Format:
1 Online-Ressource (video file 0:33:59)
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Sound, Black and White
Series Statement:
Socialism on Film
Content:
An examination of the activities of the NATO general Hans Speidel during the Second World War and his betrayal of Erwin Rommel
Content:
The documentary features accusations against the then commander of NATO's land forces, Hans Speidel. This cut of the documentary suggests Speidel was involved in pre-war espionage in France and Spain. This is explained in a statement by the former German Army general Rudolf Bamler. He reads a statement about Speidel's role in Paris and Madrid. The film then discusses Speidel's war-time career and the executions of resistance fighters and Jews that he ordered. It then follows his career to the Eastern Front where again, he is accused of being involved in the execution of socialists - saying his sole aim was to wipe out socialism. The film then examines the 20 July plot against Hitler - when Claus von Stauffenberg smuggled a bomb into a meeting where Hitler was present in a failed attempt to kill the dictator. It discusses the generals involved and suggests that Speidel betrayed Erwin Rommel's involvement. Rommel committed suicide as a result of the suspicion, The final phase of the film is about former industrialists and generals who served the Nazis and how they are thriving in West Germany. It suggests that they are ready start a war again with the socialist world. The end scenes are of peace demonstrations in West Germany suggesting that, although former Nazis are in prominent positions, the people want peace and are against nuclear weapons. This cut of the film omits a section about Speidel's espionage career in France as Speidel brought a libel action against the distributor (Plato films). This section suggests that Speidel organised the assassination of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia and the French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou. The removed section can be seen in N-507669 Operation Teutonic Sword
Note:
Archive Reference: N-507667
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Reproduction of GDR (German Democratic Republic), 1958 16mm Comb BW pos
Language:
English
URL:
Deutschlandweit zugänglich
