Lesson 2 - Hitler in Film
Outcomes (SWBAT)
 Define and identify propaganda
 Evaluate the film and directing techniques used by Leni Riefenstahl
 Assess the historical accuracy of a number of portrayals of Adolf Hitler
Activities
1.
Student hand-out. They are to have this at hand as we watch 3 films (not in their totality)
2.
Film #1 – Triumph of the Will. Students answer accompanying questions as we go through.
Play from beginning, then skip from Night Rally scene to Day 2.
Watch preparation for rally but skip through traditional German scene to Hess opening Congress. Hess’ scene only. Fast forward to Streicher and racial purity.
Fast forward to Goebbels and propaganda. Then forward to outdoor rally and addressing the 52 000 workers. Fast forward through night rally to Day 3. Show
Schirach addressing children. Fast forward after this through cavalry and next night rally to Day 4
3.
Film #2 – Olympia. Continue with hand-out and analysis of this film depicting the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Show beginning of Greek ruins then fast forward to transition to actual German athletes. Fast forward to torch relay into stadium.
Fast forward to announcers and discus competition. Go through events as listed on student hand-out. Totally skip the marathon and finish part 1 there. Show beginning of part 2 for camera angles of gymnasts. End there.
4.
Film #3 – Hitler – Rise of Evil. Complete hand-out while watching this made for tv biography.
5.
Class discussion. Use attached notes as a guide to foster questions and answers.
Materials
1.
Student hand-out for 3 films
2.
DVD Triumph of the will
3.
DVD Olympia
4.
DVD Hitler – Rise of Evil
5.
Class discussion notes

History Through Film 12
Ms. Lacroix
TRIUMPH OF THE WILL – directed by Leni Riefenstahl
Name ___________________________
Triumph of the Will was filmed in 1934 to chronicle the rise of power of the Nazis and the congress in
Nuremburg, quickly becoming an example of propaganda in film history. Riefenstahl's techniques, such as moving cameras, the use of long focus lenses to create a distorted perspective, aerial photography, and revolutionary approach to the use of music and cinematography, have earned Triumph of the Will recognition as one of the greatest films in movie history. Riefenstahl won several awards, not only in
Germany but also in the USA, France, Sweden, and other countries. The film was popular in the Third
Reich, and has continued to influence movies, documentaries, and commercials to this day.
Day 1 – Hitler arrives for the Nuremburg Rally
Hitler’s personal plane flying over the city of Nuremburg – consider the symbolism in this scene.
Make note of the reaction of the crowd as Hitler deplanes and motorcades through the street.
Make note of the prevalent symbols through the streets.
Day 2 – Nuremburg Rally
Attendees prepare for the rally. Identify how the Aryan myth is perpetuated through these visuals.
Rally – Hess opens the Congress. Note what Streicher has to say about racial purity. Goebbels about propaganda?
Outdoors. What is the purpose of a public address to 52 000 workers? The questioning of where each worker is from? Why is the Saar mentioned last?
Day 3 – Hitler Youth Rally
Notice how Hitler’s cult of personality is further propagandized by the reaction of children.
Notice how sacrifice and obedience are the main messages to the youth.
Day 4 – Final day – Hitler arrives flanked by Heinrich Himmler and Viktor Lutze
This chapter in the film is most noted for its visual imagery and stunning propaganda. Notice the camera angles and sweeping scenes.
Why so much reference to the strength and unity within the party, particularly the SA?

OLYMPIA – directed by Leni Riefenstahl
Many advanced motion picture techniques, which later became industry standards but which were groundbreaking at the time, were employed —including unusual camera angles, smash cuts, extreme close-ups, placing tracking shot rails within the bleachers, and the like.
Why is there a large chunk of the film’s opening scenes dedicated to ancient Greek ruins?
At the opening ceremonies, what is the reaction to Osterreich? (Austria) Why?
Notice the French athletes salute to Hitler. What would explain a non-fascist country saluting in this manner?
Shotput competition – why an included event in the film?
800m – why would Riefenstahl include footage of a black athlete winning?
Triple jump – why would it be important to include this event in the footage?
Long jump – Jesse Owens.
High jump – notice the scissor kick form vs the Fosbury Flop, Brill Bend (Debbie was a Canadian)
5000m – overweight politician in the stand = _____________________. Significance of this event?
Pole Vault = no mat!
Gymnastics – notice the camera angles.
Assignment ~ choose one of the following historical figures and write a brief biography of them (250 words). Cite sources. Wikipedia may be one source, but you must use two others to corroborate the information you gather. You will use this biography for our next film: “Hitler: Rise of Evil”.
Geli Raubal Helene Hanfstaengl Fritz Gerlich Ernst Hanfstaengl
Ernst Rohm
Hermann Goering
Erich Ludendorff
Rudolf Hess
Eva Braun Joseph Goebbels