a thief and con artist.
Seven Letters 1944
Producer/Director: Vladimir Slavinsky Script: Eberhard Keindorff, W. Ulrici Cinematography: Josef Strecha CAST: Elfriede Datzig, Mady Rahl, O.W. Fischer, Harold Paulsen Music: Jara Benes Production: Prag-Film Release: March 29, 1944 80 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German romantic drama produced and directed by Vladimir Slavinsky for Prag-Film starring Elfriede Datzig, Mady Rahl, O.W. Fischer, Harold Paulsen and others. The story concerns a newspaper photographer and wanna-be writer who falls in love at first sight with the daughter of his employer unknowingly. He tries to win her heart with seven letters, which tell the events of the story.
Dreaming 1944
Producer: Fritz Thiery Script: Harold Braun, Herbert Witt Director: Harold Braun Cinematography: Robert Baberske CAST: Hilde Krahl, Mathias Wieman, Friedrich Kayssler, Paul Henckels Music: Werner Eisbrenner Production: Ufa Release: May 3, 1944 110 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German historical musical drama produced, co-written and directed by Harold Braun for Ufa starring Hilde Krahl, Mathias Wieman, Friedrich Kayssler, Paul Henckels and others. The story portrays the lives of the pianist Clara Schumann and her composer husband Robert Schumann. "Dreaming" was an important national film, receiving funding from the German government. The production had its official Reich premiere at Zwickau, the birthplace of Robert Schumann, two days prior to the screening at the Mamorhaus theatre in Berlin. It is an important historical film containing no propaganda.
The Evening After the Opera 1945
Producer: Alf Teichs, Walter Tost Director: Arthur Maria Rabenalt Script: Franz Nahl, Johanna Sibelius Cinematography: Albert Benitz CAST: Gustl Huber, Siegfried Breuer, Erich Ponto, Albert Florath Music: Albert Fischer Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: August 31, 1945 94 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German romantic drama directed by Arthur Maria Rabenalt for Terra-Filmkunst starring Gustl Huber, Siegfried Breuer, Erich Ponto, Albert Florath and others. The story concerns a man by the name of Rudolf who has done prison time for murdering his wife in a jealous rage. Rudolf does not tell his second wife Julia, however. However, fate manages to repeat itself when Johannes learns the grim truth of Rudolf's dreaded secret and falls in love with Julia.
The Angel with the Stringed Instrument 1944
Producer: Heinz Ruehmann Script: Carl Johannes Braun, Helmut Weiss, Alois Johannes (radio play) Director: Heinz Ruehmann Cinematography: Ewald Daub CAST: Hertha Feller, Hans Soehnker, Hans Nielsen, Otto Graf Music: Werner Bochmann Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: 1944 95 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German romantic film produced and directed by comic actor turned director Heinz Ruehmann for Terra-Filmkunst starring Hertha Feller, Hans Soehnker, Hans Nielsen, Otto Graf and others. The production was one of the few directorial cinematic works by Heinz Ruehmann, who cast his own wife Hertha Feller in a leading role, however, Ruehmann himself does not appear in the production.
Thank You, I'm Fine 1945
Producer: Hans von Wolzogen, Luggi Waldleitner Script: Gerhard T. Buchholz, (play), Gustav Kampendonk Director: Erich Waschneck Cinematography: Kurt Schulz CAST: Ernst von Klipstein, Karin Hardt, Sonja Ziemann, Gunnar Moeller Music: Werner Eisbrenner Production: Berlin-Film Release: January 23, 1948 74 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film directed by Erich Waschneck for Berlin-Film starring Ernst von Klipstein, Karin Hardt, Sonja Ziemann, Gunnar Moeller and others. This film was produced the last year of W.W.II. by the independent company Berlin-Film. The production had been left unfinished at the end of the war in 1945 and had to be completed by the Soviet-controlled East German DEFA studio in East Berlin and released across the occupied eastern sector of the DDR. "Thank You, I'm Fine" was one of several film productions of the Nazi period that was forced to delay releases in the years after the fall of the Third Reich.
The Old Song 1945
Producer: Franz Tapper Script: Gerhard T. Buchholtz, Fritz Peter Buch Director: Fritz Peter Buch Cinematography: Oskar Schnirch CAST: Winnie Markus, Ernst von Klipstein, Grethe Weiser, Lotte Koch Music: Werner Bochmann Production: Berlin-Film Release: 1945 94 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German romantic drama film produced, co-written and directed by Fritz Peter Buch for Berlin-Film starring Winnie Markus, Ernst von Klipstein, Grethe Weiser, Lotte Koch and others. The story is set in Berlin during the 1880s when the young Count Erwin von Haldern meets the shy flower arranger Stine at a celebration. He quickly falls in love with the modest girl, who in turn is hesitantly courted by gardener Franke, and pays her a visit a short time later. Stine begins to return the Count's advances and the two cautiously get closer which opens the door for further complications in their relationship.
The False Bride 1945
Producer: Ottmar Ostermayr Script: Erna Fentsch Director: Joe Stoeckel Cinematography: Kurt Duernhofer, Heinz Schnackertz CAST: Elfriede Datzig, Josef Eichheim, Beppo Brem, Joe Stoeckel Music: Hans Diernhammer Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: 1945 81 min. B/W German dialog.
German comedy film directed by Joe Stoeckel for Bavaria-Film starring Elfriede Datzig, Josef Eichheim, Beppo Brem, Joe Stoeckel and others. The story concerned the farmer Korbinian Assbichler who is in financial debt, therefore he has come to the decision that his son Toni should marry Rossl, the daughter of the wealthy Pius Ming. But Toni is afraid that Rossl might actually be ugly and does not agree to the plan after all.
The Cross Pen 1945
Producer/Director: Eduard von Borsody Script: Otto Bielen, Eduard von Borsody Cinematography: Friedl Behn-Grund CAST: Emil Hess, Charlotte Schellhorn, Willy Dansk, Fritz Kampers Music: Werner Bochmann Production: Tobis-Tonild-Syndikat Release: 1950 (DEFA postwar release) 88 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film produced, co-written and directed by Eduard von Borsody starring Emil Hess, Charlotte Schellhorn, Willy Dansk, Fritz Kampers and others. The story concerned a prosperous farmer from Grundidorf who wants to ensure that the new planned railway line is constructed through his village and not through nearby Zwentdorf. By the end of W.W.II., "The Cross Pen" remained unfinished due to the fall of the Third Reich as it was in the dubbing stage at the close of the war and was forced to be completed by the East German DEFA studio in East Berlin. The film was first screened by Soviet officials in February 1950. The official East German premiere occurred on April 7, 1950 in East Berlin.
A Man Like Maximillian 1945
Producer: Fred Lyssa Script: Axel Eggebrecht, Resi Flied, Peter Francke Director: Hans Deppe Cinematography: Erich Chaunigk CAST: Wolf Albach-Retty, Karin Hardt, Lizzi Waldmueller, Fritz Odemar Music: Michael Jary Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: March 13, 1945 86 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film directed by Hans Deppe starring Wolf Albach-Retty, Karin Hardt, Lizzi Waldmueller, Fritz Odemar and others. The story concerned a daughter who has recently become engaged to a respectable attorney. Her mother is delighted as she sees her fiancé as being like her own husband Maximillian. However, suspicions begin to arise that he may very well be concealing a dark secret from them. This was one of the final motion pictures released during the end of the Third Reich and was mainly being exhibited in Berlin movie theaters in the spring of 1945.
Woman Overboard aka The Girl Juanita 1945
Producer: Heinrich George Script: Curt J. Braun Director: Wolfgang Staudte Cinematography: Friedl Behn-Grund CAST: Heinrich George, Axel von Ambesser, Charlotte Schellhorn, Karl Schoenboeck Music: Werner Bochmann Poduction: Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH Release: 1952 86 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film produced and starring actor Heinrich George as directed by Wolfgang Staudte with a supporting cast, including Axel von Ambesser, Charlotte Schnellhorn, Karl Schoenboeck and others. This film remained uncompleted by the end of the war and had to be completed but not released in West Germany until 1952.
Friends 1945
Producer: Karl Kuenzel Director: E.W. Emo Script: Gerhard Menzel cinematography: Hans SchneebergerCAST: Attila Hoerbiger, Ferdinand Marian, Hana Vitova, Rudolf Reiff Music: Alois Melichar Production: Wien-Film Release: August 3, 1945 87 min. B/W sound German dialog.
Austrian romance film directed by E.W. Emo for Wien-Film starring Attile Hoerbiger, Ferdiand Marian, Hana Vitova, Rudolf Reiff and others. The story concerns juvenile friends Gottfried and Guido swear that never a woman must threaten their friendship. Some years afterwards, they remeet and Gottfried introduces Guido to his fiance. However, Guido realizes that she is in reality his former lover, Hanna.
I Believe in You aka My Heart Belongs to You 1945
Produce: Franz Tapper Director: Rolf Hansen Script: Gustav Kampendonk Cinematography: Oskar Schnirch CAST: Heidemarie Hatheyer, Viktor Staal, Paul Klinger, Hedwig Wangel Music: Werner Eisbrenner Release: 1950 77 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German drama film produced and directed by Rolf Hansen starring Heidemarie Hatheyer, Viktor Staal, Paul Klinger, Hedwig Wangel and others. The story is based on Theodor Fontaine's 1914 novel "Mathilde Moenning." Like many feature films produced during the closing days of the Third Reich, "I Believe in You" remained unfinished at the end of the war and had to be completed at the East German DEFA studios in Berlin. The film was however, exhibuted in Cologne, West Germany on June 9, 1950
Loves Marriage 1945
Producer: Fred Lyssa Script: Theo Lingen, Franz Gribitz Director: Theo Lingen Cinematography: Erich Chaunigk CAST: Hans Holt, Winnie Markus, Theo Lingen, Beppo Brem Music: Lothar Bruehne Production: Anton E. Dietz-Film Release: 1949 76 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German romantic comedy film co-written, directed and starring Theo Lingen for Anton E. Dietz-Film featuring co-stars Hans Holt, Winnie Markus, Beppo Brem and others. The premiere of "Love Marriage" took place in Bamberg, West Germany on May 6, 1949. The official West German premiere took place on September 23, 1949 in West Berlin.
Melusine 1945
Producer/Director: Hans Steinhoff Script: Richard Billinger (play), Werner Eplinius, Hans Steinhoff Cinematography: Richard Angst CAST: Olga Chekhova, Siegfried Breuer, Angelika Hauff, Friedrich Domin Music: Michael Jary Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: 1945 92 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German drama film produced, co-written and directed by Hans Steinhoff starring Olga Chekhova, Siegfried Breuer, Angelika Hauff, Friedrich Domin and others. The film is considered one of the high cinematic achievements during the cinema of the Third Reich. Contains no propaganda.
Ulli and Marei 1945
Producer: J.A. Vessely Director: Leopold Hainisch Script: Eduard Koeck, Leopold Hainisch Cinematography: Guenther Anders, Richard Angst, E.W. Fielder CAST: Eduard Koeck, Attile Hoerbiger, Ludwig Auer, Hermann Erhardt Music: Alois Melichar Production: Wien-Film Release: April 23, 1948 81 min. B/W sound German dialog.
Austrian "heimat" drama film co-written and directed by Leopold Hainisch starring Eduard Koeck (also co-writer), Attila Hoerbiger, Ludwig Auer, Hermann Erhardt and others. Hainisch's production is classified as a "heimat" (homeland) film and was filmed in the Tyrolean Alps. "Ulli and Marei" was completed in 1945 towards the end of the war and was not given a general release until 1948.
The Long Way to You 1945
Producer: Director: Hans Thimg Script: Georg Zoch, Hans Thimig Cinematography: Jaroslav Tuzar CAST: Marte Harell, Richard Romanowsky, Christl Mardayn, Hans Schlenk Music: Anton Profes Production: Wien-Film Release: 1947 81 min. B/W sound German dialog.
Austrian romance film produced and directed (and co-written) by Hans Thimig starring Marte Harell, Richard Romanowsky, Christl Mardayn, Hans Schlenk and others. The story concerns a man by the name of Theodor who is married to the much younger Fritzi. When Fritzi visits her friend Alfred, Theodor receives an anonymous tip. Theodor becomes enraged entering Alfred's apartment but finds only Fritzi's sister, Lony. Now Alfred wants to propose to Lony, but by this time she has disappeared.
Via Mala 1945
Producer/Director: Josef von Baky Script: John Nittel (novel), Thea von Harbou Cinematography: Carl Hoffmann CAST: Karin Hardt, Carl Wery, Viktor Staal, Hilde Koerber Music: Georg Haentzschel Production: Ufa Release: April 7, 1945 88 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German drama film produced and directed by Josef von Baky ("Muenchhausen," 1943) starring Karin Hardt, Carl Wery, Viktor Staal, Hilde Koerbner and others. The production is an adaptation of the 1934 Swiss novel of the same title by John Knittel which was an international success at the time. The story is set in a rural village where the tyrannical Jonas Laureletz intimidates his family, mistress and neighbors. Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels had problems with the production and referred to Baky's film as "too gloomy" but the film, although being forced to halt production until the green light gave the go-ahead to resume production in 1944. The finished production would not be realized until March 1944. Yet after further difficulties with the Reich censors, the film was again halted needing re-editing and not released until January 1945 less than three months until the fall of the Third Reich.
Viennese Girls 1945
Production/Script (co-writer)/Director: Willi Forst Cinematography: Viktor Meihsl, Jan Stallich, Hannes Staudinger CAST: Willi Forst, Anton Erdhofer, Judith Holzmeister, Dora Komar Music: Karl Pausperti, Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: Wien-Film Release: August 19, 1949 102 min. Color sound German dialog.
Austrian historical musical film produced, co-written, directed and starring Willi Forst. Co-stars in the production were Anton Erdhofer, Judith Holzmeister, Dora Komar and others. This was the third film in Forst's "Viennese Trilogy" which also included "Operetta" (1940) and "Wienerblut" (1942). (all available from FILMMUSEUM). "Viennese Girls" was completed in the final days of W.W.II. in 1945 which led to severe delays in its theatrical release, which eventually took place in 1949 in two separate versions. One of the versions was released by the Soviet-backed Sovexport-Film in the Eastern Bloc and the other version by Forst himself. The story concerned composer Carl Michael Ziehrer who produces twenty-two operettas during his career, although he is overshadowed by the more successful Johann Strauss, son of the Strauss family.
Follow the Legion 1942
Producer/Director: Juan de Orduna Script: Raul Cancio, James Garcia--Herranz, Luis Lucia Cinematography: Alfredo Fraile CAST: Alfredo Mayo, Luis Pena, Manuel Luna, Miguel Pozanco Music: Juan Quintero Production: Cifesa Release: May 11, 1942 80 min. B/W sound Spanish dialog.
Spanish political propaganda film produced and directed by Juan de Orduna starring Alfredo Mayo, Luis Pena, Manuel Luna, Miguel Pozanco. The story is set in North Africa and in the "Legion," it illustrates the friendship between soldiers, which leads 'El Grajo' to investigate a murder to exonerate a fascist comrade in arms and friend. The official promotional line for "Follow the Legion" proclaimed: "Exaltation of a model soldier of the era in Spain and the life of the military values." A contemporary film critic for Fotogramas magazine stated: "She is the mythical legionaire that had so much prestige during the Franco regime and that some nostalgics continue to yearn for." This film is considered a political propaganda film of Franco's fascist regime.
