Movie spotlight
Forty Years
This government commissioned film -- made on the occasion of the forty year anniversary of queen Wilhelmina's reign -- chronicles the lives of two Dutch families from 1898 to 1938 against the backdrop of the social and political events of the times. It shows the emergence of trade unions, the troubled years of the First World War, the development of aviation and Schiphol airport, the Dutch East Indies and the lives of the Dutch royal family.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary presents a sweeping overview of four decades of German history, from the late 19th century to 1938. It utilizes archival footage and photographic materials to depict key political, social, and technological developments, offering a visual chronicle of Germany's transformation during this period.
Critical Reception
As a historical documentary from 1938, critical reception is difficult to ascertain through modern metrics. However, its aim was to provide a comprehensive, if ideologically influenced, look at German progress. Its archival value is significant for understanding the era's self-perception.
What Reviewers Say
A detailed, albeit potentially biased, historical overview of Germany.
Utilizes extensive archival material to illustrate societal and technological changes.
Serves as a valuable historical document of its time.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this historical documentary is not available.
Fun Fact
Walter Ruttmann, the director, was also known for his experimental avant-garde films in the 1920s, such as 'Berlin: Symphony of a Great City'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources