The Ministry of Illusion: Nazi Cinema and Its Afterlife

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Summary: Surprising Look at the Nazi Film Industry
Review: When one thinks of the Third Reich and its movies, the first thing that comes to mind is "Triumph of the Will," or "Olympia," both by Leni Riefenstahl and usually the only cinematic examples from the Third Reich shown on television.

It might surprise many to note that the vast majority of the over 1,000 films produced in the Third Reich contained no overt propaganda whatsoever. It might also surprise many to read that the Third Reich also produced musicals and even screwball comedies.

This is just one of the little known facts presented in this extremely important and entertaining book. The Nazis never had to invent a cinema from the ground up; the Germany they inherited had perhaps the most sophisticated film industry this side of Hollywood. Add the fact that the Nazi hierarchy were film fanatics and it is somewhat easier to see why the cinema of the Third Reich developed as it did.

Eric Rentschler points out that instead of overt propaganda, Joseph Goebbles preferred as subliminal message instead. Too many preachy films would turn off the audience; instead, if films were enrobed in traditional German values, the message is all the easier not only to get across, but to gain acceptance. The most frightening aspect of "Jew Suss" (the most notorious Anti-Semitic film ever made)is how the message is presented so matter-of-factly. No over the top drama, but an effective use of melodramatic elements to get the point across.

An added bonus for film researchers is a listing of films released by year and a filmography of the more noted directors. Essential for those interested in film or the social hisotry of Nazi Germany.