A Farewell to Arms 1932
Producer: Edward A. Blatt, Benjamin Glazer Script: Oliver H.P. Barnett, Benjamin Glazer Director: Frank Borsage Cinematography: Charles Lang CAST: Helen Hayes, Gary Cooper, Adolphe Menjoui, Mary Phillips Music: Herman Hand, W. Franke Harling, Bernhard Kaun, John Leipold, Paul Marquardt, Ralph Rainger, Milan Roder Production: Paramount Pictures Release: December 8, 1932 80 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American pre-Code melodrama war film directed by Frank Borsage starring Helen Hayes, Gary Cooper, Adolphe Menjou, Mary Phillips and others. The production is based on Ernest Hemmingway's autobiographical 1929 novel of the same title. The story concerns a tragic romantic love affair between an American ambulance driver and a British nurse in Italy during W.W.I. "A Farewell to Arms" received the Academy Award for Best Cinematography and Best Sound and was nominated for Best Picture and Best Direction. Theatrically, the film received much postitive critical praise such as Mae Tinee of the Chicago Tribune: "A Farewell to Arms' is rich with all the attributes that make for a completely satisfying screenplay. Horror, pathos, suspense, romance, tragedy - all are there. And it has the human touch that endears."
A Shriek in the Night 1933
Producer: M. H. Hoffmann, M.H. Hoffmann, Jr. Script: Francis Hyland, Kurt Kempfer Director: Albert Ray Cinematography: Tom Galligan, Harry Neumann CAST: Ginger Rogers, Lyle Talbot, Harvey Clark, Purnell Pratt Music: Abe Meyers Production: Allied Pictures Release: July 22, 1933 67 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American pre-Code mystery crime film with romance elements directed by Albert Ray starring Ginger Rogers, Lyle Talbot, Harvey Clark, Purnell Pratt and others. The story concerns rival newspaper reporters Pat Morgan and Ted Rand find themselves unraveling the mystery behind the death of a millionaire philanthropist who fell from his penthouse balcony.
A Star is Born 1937
Producer: David O. Selznick Script: William A. Wellman, Alan Campbell, Robert Carson Director: William A. Wellman Cinematography: W. Howard Greene CAST: Janet Gaynor, Fredric March, Adolphe Menjou, May Robson, Andy Devine, Edgar Kennedy Music: Max Steiner Production: Selznick International Pictures Release: April 20, 1937 111 min. Color sound English dialog.
American showbiz drama film co-written and directed by William A. Wellman starring Janet Gaynor, Fredric March, Adolphe Menjou, May Robson, Andy Devine, Edgar Kennedy and others. The storyline was based on a previous Hollywood production entitled "What Price Hollywood?," released in 1932 though not widely known. The production would, however, would garner significant popularity and kickstart a cinematic legacy which to the franchise being remade three times. Unlike the original, however, all three remakes were all musicals. At the 10th Academy Awards, "A Star is Born" became the first Technicolor motion picture to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture. Janet Gaynor was given the first Academy Award for Best Actress at the first Oscar ceremony on May 16, 1929. The Selznick production had its world premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on April 20, 1937. The official New York premiere took place two days later at Radio City Music Hall. Critical reception was positive upon its release. At the Radio City Music Hall premiere, Frank S. Nugent of the New York Times called the production "one of the year's best shows as well as good entertainment by any standards, including the artistic and convincing proof that Hollywood need not travel to Runtania for its plots, there is drama aplenty in its own backyard." "A Star is Born" is considered a Technicolor cinematic masterpiece by contemporary film and cinema critics.
A Yank in Libya 1942
Producer: Geo M. Merrick Script: Arhir St. Claire, Sherman Lowe Director: Albert Herman Cinematography: Edward Lindon, ASC CAST: H.. Warner, Walter Woolf King, Joan Woodbury, Duncan Renaldo Music: Lee Zahler Production: M & H Productions Release: July 24, 1942 67 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American W.W.II. propaganda thriller film directed by Albert Herman starring H. B. Warner, Walter Woolf King, Joan Woodbury, Duncan Renaldo and others. The story concerns a planned uprising in Libya. An American correspondent and a British intelligence agent are aware of the scheme, and they try to free them from the camp of a pro-British sheikh who has been targeted the assassination of the conspirators. "A Yank in Libya" is considered as an anti-Nazi propaganda film.
Abe Lincoln of New York 1939
Producer: Scott R. Dunlap, William T. Lackey Script: Robert Hardy Andrews Director: William Nigh Cinematography: Harry Neumann CAST: Jackie Cooper, Martin Spellman, Marjorie Reynolds, Dick Purcell, George Cleveland Music: Edward J. Kay Production: Monogram Pictures Release: April 12, 1939 73 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American drama film directed by William Nigh starring Jackie Cooper, Martin Spellman, Marjorie Reynolds, Dick Purcell, George Cleveland and others. The production is considered a "programmer."
Abilene Town 1946
Producer: Jules Levy Script: William Haycox, Harold Shumate Director: Edwin L. Mann Cinematography: Archie Stout CAST: Randolph Scott, Edgar Buchanan, Rhonda Fleming, Lloyd Bridges Music: Gerard Carbonara, Albert Glasser, Charles Koff, James Mayfield, Max Terr Production: Guild Productions Release: January 11, 1946 89 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western adventure directed by Edwin L. Mann starring Randolph Scott, Edgar Buchanan, Rhonda Fleming, Lloyd Bridges and others. The story was adapted from Ernest Haycox's 1941 novel "Trail Town,' the production's plot is set in the Old West, in the cattle town of Abilene, Kansas in 1870.
Abraham Lincoln 1930
Producers: D. W. Griffith, Joseph M. Schenck Script: Stephen Vincent Benet, John W. Considine, Jr., Gerrit Lloyd Director: D. W. Griffith Cinematography: Karl Struss CAST: Walter Huston, W. L. Thomas, Otto Hoffman, Jason Robards Music: Hugo Riesenfeld Production: United Artists Release: August 25, 1930 94 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American is a pre-Code historical biographical film concerning Abraham Lincoln co-produced, co-written and directed by D. W. Griffith starring Walter Huston, W. L. Thomas, Otto Hoffman, Jason Robards and others. This production was the first of only two sound films directed by D. W. Griffith. The story concerns the first act which covers Lincoln's early life as a storekeeper and rail-splitter in New Salem and his early romances with Ann Rutledge, and his early years as an attorney and his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois. The remainder of "Abraham Lincoln" deals with Lincoln's presidency during the American Civil War and culminates with Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox and Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Griffith's historical production received many countless positive critical reviews from contemporary film critics. Mordaunt Hall of The New York Times referred to "Abraham Lincoln" as "quite a worthy pictorial offering with a genuinely fine and inspiring performance by Walter Huston in the role of the martyred President!" and the film was later to put the production on his year-end list of the ten best films of 1930.
Africa Screams 1949
Producers: Huntington Hartford, Edward Nassour Script: Martin Ragaway, Leonard B. Stern Director: Charles Barton Cinematography: Charles Van Enger CAST: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Max Baer, Clyde Beatty Music: Walter Schumann Production: Huntington Hartford Productions Release: May 4, 1949 79 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American adventure comedy film directed by Charles Barton starring Abbott and Costello, boxer Max Baer, Clyde Beatty and others. The title of the production comes from the 1930 documentary film "Africa Speaks!" "Africa Screams" The film was a popular theatrical cinematic attraction at the time and is considered a classic by contemporary film historians.
The Iron Crown 1941
Producer: Richardo Gualino, Giacomo Paulucci di Caboli Script: Alessandro Blasetti, Renato Castellani, Corrado Pavolini, Guglielmo Zorzi, Giuseppe Zucca Director: Alessandro Blasetti Cinematography; Mario Craveri, Vaclav Vich CAST: Elisa Cegani, Luisa Ferida, Rina Morelli, Gino Cervi Music: Alessandro Cicognini Production: Ente Nazionale Industrie Cinematografiche Release: October 1941 105 min. B/W sound Italian dialog.
Italian wartime adventure film co-written and directed by Alessandro Blasetti starring Elisa Cegani, Luisa Ferida, Rina Marelli, Gino Cervi and others. The story concerns a sacred iron crown and a king who is prophesized to lose his kingdom to his nephew. The lavish production blends cinematic motifs from numerous European myths, legends and modern works of popular fiction. The epic production won the purportedly distinguished fascist 'Mussolini Cup' award at the Venice Film Festival in 1942. "The Iron Crown" stands out in Blasetti's extensive filmography, as several of his most well-known productions were instead filmed on location and used non-professional actors, whereas this picture was produced on a huge budget and was a thoroughly controlled and structured film production. The film belongs to what is sometimes regarded as a tetralogy of motion pictures by the director which dealt with mythological themes. "The Iron Crown" is an ambiguous cinematic work, while its message underlined a common sentiment among regular Italians at the time - the desire for peace and the cessation of hostilities during W.W.II. - the symbolic implications of the search for a charismatic leader who would restore a magic, sacred crown to its rightful place in Rome may also point to Mussolini, 'Il Duce' of a newly revived Rome. Blasetti's epic film is considered as Italian fascist propaganda.
Alexander Nevsky 1938
Producer: MosFilm Script: Sergei Eisenstein, Dmitri Vasilyev Direction: Sergei Eisenstein, Pyotr Pavlenko Cinematigraphy: Eduard Tisse CAST: Nikolay Charkasov, Nikolay Okhlopkov, Dmitry Orlov, Vasili Novikov Music: Sergei Prokofiev Production: MosFilm Studio Release: December 1, 1938 111 min. B/W sound Russian dialog w/Spanish subtitles.
Soviet pseudo-historical propaganda film co-written and directed by Sergei Eisenstein and Pyotr Pavlenko starring Nikolay Charkasov, Nikolay Okhlopkov, Dmitry Orlov, Vasilli Novikov and others. Eisenstein's epic historical film depicts the attempted invasion of Novgorod in the 13th century by the German Teutonic Knights of the Holy Roman Empire and their defeat by Prince Alexander (1220-1263). Eisenstein directed "Alexander Nevky," his first completed motion picture in ten years, during the Stalinist era, at a time of strained relations between the USSR and Nazi Germany. The picture contains elements of obvious allegory that reflect the political situation between the two dictatorships at the time of production. "Alexander Nevsky" is considered one of the great cinematic masterpieces of Sergei Eisenstein and is regarded as one of the greatest motion pictures of all time.
Algiers 1938
Producer: Walter Wanger Script: Henri La Barthe (novel), John Howard Lawson, James M. Cain (additional dialogue) Director: John Cromwell Cinematography: James Wong Howe CAST: Charles Boyer, Hedy Lamar, Alan Hale, Sigrid Gurie Music: Vincent Scotto, Mohamed Igurboucherie Production: Walter Wanger Productions Release: August 5, 1938 99 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American drama film directed by John Cromwell starring Charles Boyer, Hedy Lamar, Alan Hale, Sigrid Gurie and others. The story concerns a notorious French jewel thief hiding in the labyrinth native quarter of Algiers known as the Casbah. The Walter Wanger production was a remake of the successful 1937 French film "Pepe le Moko," which derived its plot from the Henri La Barthe novel of the same title. "Algiers" was honored for Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor (Charles Boyer), Best Supporting Actor (Gene Lockhart), Best Art Direction (AlexanderToluboff), and Best Cinematography (James Wong Howe). Actor Joseph Calleia received the 1938 National Board of Review Award for his performance as Slimane. "Algiers" is considered a great American feature film.
Alias John Law 1935
Producer: A. W. Hacket. Script: Forbes Parkhill (story), Robert N. Bradbury Director: Robert N. Bradbury Cinematography: William Nobles CAST: Bob Steele, Buck Connors, Roberta Gale, Earl Dwire Production: Supreme Pictures Release: November 5, 1935 59 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western adventure film written and directed by Robert N. Bradbury starring Bob Steele, Buck Connors, Roberta Gale, Earl Dwire and others. "Alias John Law" is regarded by contemporary cinema critics to be a classic sound Western film.
The Old and the Young King 1935
Producer: Alfred Greven Script: Thea von Harbou, Rolf Lauckner Director: Hans Steinhoff Cinematography: Karl Puth CAST: Emil Jannings, Werner Hinz, Claus Clausen, Theodor Loos Music: Wolfgang Zeller Production: Deka-Film Release: January 29, 1935 101 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German historical drama film directed by Hans Steinhoff starring Emil Jannings, Werner Hinz, Claus Clausen, Theodor Loos and others. Part of the tradition of Prussian historical films of the Weimar Republic and Nazi periods, "The Old and the Young King" ostensibly deals with the intense conflict between Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I. and his son and royal heir, Crown Prince Friedrich - the future king Friedrich II. "The Great." In Steinhoff's specific presentation of this historical theme, the film was basically a work of Nazi propaganda aimed at extolling the 'Fuehrerprinzip' (leadership principle), i.e. blind obedience to Hitler. The king in the production's central plot, Hitler was presented in reality for which the film was a parable as complaining about "encirclement" and the need for 'Lebensraum' (living space) also feature prominently in the film. "The Old and the Young King" was banned by the Allied occupation military government following the defeat of the Third Reich in the spring of 1945. Following the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany, the West German censorship board known as the FSK reviewed the film again on August 4, 1958 and ruled that, unlike other film productions created during the Nazi era, the propaganda element in the film was not so blatant as to justify its inclusion in the list of "Forbidden Films."
Ambush Valley 1936
Producer: Benard B. Ray, Harry S. Webb Script: Bennett Cohen (story), Forrest Sheldon Director: Benard B. Ray (credited as Franklin Shamray) Cinematography: Paul Ivano CAST: Bob Custer, Jimmy Aubrey, Philip Phillips, Vane Calvert Production: Reliable Pictures Release: October 24, 1936 57 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western action film directed by Bernard B. Ray starring Bob Custer, Jimmy Aubrey, Philip Phillips, Vane Calvert and others. The story concerns familial relations, government land, impertinent landowners and incoming settlers combine in tragedy and gunplay.
American Empire 1942
Producer: Harry Sherman, Dick Dickson Script: J. Robert Bren, Gladys Atwater, J. Robert Bren, Ben Grauman Kohn Director: William C. McGann Cinematography: Russell B. Harlan CAST: Richard Dix, Leo Carrillo, Preston Foster, Frances Gifford Music: Gerard Cabonara Production: Paramount Pictures Release: December 11, 1942 82 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western adventure film directed by William C. McGann starring Richard Dix, Leo Carrillo, Preston Foster, Frances Gifford and others. The story concerns three Civil War veterans who head to Texas and build a cattle empire, and battle rustlers, bad weather and each other. The first veteran abandons ship, and he is soon followed by the second veteran. That leaves the "good guy" to defend his property from the vengeful traitors.
Angel and the Badman 1947
Producer: John Wayne Script/Director: James Edward Grant Cinematography: Arthur J. Stout CAST: John Wayne, Bruce Cabot, Lee Dixon, Irene Rich Music: Richard Hageman Production: John Wayne Productions, Patnal Productions Release: February 14, 1947 100 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western adventure film produced by John Wayne, written and directed by James Edward Grant starring John Wayne, Bruce Cabot, Lee Dixon, Irene Rich and others. The story concerns an injured gunfighter who is nursed back to health by a young Quaker woman and her family whose way of life influences him and his violent gunfighter ways. Grant's production is considered a great American Western film.
Angel on my Shoulder 1946
Producer: Charles A. Rogers Script: Harry Segall, Roland Kibbee Director: Archie Mayo Cinematography: James Van Trees CAST: Paul Muni, Claude Rains, Anne Baxter, George Cleveland Music: Dimitri Tiomkin Production: Premier Productions Release: September 20, 1946 101 min. B.W sound English dialog/
American supernatural film directed by Archie Mayo starring Paul Muni, Claude Rains, Anne Baxter, George Cleveland and others. Mayo's 1946 production was one of the leading ox-office cinematic attractions in 1946.
Anna Karenina 1935
Producer: David O. Selznick Script: S.N. Behrman, Clemence Dane, Saika Viertel Director: Clarence Brown Cinematography: William H. Daniels CAST: Greta Garbo, Fredric March, Freddie Bartholomew, Maureen O'Sullivan, Basil Rathbone Music: Herbert Strothart Production: David O. Selznick Productions Release: August 30, 1935 95 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's 1877 novel of the same title directed by Clarence Brown starring Greta Garbo, Fredric March, Freddie Bartholomew, Maureen O'Sullivan, Basil Rathbone and others. "Anna Karenina" is considered one of the great historical costume epics by MGM in 1935.
Apache Blood 1975
Producer: Vern Piehl, Rowd Sanders Script: Dewitt Lee, Jack Lee Director: Tom Quillen Cinematography: Vincent Powers CAST: Ray Danton, Dewitt Lee, Troy Nabors, Diane Taylor Music: Ed Norton Production: Rowd Sanders Productions Release: July 13, 1973 86 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Western film directed by Tom Quillen starring Ray Danton, Dewitt Lee, Troy Nabors, Diane Taylor and others. The story is set in 1860s Arizona, a peace treaty had been established between Moscalero Apaches and the U.S. government. In 1866, a U.S. Cavalry troupe massacred an Apache tribe, leaving only a few survivors, including a warrior named "Yellow Shirt" who seeks vengeance by pursuing injured cavalry officer Sam Glass.
Arizona Days 1937
Producer: Edward Finney Script: Lindsley Parsons (story), Sherman L. Lowe (script) Director: John English Cinematography: Gus Peterson CAST: Tex Ritter, Sid Saylor, Glenn Strange, William Faversome Music: Frank Sanucci Production: Boots and Saddles Pictures Release: January 30, 1937 42 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western film directed by John English starring Tex Ritter, Sid Saylor, Glenn Strange, William Faversome and others. This is the third "Western singing cowboy" Tex Ritter made for producer Edward Finney for Grand National Pictures. Considered a vintage Western film classic.
Arizona Kid 1939
Producer: Joseph Kane Script: Luci Ward, Gerald Geraghty Director: Joseph Kane Cinematography: William Nobles, Edgar Lyons CAST: Roy Rogers, George "Gabby" Hayes, Sally March, Stuart Hambien Music: Floyd Morgan Production: Republic Pictures Release: September 29, 1939 54 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western film produced, co-written and directed by Joseph Kane under the Republic Pictures banner starring Roy Rogers, George "Gabby" Hayes, Sally March, Stuart Hambien and others. The story places Roy Rogers as a Confederate Army officer set during the Civil War of the 1860s.
Arizona Stagecoach 1942
Producer: Dick Ross, Anna Bell Weeks, George W. Weeks Script: Oliver Drake (story), Arthur Hoert (adaptation) Director: S. Roy Luby Cinematography: Robert E. Cline CAST: Ray Corrigan, John "Dusty" King, Max Terhune, Neil O'Day Music: Frank Sanucci Production: Monogram Pictures Release: September 4, 1942 58 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western film directed by S. Roy Luby starring Ray Carrigan, John "Dusty" King, Max Terhune, Neil O'Day and others. This is the final film in the series with the original main cast. The story concerns the Range Busters who take on a gang of stagecoach robbers who are operating with the assistance of crooked employees of Wells Fargo.
Babyface Morgan 1942
Producer: Leon Fromkess, Jack Schwarz Script: Edward Dein, Jack Rubin Director: Arthur Dreifuss Cinematography: Arthur Reed CAST: Richard Cromwell, Mary Carlisle, Robert Armstrong, Chuck Chandler Music:: Leo Erdody Production: Producers Releasing Corp. Release: September 15, 1942 63 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American crime comedy thriller film directed by Arthur Dreifuss starring Richard Cromwell, Mary Carlisle, Robert Armstrong, Chuck Chandler and others. The production was a notable "B" film effort for Producers Releasing Corp at the time.
Escape to Paradise 1938
Producer: Barney Brisken Script: Ian McLLallan Hunter, Herbert Clyde Lewis Driector: Erie C. Kenton Cinematography: Charles Edgar Schoenbaum CAST: Bobby Breen, Kent Taylor, Maria Shelton, Rudolph Anders Music: Victor Young Production: Bobby Breen Productions, Sol Lesser Productions Release: December 22, 1939 60 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American romantic drama film directed by Erie C. Kenton starring Bobby Breen, Kent Taylor, Maria Shelton, Rudolph Anders and others. The story concerns jaded playboy Richard Fleming who travels to the South American country of Rosanta. Through his motorcycle riding guide, Roberto discovers his true love and a new career as a Yerba male exporter.
Becky Sharp 1935
Producer: Kenneth MacGowan, Rouben Mamoulian, Robert Edmund Jones Script: William Makepeace Thackereray, Langdon Mitchell Director: Rouben Mamoulian Cinematography: Ray Rennahan CAST: Miriam Hopkins, Cedric Hardwicke, Billie Burke, Nigel Bruce Music: Roy Webb, William Faversham Production: Pioneer Pictures Release: June 13, 1935 86 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Technicolor historical drama film produced and directed by Rouben Mamoulian for Pioneer Pictures. The film featured an all-star cast, including Mirian Hopkins, Cedric Hardwicke, Billie Burke, Nigel Bruce and others. The story is based on the 1899 play by Langdon Mitchell, which in turn had been based on William Makepeace Thackeray's 1848 novel "Vanity Fair." The story concerns the tale of a lower-class girl who insinuates herself into an upper class family, only to see her life and the lives of those around her destroyed. "Becky Sharp" is considered a landwork cinematic work as the first feature film to use the newly developed three-strip Technicolor process. The film is hailed as a great cinematic classic by contemporary film historians and scholars.
Bells of San Angelo 1947
Producer: Edward J. White Script: Paul Gangelin, Alexander Nibely Director: William Whitney Cinematography: Jack A, Marta CAST: Roy Rogers, Trigger, Dale Evans, Andy Devine Music: Charles Maxwell Production: Republic Pictures Release: April 16, 1947 75 min. Color sound English dialog.
American Truecolor Western adventure film directed by William Whitney starring Roy Rogers, Trigger, Dale Evans, Andy Devine and others. This modern-day Western mixes half a dozen songs combined with mystery, international smuggling of silver, violence, a pack of wild dogs and significant comedy relief with one character packing a "16-shooter" from which twenty-two shots can be heard during the musical number "Hot Lead" performed by the Sons of the Pioneers. "Bells of San Angelo" is considered a classic Western film.
Beyond Tomorrow 1940
Producer: Lee Garmes Script: Adele Comandini, Mildred Cram Director: A. Edward Sutherland Cinematography: Lester White, ASC CAST: Harry Carey, C. Aubrey Smith, Maria Ouspenskya, Alex Melesh Music: Frank Tours Production: Academy Productions Release: May 10, 1940 86 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American fantasy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland starring Harry Carey, C. Aubrey Smith, Maria Ouspenskya, Alex Melesh and others. The story concerns the ghosts of three elderly industrialists killed in an airplane crash return to Earth to help reunite a young couple they initially brought together. "Beyond Tomorrow" is considered a vintage fantasy classic from 1940.
The Big Trees 1952
Producer: Louis F. Edelman Script: Kenneth Earl, John Twist, James Webb Director: Felix E. Feist Cinematography: Bert Glennon CAST: Kirk Douglas, Edgar Buchannan, Alan Hale, Jr., John Archer Music: Heinz Roemheld Production: Warner Bros. Release: February 5, 1952 90 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American lumberjack Western film directed by Felix E. Feist starring Kirk Douglas, Edgar Buchanan, Alan Hale, Jr., John Archer and others. The story concerns Kirk Douglas who essays the starring role as a greedy lumber baron who seeks to exploit the Sequoia forest, while facing protest from the Quaker colonists.
Billy the Kid Returns 1938
Producer: Charles E. Ford Script: Jack Natteford Director: Joseph Kane Cinematography: Ernest Miller CAST: Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnett, Lynne Roberts, Morgan Wallace Music: William Lava Production: Republic Pictures Release: September 4, 1938 54 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western film directed by Joseph Kane starring Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnett, Lynne Roberts, Morgan Wallace and others. The story is set in the Wild West following the shooting of Billy the Kid by his former friend Sheriff Pat Garrett, lookalike deputy sheriff essayed by Roy Rogers, assisted by his traveling musical instrument salesman Frog Millhouse, takes his place in order to defend the honest settlers of Lincoln County, New Mexico, from evil ranchers. "Billy the Kid Returns" is considered a fine Western genre film.
Billy the Kid Trapped 1942
Producer: Sigmund Neufeld Script: Joseph O'Donnell Director: Sam Newfield Cinematography: Jack Greenhaigh CAST: Buster Crabbe, Al St. John, Malcolm "Bud" McTaggart Production: Sigmund Neufeld Productions Release: February 27, 1942 59 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western adventure film directed by Sam Newfield starring Buster Crabb, Al St. John, Malcolm "Bud" McTaggart and others. The story concerns Billy the Kid and Fuzzy Q. Jones who have been imprisoned and sentenced to death for crimes they did not commit, the two cowboys decide to stage a jalbreak. The three escapees discover there are three impersonators who dress as them committing the crimes. On their mission to clear their names and bring the three to justice, the two discover the town of Mesa Verde where outlaws are given sanctuary in exchange for paying for legal protection.
The Bulldog Drummond Serial Collection 1934-1939
Producers: Sig Neufeld, Leslie Simmonds Direction: Walter Summers, Roy Del Ruth, Walter Forde, Norman Lee, James P. Hogan, Louis King, etc. CAST: Ralph Richardson, Ronald Coleman, Loretta Young, Jack Hulbert, Fay Wray Production: Puritan Pictures 3 hours B/W sound English dialog.
American serial movie collection featuring seven original "Bulldog Drummond" serials, including "Bulldog Drummond in Africa," "Bulldog Drummond's Peril," "Bulldog Drummond's Revenge," "Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police," "Bulldog Drummond's Courage," "Bulldog Drummond Comes Back," and "Bulldog Drummond Escapes." The Bulldog Drummond Series follows Captain Hugh "Bulldog" Drummond, a wealthy former W.W.I. officer who seeks adventure and becomes a gentleman adventurer and private detective.
Chapaev 1934
Producers/Direction: Georgi Vasilyev, Sergei Vasilyev Script: Dimitri Furmanov (novel) Cinematography: Aleksandr Ksenofontov, Aleksandr Sigaev CAST: Boris Babochkin, Boris Buenov, Varvara Myasnikova, Leonoid Kmit Music: Gavrill Popov Production: LenFilm Release: 1934 95 min. B/W sound Russian dialog.
Soviet biographical war propaganda film produced and directed by the Vasilyev starring Boris Baachkin, Boris Buenov, Varvara Myasinkova, Leonid Kmit and others. "Chapaev" is a thoroughly fictionalized biography of Vasily Ivanovich Chapaev (1887-1919), a Red Army notable commander of the Russian Civil War, based on the novel of the same title by Dimitri Furmanov, a Russian writer and Bolshevick kommisar who fought together with Chapeav. The film follows the socialist realist style, the dominants form of art in the Soviet Union during the time period. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement in 2014, "Chapeav" is his favorite motion picture of all time.
Check and Double Check 1930
Producer: William LeBaron Script: Bert Kalmar, J. Walter Rubin, Harry Ruby Director: Melville W. Brown Cinematography: William Marshall CAST: Freeman Gosdin (Amos), Charles Correll (Andy), Sue Carroll Music: Talat Artemel, Azis Basmaci, Vedat Orfi Bengu, Hulusi Kentmen Production: RKO Radio Pictures Release: October 25, 1939 77 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American pre-Code comedy film directed by Melville W. Brown starring Freeman Gosdin (Amos), charles Corell (Andy), Sue Carroll and others. "Check and Double Check" was produced and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, based on the well-known "Amos n' Andy Radio Show." The title is derived from a catchphrase associated with the radio show. The production also featured Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra. Contemporary film historians and cinema scholars consider "Check and Double Check" a vintage cinematic comedy classic.
Children of Hiroshima 1952
Producer: Kozaburo Yoshimura Script: Kaneto Shindo, Arata Osada (novel) Director: Kaneto Shindo Cinematography: Takeo Ito CAST: Nobuko Otowa, Osamo Takizawa, Miwa Saito, Hideji Otaki Music: Akira Ifukube Production: Hiroshima City Prods., Hiroshima Peace Cultural Center Release: August 6, 1952 98 min. B/W sound Japanese dialog w/English subtitles.
Japanese postwar pacifist drama film directed by Kaneto Shindo for Hiroshima City Productions and Hiroshima Cultural Center starring Nobuka Otawa, Osamo Takizawa, Miwa Saito, Hideji Otaki and others. "Children of Hiroshima" was commissioned by the Japan Teachers Union and was based on first-person testimonies gathered by Japanese educator Arata Osada, collected in the 1951 book "Children of the Atomic Bomb." The production was exhibited at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953. Contemporary film historians and cinema critics consider "Children of Hiroshima" a moving drama confronting the serious issues of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its terrible aftermath.
Things to Come 1936
Producer: Alexander Korda Script: H.G. Welles (novel) Director: William cameron Menzies Cinematography: Georges Perinal CAST: Raymond Massey, Ralph Richardson, Cedric Hardwicke,, Edward Chapman Music: Arthur Bliss Production: London Films Productions Release: February 20, 1936 108 min. B/W sound English dialog.
British sci-fi fantasy film produced by Alexander Korda directed by William Cameron Menzies starring Raymond Massey, Ralph Richardson, Cedric Hardwicke, Edward Chapman and others. Author H.G. Welles conceived his film treatment as "a new story" meant to display the "social and political forces and possibilities" that he outlined in his 1933 novel "The Shape of Things to Come," a literary work he considered less a novel than a "dicsussion" in fictional form that presented itself as the notes of a twenty-two second century diplomat. "Things to Come" is considered a landmark in early sci-fi cinema.
Black Dragons 1942
Producers: Jack Dietz, Sam Katzman Script: Robert Kehoe, Harvey Gates Director: William Nigh Cinematography: Arthur Reed CAST: Bela Lugosi, Jack Barclay, George Pembroke, Clayton Moore Music: Johnny Lange, Lew Porter, Heinz Roemheld Production: Banner Pictures Corp. Release: March 6, 1942 64 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American anti-Axis Powers propaganda film directed by William Nigh for Banner Pictures Corp starring Bela Lugosi, George Pembroke, Clayton Moore and others. The story is set prior to America's entry into WWII, and Japan's fiendish Black Dragon Society is hatching an evil plot with the Nazis. The film was rushed into production following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and released the following year.
Bluebeard 1944
Producers: Leon Fromkess, Martin Mooney Script: Arnold Phillips, Werner H. Furst Director: Edgar G. Ulmer Cinematography: Jockey Arthur Feindel, Eugen Schuefftan CAST: John Carradine, Jean Parker, Nils Asther, Ludwig Stoessel Music: Leo Erdody, Charles Gounod Production: Producers Releasing Corp. Release: November 11, 1944 sound B/W English dialog.
American historical film noir directed by Edgar G. Ulmer starring John Carradine, Jean Parker, Nils Asther, Ludwig Stoessel and others. The film is based on the famous French tale "Barbie bleue" that tells the story of a violent nobleman in the habit of murdering his wives and the attempts of one wife to avoid the fate of her predecessors.
The Bowery Blitzkrieg 1941
Producer: Sam Katzman Script: Brendan Wood, Donn Mullahy, Sam Robins, Carl Foreman Director: Wallace Fox Cinematography: Marcel Le Picard CAST: Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, Donald Haines Music: Johnny Lange, Lew Porter Production: Sam Katzman Productions Release: August 1, 1941 64 min. sound B/W English dialog.
American comedy film directed by Wallace Fox starring Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, Donald Haines and others. The production is the sixth installment of the "East Side Kids" series.
Captain Kidd 1945
Producer: Benedict Bogeaus Script: Norman Reilly Raine Director: Rowland V. Lee Cinematography: Archie Stout CAST: Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, John Carradine, Gilbert Roland Music: Werner Janssen Production: Benedict Bogeaus Productions Release: November 22, 1945 90 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American adventure film directed by Rowland V. Lee starring Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, John Carradine, Gilbert Roland and others. "Captain Kidd" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score at the 18th Academy Awards. The film was purportedly Joseph Stalin's favorite movie.
Clancy Street Boys 1943
Producer: Sam Katzman, Jack Dietz Script: Harvey Gates Director: William Beaudine Cinematography: Mack Stengler CAST: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordan, Benny Bartlett Music: Edward J. Kay Production: Monogram Pictures Corp. Release: April 23, 1943 66 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American comedy film directed by William Beaudine starring Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordan, Benny Bartlett and others. Considered a cinematic comedy classic.
Comrade X 1940
Producer: Gottfried Reinhardt, Kng Vidor Script: Ben Hecht, Charles Lederer, Hermann J. Mankiewicz Director: King Vidor Cinematography: Joseph Ruttenberg CAST: Clrk Gable, Hedy Lamar, Oskar Homolka, Felix Bressart Music: Bronislav Kaper Production: MGM Release: December 13, 1940 90 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American comedy espionage film directed by King Vidor starring Clark Gable, Hedy Lamar, Oskar Homolka, Felix Bressart and others. The story is set in 1940, where a foreign journalist, "Comrade X," is busy bypassing censors and sending out critical reports on Stalin's Soviet Union.
Cowboy and the Senorita 1944
Producer: Herschel Goldberg Script: Bradford Ropes, Gordon Kahn Director: Joseph Kane Cinematography: Reggie Lanning CAST: Roy Rogers, Trigger, Dale Evans, Mary Lee Music: Joseph Dubin, Mort Glickman Production: Republic Pictures Release: May 13, 1944 78 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western film directed by Joseph Kane starring Roy Rogers, Trigger, Dale Evans, Mary Lee and others.
The story concerns Roy and his sidekick Teddu Bear are mistaken for being kidnappers of a runaway teenager.
Cyrano de Bergrac 1950
Producer: Stanley Kramer Script: Carl Foreman, Brian Hocker Director: Michael Gordon Cinematography: Franz Planer CAST: Jose Ferrer, Mala Powers, William Prince Music: Dimitri Tiomkin Production: Stanley Kramer Productions Release: November 16, 1950 113 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American comedy adventure film based on the 1897 French Alexandrin verse drama "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rosland. The production was directed by Michael Gordon starring Jose Ferrer, Mala Powers, William Prince and others. The film is considered a cinematic masterpiece.
D.O.A. 1950
Producer: Leo C. Pepkin Script: Russell Rouse, Clarence Greene Director: Rudolph Mate Cinematography: Ernest Laszio CAST: Edmund O'Brien, Luther Adler, Beverly Garland Music: Dimitri Tiomkin Production: United Artists Release: April 21, 1950 84 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American film noir crime drama directed by Rudolph Mate starring Edmund O'Brien, Luther Adler, Beverly Garland and others. The story concerns a fatally poisoned man who attempts to discover who poisoned him and why. "D.O.A." is considered a cinematic masterpiece.
The Will of Dr. Mabuse 1933
Producer: Seymour Nebenzal Script: Thea von Harbou, Fritz Lang Director: Fritz Lang Cinematography: Karl Vash, Fritz Arno Wagner CAST: Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Otto Wernicke, Theodor Loos, Gustav Diesel Music: Hans Erdmann Production: Nero-Film AG Release: April 21, 1933 2 hours B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German crime thriller directed by Fritz Lang starring Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Otto Wernicke, Theodor Loos, Gustav Diesel and others. The production is a sequel to Lang's "Dr. Mabuse the Gambler" (1922) and features many of the original characters. Lang intended the film to overtly suggest the Mabuse-like qualities of Hitler, who was on his rise to become Chancellor of Germany while Lang's wife, Thea von Harbou was still penning the screenplay. Due to this fact after the Nazis came to power in January 1933, Goebbels banned Lang's production on the basis it contained anti-Nazi references.
The Blue Angel 1930
Producer: Erich Pommer Script: Carl Zuckmayer, Karl Vollmoeller, Robert Liebmann, Josef von Sternberg Director: Josef von Sternberg Cinematography: Guenther Rittau CAST: Emil Jannings, Marlene Dietrich, Kurt Gerron, Rosa Valetti, Hans Albers Music: Friedrich Hollaender, Robert Liebmann (lyrics), Franz Waxman Production: Ufa Release: April 1, 1930 108 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German musical comedy film directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Emil Jannings, Marlene Dietrich, Kurt Gerron, Rosa Valetti, Hans Albers and others. The production was based on Thomas Mann's 1905 novel "Professor Unrat" (Professor Filth") and set in an unspecified northern German port city. "The Blue Angel" presents the tragic transformation of a respectable academic professor into a ridiculous cabaret clown and his eventual descent into madness. Sternberg's film was the first German feature-length sound production and brought instant international fame to Marlene Dietrich. The original Berlin Reich premiere was to take place on April 1, 1930, however, the production company Ufa's chairman and industrialist Alfred Hugenberg objected to the "socialist" Thomas Mann's literary classic and refused to open it in the German capital. But "The Blue Angel" became an overnight international success - Sternberg brought Marlene Dietrich to Hollywood under contract to Paramount, the movie studio she would act in many box-office hits.
The Daredevil 1931
Producer: Richard Eichberg, Joseph Than Script: Franz Hoellering (novel), Richard Eichberg Director: Richard Eichberg Cinematography: Heinrich Gaertner, Bruno Mondi CAST: Hans Albers, Sigurd Loehde, Ernst Stahl-Nachbauer Music: Hans May Production: Richard Eichberg-Film Release: November 26, 1931 92 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German crime film produced, co-written and directed by Richard Eichberg starring Hans Albers, Sigurd Loehde, Ernst Stahl-Nachbauer and others. "The Daredevil" is set in the port of Hamburg, where a policeman, known by his colleagues as "The Daredevil" due to his propensity for action, manages to rescue a young woman from the water. Eichberg's production is considered one of the cinematic classics produced during the Weimarian period.
The Captain of Koepenick 1931
Producer: Richard Oswald, Gabriel Pascal Script: Carl Zuckmayer, Albrecht Joseph Director: Richard Oswald Cinematography: Ewald Daub CAST: Max Adalbert, Kaethe Haack, Friedrich Kayssler, Paul Otto Music: Anton Rubinstein Production: Richard Oswald-Filmproduktion GmbH Release: 1931 85 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German classic comedy film co-produced and directed by Richard Oswald for his own production company Oswald-Filmproduktion starring Max Adalbert, Kaethe Haack, Friedrich Kayssler, Paul Otto and others. The film is based on the play of the same title by Carl Zuckmayer who also co-wrote the screenplay. "The Captain of Koepenick" premiered on December 31, 1931 in Germany. The production is considered a high bar in Weimarian cinema at the time of its release.
The Last Act 1955
Producer: Carl Szokoll Script: Fritz Habeck, Michael A. Musmanno, Erich Maria Remarque Director: G.W. Past Cinematography: Guenther Anders Set Design: Otto Preminger CAST: Albin Skoda (as Hitler), Oskar Werner, Lotte Tobisch (as Eva Braun), Willy Krause (as Goebbels), Erich Stuckmann (as Himmler), Curt Eilers (as Bormann), and so on. Music: Erwin Halletz Production: Cosmopol-Film Release: April 14, 1955 113 min. B/W sound German dialog.
Austrian/West German co-production directed by noted German director G.W. Past who had directed many notable productions during the Third Reich. It was this film that Past attempted to rehabilitate his career as a director. The production starred Albin Skoda, Oskar Werner, Lotte Tobisch, Willy Krause, Erich Stuckmann and Curt Eilers. "The Last Act" was the first such feature film production to tackle the taboo topic of Hitler and Nazi Germany focusing on the last ten days of the German chancellor in an underground Berlin This film version is considered the best on the final days in the bunker.
The Enchanted Day 1944
Producer: Viktor von Struwe Script: Peter Pewas, Renate Uhl Director: Peter Pewas Cinematography: Georg Krause CAST: Winnie Markus, Hans Struwe, Eva Maria Meinecke Music: Wolfgang Zeller Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: July 6, 1944 79 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German wartime romantic drama film was directed by Peter Pewas, and starring Winnie Markus, Hans Struwe, Eva Maria Meine cke, etc. The productions' release was considerably delayed by Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels following an initial screening in 1944 which led to numerous objections in the minister's opinion. Ultimately Goebbels was completely dissatisfied with the final cut of the film making "The Enchanting Day" not have a premiere until a screening in Sweden in 1947. The production went into general release in West Germany in 1951. While produced during the Third Reich, the film does not contain any direct Nazi propaganda, however, it should be noted the story is set in contermporary Nazi Germany in 1943 so the NS symbols and SS uniforms are self-evident when viewing the picturte today.
The Emperor of California 1936
Producer/Script/Director: Luis Trenker Cinematography: Albert Benitz, Heinz von Jaworsky CAST: Luis Trenker, Viktoria von Ballasko, Werner Kunig, Bernhard Minetti Music: Giuseppe Becca Production: Luis-Trenker-Film Release: May 7, 1937 95 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles,
German Western film produced, written, directed and starring Luis Trenker, Viktoria von Ballasko, Werner Kunig, Bernhard Minetti, etc. The story concerns the true account pf Swiss immigrant Johannes Sutter, the owner of Sutter's Mill, famous as the birthplace of the great California Gold Rush of 1849. "The Emperor of California" had its official Reich premiere at Ufa-Palast am Zoo theater on May 7, 1937 with Hitler and Goebbels in attendance. Trenker's production is, however, not considered a Nazi propaganda film.
The Postmaster 1940
Producer: Karl Hartl, Erich von Neusser Script: Alexander Pushkin (short story), Gerhard Menzel Director: Gustav Ucicky Cinematography: Hans Schneeberger CAST: Heinrich George, Hilde Kraehl, Siegfried Breuer, Hans Holt, Ruth Heliberg Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: Wien-Film Release: April 24, 1940 92 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
Austrian /German co-production literary classic directed by Gustav Ucicky for Wien-Film starring Heinrich George, Hilde Kraehl, Siegfried Breuer, Hans Holt, Ruth Heliberg, etc. The story was very loosely based on "The Stationmaster" "The Postmaster" was released during the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939, depicting the Russians in a highly sympathetic light, unlike their crude depiction in such Nazi films as "Frisians in Peril" (1935) or as vicious brutal killers in "G.P.U." (1942). Though not a direct Nazi propaganda film, "The Postmaster" is today considered a cinematic literary classic by contemporary cinema historians.
The Broken Jug 1937
Producer: Karl Julius Fritzsche, Fritz Klotzsch Script: Thea von Harbou, Heinrich von Kleist (play) Director: Gustav Ucicky Cinematography: Fritz Arno Wagner CAST: Emil Jannings, Friedrich Kayssler, Max Guelsstorff, Lina Carstens Music: Wolfgang Zeller Production: Tobis-Film GmbH Release: October 19, 1937 87 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German comedy film directed by Gustav Ucicky and starring Emil Jannings, Friedrich Kayssler, Max Guelstorff, Lina Carstens, etc. The story is an adaptation of Heinrich von Kleist's classic play of the same title. "The Broken Jug" concerns a small village county judge tries a case to determine who broke the jug in question. The film was reportedly a favorite of Hitler and was among the movies the German chancellor would watch when he was in a bad mood. Today, "The Broken Judge" is considered a cinematic classic of the German sound film and contains no propaganda.
Detour 1945
Producer: Leon Fromkess Script: Martin Goldsmith Director: Edgar G. Ulmer Cinematography: Benjamin H. Kline CAST: Tom Neal, Ann Savage, Claudia Drake, Edmund MacDonald Music: Leo Erdody Production: PRC Pictures Release: November 15, 1945 68 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American independent film noir directed by Edgar G. Ulmer starring Tom Neal, Ann Savage, Claudia Drake, Edmund MacDonald, etc. "Detour" was generally well received in its initial release, with very positive reviews in the Los Angeles Times, Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. Ulmer's picture is today considered an American film noir cinematic classic by contemporary cinema critics.
The Fire-Tongs Bowel 1944
Producer: Heinz Ruehmann Script: Heinrich Spoerl (novel + screenplay) Director: Helmut Weiss Cinematography: Ewald Daub CAST: Heinz Ruehmann, Erich Ponto, Paul Henckels, Hilde Sessak Music: Werner Bochmann Production: Ufa Release: January 28, 1944 97 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film directed by Helmut Weiss based on the novel by author and screenwriter Heinrich Spoerl. The picture featured an all-star Ufa cast, including Heinz Ruehmann, Erich Ponto, Paul Henckels, Hilde Seesak, etc. The story closely followed Spoerl's novel, telling the story of a famous author going undercover as a student of a small town secondary school after his friends tell him that he missed out on the best part of growing up by being educated at home. The storyline of the movie takes place during the time of the Wilhelmmine Empire in Germany. "The Fire-Tongs Bowl" was produced and released during the final years of WWII, and has been called "a masterpiece of timeless, cheerful escapism." The release of the picture was in question when Bernhard Rust, Nazi Minister of Education and former high school teacher, bristled at the way the production poked fun at teachers. However, to circumvent a ban by the NS Censorship Board, executive producer Heinz Ruehmann presented a print of the film to Hermann Goering at Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia, where it proved to be a big success and received its official Reich premiere at two Ufa Palace theaters in Berlin on January 28, 1944. Interestingly enough, "The Fire-Tong Bowl" received cult status during the 1980s at many West German universities. At these screenings at party-like gatherings in university auditoriums, attending students were allowed to bring movie props to participate live in front of the projection screen similar to audience participation in the ultimate cult midnight movie experience in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Contemporary cinema scholars and historians consider "The Fire-Tong Bowl" as a cinematic masterpiece.
The Woman of My Dreams 1944
Producer/Script (co-writer)/Director: Georg Jacoby Script: Jamos Vaszary, Herbert Witt, Georg Jacoby Cinematography: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet CAST: Marika Roekk, Wolfgang Lukschy, Walter Muller, Georg Alexander Music: Franz Grothe Production: Ufa Release: August 25, 1944 93 min. Color sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German musical comedy directed by Georg Jacoby and starring Marika Roekk, Wolfgang Lukschy, Walter Muller, Georg Alexander, etc. The lavish color Ufa production was free of propaganda and only contained pure entertainment. The film is considered a cinematic masterpiece by contemporary film historians.
Dixiana 1930
Producer: William LeBaron Script: Anna Caldwell (story), Fred Fleck (screenplay) Director: Luther Reed Cinematography: J. Roy Hunt CAST: Bebe Daniels, Everett Marshall, Bill "Bogangles" Robinson, Eugene Jackson, Dorothy Lee Music: Harry Tierney, Max Steiner, Victor Baravalle Production: RKO Radio Pictures Release: August 1, 1930 100 min. Color sound English dialog.
Lavish American pre-Code Technicolor comedy musical film directed by Luther Reed and starring Bebe Daniels, Everett Marshall, Bill "Bogangles" Robinson, Eugene Jackson, Dorothy Lee, etc. This is the picture in which composer Max Steiner received his first screen credit for orchestration. During early previews, in May 1930, "Dixiana" received very good reviews from theater audiences. "Dixiana" is considered a lavish vintage Technicolor production by contemporary cinema historians and film scholars.
Two-Time Lotties 1950
Producer: Guenther Stapenhorst Script: Erich Kaestner Director: Josef von Baky Cinematography: Walter Riml, Franz Weihmayr CAST: Isa Guenther, Jutta Guenther, Hans Olden, Maria Krahn Music: Alois Melichar Production: Carlton-Film Release: December 1, 1950 105 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film directed by Josef von Baky and starring Isa Guenther, Jutta Guenther, Hans Olden, Maria Krahn, etc. The story is based on the 1840 children's novel of the same title by Erich Kaestner, who also wrote the screenplay and supplied the commentary. "The Double Lotties" is a faithful adaptation of the novel adaptation compared to Walt Disney's better known version known as "The Parent Trap" (1961) released eleven years later. Much of the creative talent in the picture had been involved in the cinema of the Third Reich, including both Josef von Baky and Erich Kaestner ("Muenchhausen," 1943.)
Dreams That Money can Buy 1947
Producer: Kenneth Macpherson, Hans Richter Script: Joseph White, Man Ray, Hans Rehfisch, Hans Richter, David Vern Director: Hans Richter Cinematography: Werner Brandes, Arnold S. Eagle, Peter Glushhanok, Meyer Rosenblum, Herman Shulman, Victor Vicas CAST: Jack Bittner, Libby Holman, John White, Norman Cazanijan Music: Louis Appelbaum, John Cage, Darius Milhaud Production: Art of This Century Films, Inc. Release: September 1947 99 min. Color sound English dialog.
American drama film written, produced and directed by Hans Richter, a German with a background in the dadasist and constructivist art movements. The unusual picture starred Jack Bittner, Libby Holman, John White, Norman Cazanijan, etc. The color film consists of a frame story and a series of dream sequences that were created by different modernist artists. Collaboration included Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Alexander Calder, Darius Milhaud and Fernand Leger. Richter's production received the award for Best Original Contribution to the Progress of Cinematography at the 1947 Venice Film Festival. The New York Times critic Bosley Crowther wrote of the film: "As with most things experimental - at least, in the cinema form - this effort of Mr. Richter's and of his collaborators, has obvious flaws." However, Harvard Professor Deirdre Barrett greatly appreciated the film's language of the unconscious more: "The best dream sequence is the opening one by Max Ernst which appears to be based on the same dream as his painting "Two Children Are Menaced by a Nightingale." Richter masterfully captures the growing chaotic horror of a nightmare. "Dreams That Money Can Buy" is considered by contemporary film historians as a cinematic masterpiece.
Eagle in a Cage 1972
Producer: Millard Lampell, Albert Schwartz Script: Millard Lampell Director: Fiedler Cook Cinematography: Frano Vodopivec CAST: Kenneth Haigh, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Ralph Richardson, Ferdy Mayne, Billie Whitelaw Music: Marc Wilkinson Production: Group W Productions, Ramona Productions Release: December 22, 1971 103 min. Color sound English dialog.
American /British historical film directed by Fiedler cook starring an all-star cast, including Kenneth Haigh, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Ralph Richardson, Ferdy Mayne, Billie Whitelaw, etc. The story is set following the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo and surrender to the British Empire, Napoleon Bonaparte is delivered into exile and imprisonment on St. Helena, setting the scene for a psychological character study of the fallen Emperor and those upon the island with him as he takes over the ashes of his career. "Eagle in a Cage" was well received at the box-office upon release. The New York Times wrote: "It should be obvious that the filmmaker's imagination working at this level will create roles to tax the most imaginative of actors. But from his awesome cast, with a few exceptions, what he generally gets is a fair professional elaboration of clichés." Variety wrote: "It is a dramatically fascinating entry for the class market" while the Los Angeles Times said: "completely involving."
Earth 1930
Producer: Kyivska Kinofabryka Script/Director: Oleksandr Dovzhenko Cinematography: Danylo Demutsky CAST: Stephan Shkurat, Semen Svashenko, Yuliya Sointseva, Yelena Maksimova Music: Levko Revutsky, Vyachesandrovich Ovchinnikov Production: Vseukrainske Foto Kino Upravlinnia (VUFKU) Release: October 17, 1930 89 min. B/W sound Ukrainian dialog w/English subtitles.
Ukrainian political propaganda film produced in the USSR written and directed by Oleksandr Dovzhenko for Kyivska Kinofabryka and Vseukrainske Foto Kino Upravlinnia (VUFKU) starring Stephan Shkurat, Semen Svashhenko, Yuliya Sointseva, Yelena Maksimova, etc. Dovzhenko's production concerns the process of collectivization and the hostility of Kulak landowners under the First Five Year Plan of Joseph Stalin. It is the third motion picture, with "Zvenigora" (1928) and "Arsenal" (1929) (both available from FILMMUSEUM HOME VIDEO), of Dovzhenko's famed "Ukraine Trilogy". "Earth" is commonly regarded as Dovzhenko's cinematic masterpiece and as one of the greatest motion pictures ever produced list. "Earth" was voted number ten on the prestigious Brussels 12 list at the 1958 World Expo.
East of Borneo 1931
Producer: Carl Laemmle, Jr., Paul Kohner, John Melford Script: Edwin H. Knopf, Dale Van Every Director: George Melford Cinematography: George Robinson CAST: Rose Hobart, Charles Bickford, Georges Renavent, Lupita Tovar Production: Universal Pictures Release: August 1, 1931 77 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code adventure film produced by Carl Laemmle, Jr. and directed by George Melford starring Rose Hobart, Charles Bickford, Georges Renovet, Lupita Tovar and others. The story concerns a woman by the name of Linda Randolph looks for her husband on the island of Marado just east of Borneo. "East of Borneo" is considered an early sound film classic of the new Universal Pictures company in 1931.
Days of Jesse James 1939
Producer: Joseph Kane Script: Jack Nattleford (story), Earl Snell (screenplay) Director: Joseph Kane Cinematography: Reggie Lanning CAST: Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes, Don "Red" Barry, Pauline Moore Music: William Lava, Floyd Morgan Production: Republic Pictures Release: December 20, 1939 63 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western film produced and directed by Joseph Kane starring Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes, Don "Red" Barry, Pauline Moore, etc. The story concerns Roy Rogers (essayed by himself), who has been brought in in order to bring in notorious bank robber Jesse James ("Don "Red" Barry). Considered a "programmer" product of Republic Pictures.
Dead Men Walk 1943
Producer: Sigmund Neufeld Script: Fred Myton Director: Sam Newfield Cinematography: Jack Greenhaigh CAST: George Zucco, Mary Carisle, Nedrick Young, Dwight Frye Music: Leo Erdody Production: PRC Pictures Release: February 10, 1943 64 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American horror film directed by Sam Newfield for PRC Pictures starring George Zucco, Mary Carisle, Nedrick Young, Dwight Frye, etc. The story concerns a kindly small town physician, Dr. Lloyd Clayton, who has secretly murdered his twin brother Elwyn, because of Elwyn's deep involvement in Satanic occult practices. A genuine cinematic work of horror and an instant American classic.
The Gleiwitz Case 1961
Producer/Director: Gerhard Klein Script: Wolfgang Kohlhasse, Guenther Ruecker, Klaus Wischnewski Cinematography: Jan Curik CAST: Hannjo Hasse, Christoph Beyertt, Wolfgang Kalweit , Georg Leopold Music: Kurt Schwaen Production: DEFA Release: August 25, 1961 70 min. B/W German dialog.
East German propaganda war film directed by Gerhard Klein and starring Hannjo Hasse, Christoph Beyertt, Wolfgang Kalweit, Georg Leopold, etc. The story concerns the Gleiwitz Indicent which was a false flag attack on the radio station staged by Himmler's SS. The fake attack was carried out to justify the German invasion of Poland as a defensive attack before the international community. "The Gleiwitz Case" is considered an East German propaganda feature film.
The Roundabouts of Handsome Karl 1938
Producer: Herbert Engelsing, Carl Froelich Script: Paul Enderling, Harald Braun, Jacob Geis, Philiip Lothar Mayring, Klaus S. Richter Director: Carl Froelich Cinematography: Reimar Kuntze CAST: Heinz Ruehmann, Karin Hardt, Sybille Schmitz, Ernst Legal Music: Hansome Milde-Meissner Production: Carl Froelich-Film Release: January 31, 1938 101 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film produced and directed by Carl Froelich starring Heinz Ruehmann, Karin Hardt, Sybille Schmitz, Ermst Legal, etc. The story concerns the experiences of a young writer during the Great Depression years. Considered as a cinematic classic by contemporary film critics.
Doomed to Die 1940
Producer: Paul Malvern, Scott R. Dunlap Script: Hugh Wiley, Ralph Gilbert Bettison, Michael Jacoby Director: William Nigh Cinematography: Harry Neumann CAST: Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers, William Sterling Music: Edward J. Kay Production: Monogram Pictures Release: August 22, 1940 68 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American mystery film directed by Willian Nigh and starring Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers, William Sterling, etc. The production is a sequel to the 1940 film "The Fatal Hour", which also featured Grant Withers and Marjorie Reynolds. The picture is considered a "programmer."
Drums in the Deep South 1951
Producer: Frank King, Maurice King Script: Phillip Yordan, Sidney Harmon Director: William Cameron Menzies Cinematography: Lionel Lindon CAST: James Craig, Barbara Peyton, Guy Madison, Barton MacLane Music: Dimitri Tiomkin Production: King Brothers Productions Release: October 16, 1951 87 min. Color sound English dialog.
American historical Civil War Western film directed by William Cameron Menzies and starring James Craig, Barbara Peyton, Guy Madison, Barton MacLane, etc. The film was based on an original story by Civil War author Hollister Noble. According to the King Brothers who sold the picture to RKO Radio Pictures and claimed it was "extremely profitable" at the time. "Drums in the Deep South" is considered a cinematic film classic.
Episode 1935
Producer/Script/Director: Walter Reisch Cinematography: Harry A. Stradling CAST: Karl Ludwig Diehl, Paula Wessley, Walter Janssen, Erika von Wagner Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: Viktoria-Film Release: 1935 105 min. German w/English subtitles.
Austrian light romantic comedy film written, produced and directed by Walter Reisch starring Karl Ludwig Diehl, Paula Wessley, Walter Janssen, Erika von Wagner, etc. "Episode" is a "Wiener Film, an Austrian entertainment genre, consisting of a combination of romance, comedy and melodrama in a historical setting, mostly of the Viennese culture and society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The German premiere took place on August 23, 1935 at the Gloria-Palast in Berlin. The Austrian premiere took place on September 13, 1935. "Episode" is considered a cinematic classic of the Austria.
It Happened on July 20th 1955
Producer: Jochen Genzow, Franz Seitz Script: Hans W. Hagen, Gustav Machaty, Jochen Wilke Director; G.W. Pabst Cinematography: Kurt Hasse CAST: Benhard Wicki, Karl Ludwig Diehl, Carl Wery, Kurt Mesiel Music: Johannes Weissenbach Production: Arca-Filmproduktion 75 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German historical film directed by the noted Georg Wilhelm Pabst and starring ernhard Wicki, Karl Ludwig Diehl, Carl Wery, Kurt Meisel, etc. Pabst's historical film concerns the July 20th anti-Hitler plot by leading German Army officers in 1944. This film is also known under the title "Jackboot Mutiny." This film is considered an accurate historical representation of the events being depicted on screen.
Teenage Wolf Pack 1956
Producer: Wenzel Luedecke, Arthur Brauner Script: Will Tremper, Georg Tressler Director: Georg Tressler Cinematography: Heinz Pehlke CAST: Horst Buchholz, Karen Baal, Christian Doermer, Jo Herbst Music: Martin Biecher Production: Interwest-Film Release: September 27, 1956 97 min. B/A sound German dialog.
German youth crime action drama directed by Georg Tressler starring Horst Buchholz, Karen Baal, Christian Doermer, Jo Herbst, etc. The story concerns a youth triangle among gang leader Freddy (Buchholz), his brother Jan (Doermer), and a bad girl known as Casey (Baal), in one of the screen portrayals of juvenile delinquency in postwar West Germany.
Schrammeln 1944
Producer: Wien-Film Script: Ernst Marischka, Hans Gustl Kernmayr Director: Gez von Bolvary Cinematography: Guenther Anders CAST: Marte Harell, Hans Holt, Hans Moser, Paul Hoerbiger Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner, Hans Schrammel, Josef Schrammel Production: Wien-Film Release: March 3, 1944 99 min. B/W sound German dialog.
Austrian historical musical heritage film directed by Geza von Bolvary and starring Marte Harell, Hans Holt, Hans Moser, Paul Hoerbiger, etc. The story concerns the Austrian violinist Schrammel writes Viennese songs, but leaves them dusty in his drawer. His brother, also a musician, discovers them and wishes to secretly produce and perform them in public. Considered a cinematic classic film.
Enemy of Women 1944
Producer: W.R. Frank Script: Alfred Zeisler, Herbert O. Phillips Director: Alfred Zeisler Cinematography: John Alton CAST: Paul Andor, H.B. Warner, Claudia Drake, Sigrid Gurie Music: Artur Guttmann Producton: W.R. Frank Productions Release: November 10, 1944 85 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American wartime anti-Nazi propaganda film directed by Alfred Zeisler starring Paul Andor (as Goebels), H.B. Warner, Claudia Drake, Sigrid Gurie, etc. The exploitative story concerns Joseph Goebbels, a down-on-his-luck playwright, boards with military German pensioner Col. Eberhardt Brandt. While there, Goebbels falls in love with Brandt's daughter, Maria, an aspiring actress who does not return his affections. When Goebbels tries to kiss Maria, Col. Brandt kicks him out of the house, demanding Joseph never return. Then Goebbels attends a Nazi Party rally and hears Hitler speak which changes his life. This inspires his to join the ranks of the Nazi Party, where he achieves great success. Later, after becoming Minister of Propaganda, Goebbels manipulates Maria's movie career to beefit her, but again attempts to force her into a relationship. Maria again rejects him, and he uses his authority to have her blacklisted.
Fiesta 1941
Producer: LeRoy Prinz Script: Cortland Fitzsimmons, Kenneth Higgins, Alfred Gilks Director: LeRoy Prinz Cinematography: Robert Pittack CAST: Ann Ayars, Jorge Negrete, Amida, George Civol Music: Edward Ward Production: Hal Roach Studios Relase: November 28, 1941 45 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
Ameirican Technicolor musical film produced and directed by LeRoy Prinz starring Ann Ayars, Jorge Negrete, Amida, George Civol, etc. The story concerns Don Juan Hernandez's niece Cholita returns to her village from Mexico City announcing she will not marry Jose, her village boyfriend, but rather the radio star Fernando Gomez who has accompanied her home. "Fiesta" is considered a vintage Technicolor classic of Hal Roach Studios and is instantly recognized as a cinematic classic.
Fighting Elegy 1966
Producer: Kazu Otsuza Script: Kaneto , Takashi Suzuki (novel) Director: Seijun Suzuki Cinematography: Kenji Hagawara CAST: Hideki Takahasi, Junko Asano, Yusuke Kawazu Music: Naozumi Yamamoto Production: Nikkatsu Release: November 9, 1966 86 min. B/W sound Japanese dialog w/English subtitles.
Japanese war action film directed by Seijun Suzuki starring Hideki Takahosi, Junko Asano, Yusuke Kawazu, etc. The story is based on the novel "Kenka erejii" by Takashi Suzuki. "Fighting Elegy" is considered a fine cinematic Japanese sound film.
The Stars Shine 1938
Producer: Helmut Schreiber Script/Director: Hans H. Zerlett Cinematography: Georg Krause CAST: La Jana, Ernst Fritz Fuerbringer, Vera Bergman, Fridjof Greverus Music: Leo Leux, Paul Lincke, Mathias Perl, Franz R. Friedel Production: Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH Release: 1938 95 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German musical review showstopper film produced during the Third Reich was written, produced and directed by Hans H. Zerlett for Tobis-Filmkunst starring La Jana, Ernst Fritz Fuertbringer, Vera Bergman, Fridjof Greverus, etc. The story concerns a young secretary who quits her job and travels to Berlin to try to become a movie star. She enters Gloria-Film as an extra where there are many German and international film stars appearing in motion pictures of the day. Musical numbers by the talented La Jana and others are featured in this Hollywood-style musical courtesy of Joseph Goebbels.
Fear in the Night 1947
Producer: William H. Pine, William C. Thomas Script/Director: Maxwell Shane Cinematography: Jack Greenhaigh CAST: Paul Kelly, DeForest Kelley, Ann Doran, Kay Scott Music: Rudy Schrager Production: Pine Thomas Productions 72 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American film noir crime film written and directed by Maxwell Shane and starring Paul Kelly, DeForest Kelly (his screen debut; "Star Trek" TV series, 1966), Ann Doran, Kay Scott, etc. The story is based on the 1943 Cornell Woolrich story "And So to Death" (retitled "Nightmare" in 1943. Shane's "Fear in the Night" is recognized as a film noir cinematic classic.
Fire over England 1937
Producer: Erich Pommer, Alexander Korda Script: Clemence Dane, Sergei Nolbandov Director: William K. Howard Cinematography: James Wong Howe CAST: Flora Robson, Raymond Massey, Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, James Mason Music: Richard Addinsell Production: London Film Productions Release: March 5, 1937 92 min. B/W sound English dialog.
British historical drama film produced by Erich Pommer and Alexander Korda directed by William K. Howard and starring Flora Robson, Raymond Massey, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, James Mason, etc. This impressive film historical film production is most notable for bringing Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh to the screen. The story is based on the 1936 novel of the same title by A.E.W. Mason. The picture is a historical drama set during the reign of Elisabeth I. focusing on England's victory over the Spanish Armada. "Fire over England" was the first British movie to have its U.S. premiere in Hollywood and garnered many positive reviews. In Variety, the critics comment stressed there "is a handsomely mounted and forcefully dramatic depiction of the glorification Queen Bess. it holds a succession of brilliantly played scenes, a wealth of choice diction, pointed excerpts from English history and a series of impressive tableaux." The League of Nations Committee on Motion Pictures awarded the 1937 Cinema Medal of Honor to "Fire over England." The impressive historical production is considered a cinematic classic.
Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe Serial Collection 1936-1940
Producer: Henry Mac Rae Script: George H. Plympton, Basil Dickey, Barry Shipman, Alex Raymond Direction: Ford Beebe, Raymond Taylor Cinematography: Jerome Ash, William A. Sickner CAST: Buster Crabbe, Carol Hughs, Frank Shannon, Charles B. Middleton, Roland Drew Production: Universal Pictures Release: March 3, 1940 200 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American sci-fi 12-chapter movie serial from Universal Pictures directed by Ford Beebe and Raymond Taylor starring Buster Crabbe, Csrol Ash, William A. Sickner, etc. "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe" was adapted from Alex Raymond's syndicated newspaper comic strip of the same title from King Features Syndicate. According to American short story author Jim Harmon and writer Don Glut stated that "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe "was the most picturesque of the trilogy but surrendered much compelling charm for its cinematic sophistication."
Flying Deuces 1939
Producer: Boris Moros Script: Ralph Spence, Charley Rogers, Fred Schiller, Harry Langdon Director: A. Edward Sutherland Cinematography: Art Lloyd CAST: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Jean Parker, Reginald Gardinier, Charles Middleton Music: John Leipold, Leo Shuken Production: Boris Moros Productions Release: November 3, 1939 69 min. Color sound English dialog.
American buddy comedy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland starring Laurel and Hardy, in which the comic duo join the French Foreign Legion. "Flying Deuces" is considered a great comic film produced during the 1930s/
Foreign Correspondent 1940
Producer: Walter Wanger Script: Charles Bennett, Joan Harrison Director: Alfred Hitchcock Cinematography: Rudolph Mate, A.S.C. CAST: Joel McCrea, Herbert Marshall, George Sanders, Albert Bassermann, Martin Kosleck Music: Alfred Newman Production: Walter Wanger Productions Release: August 16, 1940 120 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American political espionage thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock starring Joel McCrea, Herert Marshall, George Sanders, Albert Bassermann, Martin Kosleck, etc. The story concerns an American journalist who becomes based in England who tries to expose Nazi spies engaged in a fictional continent-wide conspiracy in a prelude to WWII. "Foreign Correspondent" was one of two Hitchcock movies nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1940, the other being "Rebecca" which went on to win the award. "Foreign Correspondent" was nominated for six Academy Awards, including one to actor Albert Bassermann for Best Supporting Actor.
Women are No Angels 1943
Producer/Director: Willi Forst Script: Geza von Cziffra Cinematography: Jan Stallich, Hannes Staudinger CAST: Marte Harell, Axel von Ambesser, Margot Hielscher, Curd Juergens Music: Walter Leschititzky, Theo Mackeben Production: Wien-Film Release: March 23, 1943 80 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German (Austrian) musical comedy film produced and directed by Willi Forst starring Marte Harell, Axel von Ambesser, Margot Hielscher, Curd Juergens, etc. The story concerns movie director Richard Anden and his scriptwriter take a cruise on luxury liner, avoiding all feminine attempts to get a film contract, including the ship's singer. When he unexpectantly discovers that a charming, beautiful passenger becomes involved in a murder mystery and is chased by law enforcement, he will attempt to save her from prison, yet everyone has a secret in this Austrian (though annexed to Germany) musical comedy produced during wartime in 1943.
Friday the 13th 1933
Producer: Michael Balcon Script: Sidney Gilliat, George Williams, George White Director: Victor Saville Cinematography: Charles Van Enger CAST: Jessie Mathews, Sonny Hale, Muriel Aked, Cyril Smith Music: Bretton Byrd Production: Gainsorough Pictures Release: November 1933 89 min. B/W sound English dialog.
British mystery/drama film directed by Victor Saville starring Jessie Mathews, Sonny Hale, Muriel Aked, Cyril Smith, etc. "Friday the 13th" concerns the lives of various passengers in the hours they are involved in a tragic bus crash.
The Front Page 1931
Producer: Lewis Milestone, Howard Hughes Script: Barttlett Cormack, Charles Lederer Director: Lewis Milestone Cinematography: Glen MacWilliams CAST: Adolphe Menjou, Pat O'Brien, Mary Brien, Edward Everett Horton Production: Caddo Company Release: April 4, 1931 101 B/W sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code screwball comedy was produced by Howard Hughes and Lewis Milestone (also director) starring Adolphe Menjou, Pat O'Brien, Mary Brien, Edward Everett Horton, etc. The story is based on the 1928 Broadway play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. At the 4th Academy Awards, "The Front Page" was nominated for Best Picture, Lewis Milestone for Best Director, and Adolphe Menjou for Best Actor. The picture is considered an early vintage sound American cinematic classic.
The Jazz Singer 1927
Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck Script: Alfred A. Cohn Director: Alan Crossland Cinematography: Hal Mohr CAST: Al Jolson, Bobby Gordon, Warner Oland, Eugene Besserer Music: Louis Silvers Production: Vitaphone Corp./Warner Bros. Release: October 6, 1927 96 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American part-talkie musical drama film produced by Darryl F. Zanuck and directed by Alan Crosland for Vitaphone and Warner Bros. Pictures in 1927. The popular film stars Al Jolson, Bobby Gordon, Warner Oland, Eugene Besserer, etc. "The Jazz Singer" is history first feature-length motion picture with both synchronized recorded music and lip-synchronous singing and speech. The theatrical release of this particular film heralded the commercial ascendance of sound movies and had effectively marked the end of the silent era with the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system, featuring six songs performed by Al Jolson. The production was based on the 1925 play by Samson Raphaelson, the plot adapted from his short story "The Day of Atonement." Darryl F. Zanuck won an Academy Honorary Award for producing the picture. Alfred A. Cohn was nominated for Best Writing (Adaptation) at the 1st Academy Awards on august 1, 1927. "The Jazz Singer" is considered a landmark motion picture due to the advent of sound.
Gold 1934
Producer: Alfred Zeisler Script: Rolf E. Vanloo Director: Karl Hartl Cinematography: Otto Baecker, Werner Bohne, Guenther Rittau CAST: Hans Albers, Friedrich Kayssler, Brigitte Helm, Michael Bohnen, Rudolf Platte Music: Hans-Otto Biorgmann Production: Ufa Release: October 21, 1934 120 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German sci-fi fantasy film directed by Karl Hartl starring Hans Albers, Friediruch Kayssler, Brigitte Helm, Michael Bohnen, Rudolf Platte, etc. "Gold" concerns a German scientist's attempt to create a machine that transforms base materials into gold, a project that attracts the unwelcome attention of a British industrialist. Hartl's film had its official Reich premiere in Berlin on March 29, 1934 at the Ufa-Palast am Zoo Theater. Following the end of the war in 1945, Allied film censors reviewed Hartl's picture and pondered whether or not Nazi scientists had actually been able to construct the first nuclear reactor long before it had been originally thought they had done so. Today, "Gold" is considered a classic German film.
Friedrich Schiller 1940
Producers: Fritz Klotsch, Gustav Rathje Script: Paul Josef Cremers, Walter Wassermann, Lotte Neumann, Norbert Jacques Director: Herbert Maisch Cinematography: Fritz Arno Wagner CAST: Horst Casoar, Heinrich George, Lil Dagover, Friedrich Kayssler, Eugen Kloepfer Music: Herbert Windt Production: Tobis-Filmkunst GmbH Release: December 17, 1940 98 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German literary historical drama film directed by Herbert Maisch for Tobis-Filmkunst starring Horst Caspar (as Friedrich Schiller), Heinrich George, Lil Dagover, Friedrich Kayssler, Eugen Kloepfer, etc. The story is based on the novel "Passion" by Norbert Jacques who also collaborated on the screenplay. The story concerns the life and struggle of German poet Friedrich Schiller. Nazi Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels was concerned that German audiences would not fully understand the propaganda content in the picture. The production was, however, finally approved by the Reich censors on November 11, 1940 and special "test" screenings were held in Stuttgart and Strasbourg on November 13, 1940. The results had proven successful and "Friedrich Schiller" had its official Reich premiere in Berlin at the Capitol am Zoo Theater on December 17th, 1940.
The Great Dictator 1940
Producer/Script/Director: Charlie Chaplin Cinematography: Karl Struss, Roland Totheroh CAST: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Maurice Moscovich, Emma Dunn Music: Charlie Chaplin, Meredith Wilson Production: Charlie Chaplin Film Corp. Release: October 16, 1940 125 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American political satire black comedy written, produced, directed and starring Charlie Chaplin co-starring Paulette Goddard, Maurice Moscovich, Emma Dunn, etc. Having been the only Hollywood director to continue to produce silent movies well into the era of silents, Chaplin produced "The Great Dictator" as his first chosen sound film. His production furthered a stirring condemnation of the German Nazi and Italian fascist dictators Hitler and Mussolini, as well as fascism in general as well as anti-Semitism, and the Nazi movement. At the time of its initial release in the U.S.A., the democratic nation was still at peace with Nazi Germany and neutral during what were essentially the early days of WWI. Chaplin essays both leading roles - a ruthless fascist dictator and a persecuted Jewish barber. Chaplin's film was immensely popular with audiences, becoming the director's most commercially successful film. Contemporary film critics have praised "The Great Dictator' as a historically significant motion picture and one of the greatest comedy movies ever produced in the history of world cinema. Chaplin's landmark movie was nominated for five Academy Awards: Outstanding Production, Best Actor, Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Supporting Actor for Jack Oakie, and Best Music (Original Score).
Guliver's Travels 1939
Producer: Max Fleischer Script: Daniel Gordon, Calvin Howard, Edward Pierce, Isadore Sparber, Edmond Seward Director: Dave Fleischer Cinematography: Charles Shettler CAST (voice): Sam Parker, Max Smith, Pinto, Colvig, Jack Mercer Music: Victor Young, Leo Robin, Ralph Rangier, Al Neiburg, Wnston Sharples, Sammy Timberg Producton: Fleisher Studios Release: December 22, 1939 76 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American animated musical fantasy film directed by Dave Fleischer for Fleischer Studios featuring voice actors Sam Parker, Max Smith, Pinto Colvig, Jack Mercer, etc. "Gulliver's Travels" premiered in New York on December 20, 1939, and went into general release in the U.S.A. two days later on December 22nd. The Technicolor production received Academy Award nominations for Best Music, Original Score and Best Music, Original Song ("Faithfully Forever") at the 12th Academy Award, loosing both to MGM's "The Wizard of Oz" the same year. Contemporary film critics consider "Gulliver's Travels" as a high achievement in animated motion pictures.
Gung-Ho! 1943
Producer: Walter Wanger Script: Lucien Hubbard, Joseph Hoffman, Lt. W.S. LeFrancois, USMCR Director: Ray Enright Cinematography: Milton R. Krasner CAST: Randolph Scott, Alan Curtis, Noah Beery, J. Carroll Naish, Sam Levene Music: Frank Skinner Production: Walter Wanger Productions Release: December 20, 1943 88 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American WWII adventure film directed by Ray Enright starring Randolph Scott, Alan Curtis, Noach Beery, J. Carroll Naish, Sam Levene, etc. The story concerns the real-life WWII Makin Island raid led by Lt. Col. Evans Carlson's 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. "Gung-Ho" is considered an historically accurate war film produced at the height of WWII.
Hearts of Humanity 1932
Producer: John Clein Script: Edward T. Lowe, Olga Prinzlau (story) Director: Kristy Cabanne Cinematography: Charles J. Stumar CAST: Jean Hersholt, John Searl, J. Farell Macdonald, Claudia Dell Music: Brown Spencer Production: Majestic Pictures Release: Seotember 1, 1932 66 min. B/W sound English dialog.
Americna drama film directed by Kristy Cabonne starring Jean Hersholt, John Searl, J. Farell MacDonald, Claudia Dell, etc. The story concerns genial Irish New York policeman Tom O'Hara looking forward to the arrival of his young son, Shandy from Ireland.
