Movie spotlight
Here Is Germany
A "know-your-enemy" propaganda film similar to "Know Your Enemy: Japan" and "My Japan", films about Japan with the same objective. It contains a history of the prelude to WW II, the death camps and other Nazi war crimes, and commentary on the character of the German people. Directed by Frank Capra, this film is in essentially the same format as his "Why We Fight" series. It was intended to be shown to American troops participating in the invasion and occupation of Germany. But by the time it was ready, events had overtaken it -- Germany was already well on its way to falling -- so the film was shelved. Although it is readily available for public-domain viewing on the Internet, it has never been widely distributed or shown.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary, part of Frank Capra's Why We Fight series, showcases the horrors of Nazi Germany and its destruction. It uses captured German footage to depict the extent of the regime's atrocities and the devastation of war, serving as a grim warning to the American public about the enemy's capabilities and ideology.
Critical Reception
As part of the propaganda film series 'Why We Fight,' 'Here Is Germany' was instrumental in shaping public opinion during World War II. Its graphic depiction of Nazi Germany's destruction and ideology served its purpose effectively. Contemporary reviews often highlighted its powerful, albeit disturbing, visual evidence.
What Reviewers Say
Effectively uses captured enemy footage to depict the grim reality of Nazi Germany.
Serves as a stark and sobering propaganda piece illustrating the consequences of war.
Highlights the destructive power and ideology of the German regime.
Google audience: Information not available for this historical documentary.
Fun Fact
This film was part of Frank Capra's highly influential "Why We Fight" series, commissioned by the U.S. War Department to explain the reasons for America's involvement in World War II to its soldiers.
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