Homeland 1938
Producer/Director: Carl Froelich Script: Hermann Sudermann (play), Carl Froelich, Harold Braun, Hans Brennert, Otto Ernst Hesse Director: Carl Froelich Cinematography: Franz Weihmayr CAST: Zarah Leander, Heinrich George, Paul Hoerbiger, Leo Slezak Music: Theo Mackeben Production: Tonstudio Carl Froelich, Ufa Release: June 25, 1938 98 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German historical melodrama film produced and directed by Carl Froelich starring Zarah Leander, Heinrich George, Paul Hoerbiger, Leo Slezak, etc. The melodramatic storyline of "Homeland" concerns the return of a famous singer to her small village, where he father wishes her to settle down and marry. The production is based on the 1803 play by Hermann Sudermann. Carl Froelich won Best Director for "Homeland" at the Venice Film Festival in 1938. The film is considered a cinematic classic even if produced during the Third Reich.
Heinz in the Moon aka (Between Three Brides) 1934
Script/Director: Robert A. Stemmle Cinematography: Carl Drews CAST: Heinz Ruehmann, Rudolf Platte, Oskar Sima, Enka Glaessner Music: Franz Grothe Production: Cicero-Film Release: September 5, 1934 82 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German comedy film written and directed by Robert Stemmle starring comedian Heinz Ruehmann, Rudolf Platee, Oskar Sima, Erika Glaessner, etc. Robert Stemmle renamed the film's title from "Hans" to "Heinz" in order to take full advantage of the movie star's (Heinz Ruehmann) popularity.
Hell Town 1937
Producer: William T. Lackey, William LeBaron Script: Stuart Anthony, Robert Yost Director: Charles Barton Cinematography: Deveraux Jennings CAST: John Wayne, Marsha Hunt, John Mack Brown, John Patterson Production: Paramount Pictures Release: December 10, 1937 59 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Western adventure film directed by Charles Barton starring John Wayne, Marsha Hunt, John Mack, John Patterson, etc. Based on the novel by Western author Zane Grey. The picture is considered a Western movie classic.
Hell House 1932
Producer: B.F. Zeidman Script: Paul Gangelin, B. Harrison Orkow Director: Howard Higgin Cinematography: Allen G. Siegler CAST: Bette Davis, Pat O'Brien, Charley Grapervine, Morgan Wallace Production: .F. Zeidman Productions Ltd. Release: February 10, 1932 72 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code drama film was directed by Howard Higgin starring Bette Davis, Pat O'Brien, Charley Grapervine, Morgan Wallace, etc. The story is set in the days of the Prohibition era, based on an original story by Howard Higgin.
Hitler - Dead or Alive 1942
Producer: Ben Judell Script: Sam Neuman, Karl Brown Director: Nick Grinde Cinematography: Paul Ivano CAST: Ward Bond, Dorothy Tree, Warren Hymer, Paul Fox Music: Leo Erdody Production: Ben Judell Productions Release: November 12, 1942 70 min. B/w sound English dialog.
American wartime political propaganda film directed by Nick Grinde starring Ward Bond, Dorothy Tree, Warren Hymer, Paul Fox, etc. The picture was purportedly based on historical facts, however, the film took on a quasi-comic tone throughout the production. "Hitler - Dead or Alive" is considered a wartime propaganda film.
House on Haunted Hill 1959
Producer: William Castle, Robb White Script: Robb White Director: William Castle Cinematography: Carl E. Guthrie CAST: Vincent Price, Richard Long, Elisha Cook, Carol Ohmart Music Von Dexter Production: William Castle Productions 75 min. Color sound English dialog.
American ghost story horror film produced and directed by William Castle starring Vincent Price, Richard Long, Elisha Cook, Carol Ohmart, etc. The story concerns an eccentric millionaire (Vincent Price), who along with his wife, has invited five guests to the house for a "haunted house party". Whoever remains in the house for one night received &10,000. As the night progresses, the guests become trapped within the house with an assortment of frights and terrors. "House on Haunted Hill" is one of the best and fondly remembered horror movies from the 1950s.
Immense Sea 1943
Producer: Erich Holder Executive Producer/Director: Veit Harlan Script: Theodor Sttorm (novel), Alfred Braun, Veit Harlan Director: Veit Harlan Cinematography: Bruno Mondi CAST: Kristina Soederbaum, Carl Raddatz, Paul Klinger, Otto Gebuhr Music: Wolfgang Zeller Production: Ufa-Filmkunst GmbH Release: December 26, 1943 88 min. Color sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German melodrama produced, written and directed by Veit Harlan starring Kristina Soederbaum, Carl Raddatz, Paul Klinger, Otto Gebuhr, etc. "Immense Sea" was a popular cinematic attraction and a box-office success and, with its propaganda theme of a brave German woman remaining faithful to her husband, was important to raising the morale of Nazi military forces, the picture continued to remain popular in war-torn postwar occupied Germany.
Ivan the Terrible Parts I & II 1944/1945
Producer/Script/Director: Sergei Eisenstein Cinematography: Andrei Moskvin, Eduard Tisse CAST: Nikolay Cherkasov, Lyudmila Tselikovskaya, Serafima Birman, Pavel Kadochnikov Music: Sergei Prokofiev Production: MosFilm Release: January 1945 (Part I), September 1, 1945 (Part II)177 min. B/W + Color (Sovcolor) sound Russian dialog w/English subtitles.
Soviet two part epic historical drama was written, produced and directed by Sergei Eisenstein for MosFilm. Eisenstein's historical epic chronicles the reign of Ivan the Terrible and details his formation of the 'oprichnina' ('state law making Ivan ruler') and conflict with the boyars, particularly with his aunt and cousin. Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin commissioned Eisenstein to produce the costume epic in early 1941. Part I of the production was released in January 1945, and met with significant box-office success, receiving the Stalin Prize. Part II, however, although completed in 1946, was banned due to an official order from Stalin himself and thus not released until 1958. The director had plans of producing a Part III, but with the banning of the second part, preproduction and initial shooting ceased. Eisenstein passed away in 1946, leaving his film epic incomplete. The production has had a polarized reception, being both harshly criticized and highly praised. Since its release, the picture was named in several official film lists of the best motion pictures of all time., and has often been referred to as one of Eisenstein;s best and greatest complex productions.
Blood of a Poet 1932
Producer: Charles de Noailles Script/Director: Jean Cocteau Cinematography: Georges Pennal CAST: Enrique Riveros, Elisabeth Lee Miller, Pauline Carton. Ordette Talazar Music: Georges Auric Production: Tamasa Productions Release: January 20, 1932 55 min. B/W sound French dialog English titles.
French avant-garde film written and directed by Jean Cocteau starring Enrique Riveros, Elisabeth Lee Miller, Pauline Carton, Ordette Talazar, etc. "Blood of a Poet: is the first part of "The Orphic Trilogy," which continued with additional productions. Cocteau's art film is considered a cinematic masterpiece by contemporary movie critics, including Leonard Maltin who awarded the production three out of four stars, calling it "imaginative, dreamlike, and still a visual delight."
Clothes Make the Man 1940
Producer: Arthur Kiekebusch-Breknken Script/Director: Helmut Kaeutner Cinematography: Ewald Daub CAST: Heinz Ruehmann, Hertha Fieler, Fritz Odemar, Rudolf Schuedler Music: Bernhard Einhorn Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: September 16, 1940 91 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German historical comedy written and directed by Helmut Kaeutner starring comic genius Heinz Ruehmann, Hertha Fieler, Fritz Odemar, Rudolf Schuendler, etc. The story is based on Gottfried Keller's 1874 realist novella of the same title. The only theatrical release in the USA occurred in 1958 in New York but contained no subtitles. Though produced during the Third Reich, the picture contains no propaganda.
Commander of the Ship 1954
Producer/Director: Vladimir Braun Cinematography: V. Filippov, Aleksei Gerasimov CAST: Mikhail Kuznetsov, Anatoly Verbitsky, Boris Smirnov, Viktor Dobrovolsky Music: Vadim Gomoolyaka Production: Dovzhenko Film Studios Release; 1954 95 min. Color sound Russian dialog.
Soviet war drama produced and directed by Vladimir Braun starring Mikhail Kuznetsov, Anatoly Verbitsky, Boris Smirnov, Viktor Dubrovolsky, etc. The story concerned a typical day of Russian sea battle during the "Great Patriotic War" (WWII). Considered a Soviet propaganda film.
Comedians 1941
Producer: Hans Schweikart Script: Olly Boeheim, Axel Eggebrecht, G.W. Pabst, Walter von Hollander Director: G.W. Pabst Cinematography: Bruni Stephan CAST: Kaethe Dorsch, Hilde Krahl, Henny Porten, Gustav Diesel Music: Lothar Bruehne Production: Bavaria-Film AG Release: September 5, 1941 111 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German historical drama film directed by noted Weimarian director Georg Wilhelm Pabst starring Kaethe Dorsch, Hilde Krahl, Henny Porten, Gustav Diesel, etc. The story is based on the novel "Philine" by Olly Boeheim which is set in the 18th century and portrays the historical development of German theatre. The story concerns a woman by the name of Karoline Neuber (Kaethe Dorsch) who attempts to improve the group of stage actors, who are locked down upon as vagabonds. When the Duchess (Henny Porten) refuses to let her son marry a stage actress, she defends them with such vehemence that she is driven from the country and finally passes away in solitude. Though produced in Nazi Germany during wartime, "Comedians" does not contain propaganda.
The Stolen Sun 1943
Producer/Director: Ivan Ivanov -Vano Cinematography: Nikolay Voinov Animation: Yevgeny Migunov, Anatoly Sazonov Music: Yury Nikolsky Production: Soyuzmultfilm Release: 1943 12 min. B/W sound Russian dialog.
Soviet animated film produced and directed by Ivan Ivanov featuring the animation technique of Yevgeny Migunov and Anatoly Sazanov. This cartoon was exhibited in the Soviet Union during WWII in 1943.
The Blue Light 1932
Producer: Harry Sokal, Leni Riefenstahl Script: Bela Balazs, Leni Riefenstahl Director: Leni Riefenstahl Cinematography: Hans Schneeberger, Walter Riml CAST: Leni Riefenstahl, Mathias Wieman, Max Holzboer, Franz Maldacea Music: Giuseppe Beece Production: Sokal-Film, Leni Riefenstahl-Produktion Release: March 24, 1932 87 min. German dialog.
German fantasy film produced, written, directed and starring Leni Riefenstahl co-starring Mathias Wieman, Max Holzboer, Franz Maldacea, etc. The story concerns a witch by the name of Junta (Leni Riefenstahl) is intended as a sympathetic character. "The Blue Light" had a moderate commercial and critical success in Weimar Germany proper as well in other neighboring European countries. Numerous left-wing news publications derided the picture's success, while right-wing groups (such as the Nazi Party) applauded the film. The picture enjoyed considerable commercial and critical success in London and Paris, where "mountain film" cinema had been a novelty. "The Blue Light" was screened at the Venice Film Festival in 1932. The New York Sun said of Riefenstahl's production: "the sheer pictorial beauty" and referred to the director/actress as "an expert climber as well as handsome woman." The New York Times remarked "a summary of the story gives no adequate idea of the beauty of the action and the remarkable camera work, especially in connection with the light effects." Both Hitler and Goebbels had seen the film in 1932 and felt Riefenstahl's cinematic technique could be keenly employed once they came to power in Germany. "The Blue Light" is considered a cinematic masterpiece by contemporary film historians.
La Habanera 1937
Producer: Bruno Duday Script: Gerhard Menzel Director: Detlef Sierck (Douglas Sirk) Cinematography: Franz Weihmayr CAST: Zarah Leander, Ferdinand Marian, Karl Martell, Paul Bildt Music: Lothar Bruehne Production: Ufa Release: December 18, 1937 100 min. B/W sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
German romantic melodrama directed by Detlef Sierck (Douglas Sirk) starring Zarah Leander, Ferdinand Marian, Karl Martell, Paul Bildt, etc. "La Habanera" proved a great box-office commercial success in Germany proper and is fondly remembered as an afternoon matinee popular attraction in its day. Though containing no direct propaganda, the picture played right into the hands of Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels who regarded the movie as a theme to repatriate German citizens. However, "La Habanera" can also be viewed as being critical of the Nazi regime. For in the production, a dictator imperils his own people, is hostile to foreigners, and has a secret he wishes to hide the facilities not unlike the concentration camps of the Third Reich.
Lady of Burlesque 1943
Producer: Hunt Stromberg Script: James Gunn Director: William A. Wellman Cinematography: Robert De Grasse CAST: Barbara Stanwyck, Michael O' Shea, J. Edward Bromberg, Iris Adrian Music: Arthur Lange Production: Hunt Stromberg Productions Release: May 1, 1943 91 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American musical comedy mystery directed by William A. Wellman starring Barbara Stanwyck, Michael O 'Shea, J. Edward Bromberg, Iris Adrian, etc. "Lady of Burlesque" is a faithful, somewhat santizied adaptation of the 1941 novel "The G-String Murders" by burlesque performer and stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. The picture is considered a Hollywood cinematic classic by contemporary film historians.
The Last Time I Saw Paris 1954
Producer: Jack Cummings Script: Julius J. Epsetin, Phillip G. Epstein Director: Richard Brooks Cinematography: Joseph Ruttenberg CAST: Elizabeth Taylor, Van Johnson, Donna Reed, Eva Gabor Music: Conrad Salinger Production: Jeffy Productions, MGM Release: November 18, 1954 118 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American Technicolor comic dilemma film directed by Richard Brooks starring Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor, Van Johnson, Donna Reed, Eva Gabor, etc. The story is loosely based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1931 short story "Babylon Revisited." At the time of the picture's initial theatrical release, Variety called the film "an engrossing romantic drama. "The Last Time I Saw Paris" is considered a Technicolor cinematic classic by contemporary film historians.
The Tale of the Fox 1930
Producers: Louis Nalpas, Roger Richebe Script: Roger Richebe Direction: Ladislas Starevich, Irene Starevich Cinematography: Ladislas Starevich CAST (voices): Claude Dauphin, Roman Bouquet, Laine, Sylvain Itkine Music: Vincent Scotto Production: Wladyslaw Starewicz Production Release: 1937 66 min. B/W sound French dialog w/English subtitles.
French stop-motion animation film directed by Ladislas Starevich and Irene Starevich starring (voiceover artists) Claude Dauphin, Roman Bouquet, Laine, Sylvain Itkine, etc. The story is based on the tales of "Reynard the Fox," which was a literary cycle of medieval allegorical Dutch, English, German, and French fables. The story is set in the kingdom of animals, the fox Renard is used to tricking and fooling virtually everyone. Consequently, the King (the lion) receives more and more complaints. Finally, he orders Renard to be arrested and brought before his royal throne. "The Tale of the Fox" was released eight months before Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", the production is the world's sixth ever totally animated feature film and the third surviving animated motion picture, as well as the second film to use puppet animation, following "The New Gulliver" from the Soviet Union. The picture was released in France in 1941 during the Nazi Occupation.
Storm Over Mount Blanc 1930
Producer: Gabriel Levy, Harry R. Sokal Script/Director: Dr. Arnold Fanck Cinematography: Hans Schneeberger, Richard Angst, Sepp Allgeier CAST: Leni Riefenstahl, Sepp Rist, Ernst Udet, Mathias Wieman Music: Paul Dessau Production: AAFA (Radio-Film) Release: December 25, 1930 94 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German "mountaineering" adventure written and directed by Dr. Arnold Fanck starring Leni Riefenstahl, Sepp Rist, Ernst Udet, Mathias Wieman, etc. Fanck's picture is part of the German film genre of "mountaineering," popularized by Dr, Fanck. The story revolves around a man who works alone at the Mount Blanc weather station gathering vital data. His only contact with the world below is via Morse Code signals. He is joined by a woman friend (Leni Riefenstahl), who helps him survive in a terrible snowstorm over the mountain. Trick pilot and future Luftwaffe general Ernst Udet is featured in the film as a pilot who is involved in a dangerous mountain rescue. "Storm Over Mount Blanc" had its official Reich premiere in Dresden on December 25, 1930. Although the studio promoted the production as a sound film, most of the scenes were shot silent, with long, lingering camera shots of mammoth mountain peaks. Author James H. Farmer ("Celluloid Wings," 1984) described the aerial scenes in the picture, as "outstanding aerial sequences, including a hazardous landing on the Mount Blanc glacier." "Storm Over Mount Blanc" is considered a cinematic classic by contemporary film historians.
Love Premiere 1943
Producer: Walter Tost Script: Geza con Cziffra, Ellen Fechner, Willy Clever, Ralph Benatsky Director: Arthur Maria Rabenalt Cinematography: Jan Roth CAST: Hans Soehnker, Kirsten Heilberg, Fritz Odemar, Margot Hielscher Music: Franz Grothe Production: Terra-Filmkunst GmbH Release: June 11, 1943 88 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German wartime comedy film directed by Arthur Maria Rabenalt starring Hans Soehnker, Kirsten Heilberg, Fritz Odemar, Margot Hielscher, etc. Rabenalt's picture is based on the stage play "Axel an der Himmelstur" ("Axel at the Gate of Heaven"), that was a great success for Zarah Leander and established her career as a leading German screen actress in 1936. She was replaced by Kirsten Heilberg for the 1943 production when she wished to return to her native Sweden. "Love Premiere" is a totally non-political feature film produced during the Third Reich and contained no propaganda content and is still regarded as one of the best German sophisticated comedies produced.
The Lost City Serial 1935
Producer: Sherman S. Krellberg Script: Zelma Carroll, George Merrick, Robert DillionEddie Granemann, Leon O'Usseau, Perley Sheehan Director: Harry Revier Cinematography: Edward Linden, Roland Price CAST: William "Stage" Boyd, Kane Richmond, Claudia Dell, josef Swickard Production: Super Serial Productions Release: March 6, 1935 240 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American independently produced 12 chapter sci-fi film serial created and produced by Sherman S. Krellberg and directed by Harry Revier starring William "Stage" Boyd, Kane Richmond, Claudia Dell, Josef Swickard, etc. The story concerns scientist Bruce Gordon who arrives at a secluded area in Africa after concluding that a series of electrically induced natural disasters had originated from in the area.
Louise, Queen of Prussia 1931
Producers: Wilhelm von Kaufmann, Henny Porten Script: Fred hildenbrand Stuart, Friedirich Raff, Julius Urgiss Director: Carl Froelich Cinematography: Friedl Behn-Grund CAST: Henny Porten, Gustaf Gruendgens, Ekkehard Arendt, Vladimir Gajdarov Music: Hanson Milde-Meissner Production: Henny Porten Filmproduktion Release: December 4, 1931 115 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German historical mdrama film directed by carl Freoelich starring Henny Porten (also co-producer), Gustav Gruendgens, Ekkehard Arendt, Valdimir Gajdarov, etc. Froelich's production depicts the life of Queen Louise of Mecklenburg-Streiitz (1776-1810), the wife of Fredrich William III of Prussia and forms the a part of the Prussian historical film genre. Contemporary cinema histoirans regard this as a cinematic masterpiece.
Masquerade 1934
Producer: Karl Julius Fritzsche Script: Willi Forst, Walter Reisch Director: Willi Forst Cinematography: Franz Planer CAST: Paula Wessley, Hilde von Stolz, Adolf Wohlbrueck, Olga Chekhova Music: Willy Schmidt-Gentner Production: Wien-Film Release: September 26, 1934 98 min. sound German dialog w/English subtitles.
Austrian operetta film and an instant classic of German language cinema co-written and directed by Willi Forst for Wien-Film starring the lovely Paula Wessley, Hilde von Stolz, Adolf Wohlbrueck, Olga Chekhova, etc. The story is set in Viennese high society around the year 1900. After a masked carnival ball, Gerda Harrandt, wife of the surgeon Carl Ludwig Harrandt, allows the fashionable artist Ferdinand Heideneck to paint a portrait of her wearing only a mask and a muff. This muff, however belongs to Anita Keller, in secret the partner's lover but also the financee of the court orchestra director Paul Harrandt, the brother of Gerda's husband. "Masquerade" was the only the second motion picture directed by Forst, but is nevertheless without a doubt one of his major cinematic masterpieces produced in Austria. This picture was the first screen role for Austrian stage actress Paula Wessley. The production was distinguished with an award at the Venice Film Festival in 1934. Contemporary film critics consider "Masquerade" an important cinematic masterpiece.
Girls in Uniform 1931
Producer: Carl Froelich Script: Christa Winsloe, Friedrich Dammann Director: Leotine Sagen Cinematography: Reimar Kuntze, Franz Weihmayr CAST: Emilia Unda, Dorthea Wieck, Hertha Thiele, Ellen Schwannecke Music: Hansom Milde-Meissner Production: Deutsche Film Gemeinschaft Release: Novemer 27, 1931 88 min. B/W sound German dialog.
German Weimarian LGBTQ+ romantic drama directed by Carl Froelich starring Emilia Unda, Dorthea Wieck, Hertha Thiele, Ellen Schwannecke, etc. The production is based on Christa Winsloe's play "Yesterday and Today" ("Gestern und Heute"). Due to the film's overt and openly lesbian themes, "Girls in Uniform" remains an international cult film classic and still enjoys widespread acclaim from movie critics. On October 1, 1931, an official ban was placed on Froelich's production at the first inspection committee showing which forbade German youths from viewing the film. On April 8, 1932, the decision for a 2480 meter greatly shortened version was confirmed. Froelich's "Girls in Uniform" was released internationally and was extremely successful. The picture had equal box-office success in the USA, Japan, France, Britain, and Mexico. During the Nazi regime in Germany, "Girls in Uniform" was banned by Propaganda Minister joseph Goebbels. The movie was only allowed to be exhibited abroad. The ban was not su much about the then taboo lesbian theme, but rather the depictions of Prussian ruthlessness and the criticisms on German authority and discipline. After the WWII, the film was allowed to be shown again in West Germany on December 8, 1949 as the ban had been lifted by the FSK (film censorship board). "Girls in Uniform" was nearly banned in the USA as well until Eleanor Roosevelt spoke quite highly of the picture, getting the movie a limited theatrical release in the USA in 1932. However, during the early 1970s, the film was again heavily censored and it was not shown again in West Germany until 1977 when it was broadcast on television. Froelich's masterpiece was shown at the Roxie Cinema in San Francisco in 1978 and was a tremendous hit. Contemporary film historians consider "Girls in Uniform" to be a cinematic masterpiece.
Marihuana 1936
Producers: Dwain Esper, Hildegarde Stadie Script: Hildegarde Stadie Director: Dwain Esper Cinematography: Roland Price CAST: Harley Wood, Hugh McArthur, Pat Carlyle, Paul Ellis Production: Roadshow Attractions Release: May 1936 57 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American drug exploitation film directed by Dwain Esper starring Harley Wood, Hugh McArthur, Pat Carlyle, Paul Ellis, etc. "Marihuana" is considered a drug exploitation midnight movie classic much like the ultimate "weed" cult film "Reefer Madness" (1936) released the same year.
Mr. Imperium 1951
Producer: Edwin H. Knopf Script: Don Hartman, Edwin H. Knopf Director: Don Hartman Cinematography: George J. Folsey CAST: Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Barry Sullivan, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Debbie Reynolds Music: Bronislaw Kaper Production: MGM Release: March 2, 1951 87 min. Technicolor sound English dialog.
American romantic musical film co-written and directed by Don Hartman for MGM starring Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Barry Sullivan, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Debbie Reynolds, etc. "Mr. Imperium" was the first of two musicals that MGM attempted with "South Pacific" stage star and former Metropolitan Opera singer Ezio Pinza. Regretfully for MGM, "Mr. Imperium" was not as great a box-office success as they might have hoped resulting in a financial loss of $1,399,000 and a cancellation of singer Enzio Pinza's contract at the studio.
Mr. Robinson Crusoe 1932
Producer: Douglas Fairbanks Script: Thomas J. Geraghty, Douglas Fairbanks Director: A. Edward Sutherland Cinematography: Max Dupont CAST: Douglas Fairbanks, William Farnum, Earle Browne, Maria Alba Music: Alfred Newman Production: Elton Productions Release: August 19, 1932 76 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American Pre-Code South Seas adventure film produced, co-written, and starring Douglas Fairbanks along with co-stars William Farnum, Earle Browne, Maria Alba, etc. This picture is one of the few "talkie" movies starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., in his penultimate screen role. Contemporary film historians consider "Mr. Robinson Crusoe" an early classic "talkie."
Muenchhausen 1943
Producer: Eberhard Schmidt Script: Erich Kaestner (as Berthold Bueger), Rudolf Erich Raspe (novel) Director: Josef von Baky Cinermatography: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet, Werner Krien CAST: Hans Albers, Brigitte Horney, Ferdinand Marian, Eduard von Winterstein Music: Georg Haentzschel Production: Ufa Filmkunst GmbH Agfacolor 132 min. sound German dialog.
German outrageous fantasy production directed by Josef von Baky for Ufa Filmkunst starring Hans Albers, Brigitte Horney, Ferdinand Marian, Eduard von Winterstein, etc. In 1938, the German film studio UFA was to celebrate its 25th silver anniversaries' in 1943 and Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels wanted no expense spared to produced the epic. The result was the literary classic by Rudolf Erich Raspe's 1785 novel which became the basis for the story. The writer for the project, however was noted children's author Erich Kaestner - only one problem: he was on the official Nazi "banned author" list. Nazi officials allowed Kaestner to pen the script but only if he would used an assumed name - Berthold Buerger. The production was one of the largest ever created in Germany - with a budget over 6.5 Reichsmarks. It was Goebbels' intentions to "surpass the special effects and color artistry" of Alexander Korda's Technicolor film "Thief of Bagdad" (1940). Other Hollywood fantasy classics and feature films were meticulously studied by German special effects experts, including "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) and even "Gone With the Wind" (1939) for its awesome Metrocolor process. Hitler hated the film and only insisted cinema should only be used to "hammer into the heads of the dunderhead masses National Socialoist (Nazi) propaganda." Contemporary historians and film regards are mixed on their praise of Josef von Baky's epic production - some praise it for the colorful fantasy film that is was, while still others condemn the picture for being the cinematic showpiece of the cinema of the Third Reich.
Night of the Living Dead 1968
Producers: Russel W. Streiner, Karl Hardman Script: John Russo, George A. Romero Director/Cinematography: George A. Romero (also editor) CAST: Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Russell W. Streiner, Marilyn Eastman Production: Image Ten Release: October 1, 1968 (Pittsburgh, PA), October 4, 1968 (U.S. release) 96 Color sound English dialog.
American independent zombie horror film classic co-written, directed and edited by George A. Romero starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Russell W. Streiner, Marilyn Eastman, etc. The story follows several people trapped in a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania, under assault by flesh-eating reanimated corpses. "Night of the Living Dead" premiered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 1, 1968 to horrified theater audiences. Romero's shock film ended up grossing more than 250 times its initial production budget making it easily one of the most profitable motion pictures of all time. The film's groundbreaking explicit gore and violence led to a national controversy and negative critical reviews at first. "Night of the Living Dead" eventually garnered a cult film following as well as critical acclaim and has appeared on top film review lists containing the greatest and most influential movies by such news outlets as The New York Times, Total Film and Empire. Frequently identified as a touchstone in the development of the horror film genre, retrospective scholarly analysis has focused on its reflection of the social and cultural changes in the USA during the sixties, with particular attention towards the casting of Duane Jones, a Black man, in the leading starring role. George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" is considered not only a classic horror film but also a cinematic masterpiece by noted film historians.
Night Train to Munich 1938
Producer: Edward Black Script: Gordon Wellesley (short story), Sidney Gillet, Frank Launder Director: Carol Reed Cinematography: Otto Kanturek CAST: Rex Harrison, Margaret Lockwood, Paul Henreid, Basil Rafdord Music: Louis Levy Production: 20th Century Productions Release: July 25, 1940 (UK), December 29, 1940 (USA) 95 min. Color sound English dialog.
British wartime espionage thriller directed by Carol Reed starring Rex Harrison, Margaret Lockwood, Paul Henreid, Basil Radford, etc. The story is based on Gordon Wellesley's 1939 short story "Report on a Fugitive" concerning an inventor and his daughter who are kidnaped by the Nazi Gestapo after the Germans march into Prague, Czechoslovakia in the prelude to the opening guns of WWII. A British secret service agent follows them, disguised as a senior Wehrmacht army officer pretending to woo the daughter over to the Nazi cause. "Night Train to Munich" first premiered at the Odeon Leicester Square Cinema in London on July 26, 1940. Variety noted at the time in a review: "Much of the film's merit obviously stems from the compact, propulsive screenplay and the razor-edge direction. There are countless touches of atmosphere and comedy that add immeasurable flavor and zest to the picture." Contemporary cinema historians consider Carol Reed's "Night Train to Munich" is a film masterpiece.
No Man's Land 1931
Producer: George Shdanoff Script: Leonhard Frank (story/adaptation), Victor Trivas, George Shdanoff Direction: Victor Trivas, George Shdanoff Cinematography: Georg Stilianudis, Alexander von Lagario CAST: Ernst Busch, Vladimir Sokoloff, Renee Slobrawa, Elisabeth Lennartz Music: Hanns Eisler Production: Resco-Filmproduktion Release: April 3, 1933 93 min. B/W sound English dialog.
American version of the German pacifist antiwar drama was directed by Victor Trivas and George Shdanoff starring Ernst Busch, Vladimir Sokoloff, Renee Slobrawa, Elisabeth Lennart, etc. The story is set in a dugout, formed from a basement, in the "niemannsland" ("no man's land") between the trenches and front lines on the war-torn battlefield during WWI.
Contemporary film historians and critics consider "No Man's Land" to be a cinematic masterpiece.
Nora 1944
Producer: Fritz Thiery Script: Henrik Ibsen (play), Jaco Geis, Harald Braun Director: Harald Braun Cinematography: Franz Weihmayr CAST: Luise Ullrich, Viktor Staal, Gustav Diesel, Albert Florath Music: Mark Lothar Production: Ufa-Filmkunst GmbH Release: Februasry 14, 1944 101 min. B/W sound Germasn dialog w/English subtitles.
German wartime drama film co-written and directed by Harald Braun starring Luise Ullrich, Viktor Staal, Gustav Diesel, Albert Florath, etc. "Nora" is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's 1879 play "A Doll's House." The picture uses Ibsen's alternate ending where the unhappy couple are reconciled at the end. The story concerns a young woman by the name of Nora who ends up forging her father's signature in order to borrow a large sum from financier Brack. However, when Brack's criminal past thwarts his social advancement, he uses Nora's secret to blackmail her and her banker husband Robert into supporting his schemes. Although produced during the Third Reich during late wartime, "Nora" does not contain propaganda.