'BEAST OF BERLIN'

Evening Star, Issue 23527, 16 March 1940, Page 5

'BEAST OF BERLIN'

HITLER REVEALED IN HIS M GLORY " SENSATIONAL AMERICAN FILM One of the most sensational and widely-discussed of recent American films, ‘ Hitler, Beast of Berlin,’ has been passed for exhibition in Australia without a single cut (states an exchange). Described by its makers as a frank, fearless, and dramatic exposure of the fiendish methods used by the Gestapo to force Hitlerism upon those who still dare to cherish the love of Christianity, peace, and goodwill among men, ‘ Hitler, Beast of Berlin,’ caused a sensation when it was first released in the United States.

Audiences thronged the theatres showing tho film, and loud hisses and jeers greeted the appearances of Hitler on the screen; and as America is a neutral country it is certain that the picture will make an even greater impression upon British audiences. _ The film has a curious censorship history. Based on the hovel ‘ Goosestep,’ hy Shepard Troube, it was produced in Hollywood with the consent of the Hays Office, the powerful self-imposed censorship organisation of the American film producers, soon after the outbreak of the war. It was banned completely, however, in several States, and for several weeks its exhibition was prohibited in New York. Eventually it appeared in several New York theatres with the word “ Hitler ” erased from the title, the authorities taking the view that in its original form the film was unneutral arid libelled the head of a friendly Power. In some American States, therefore, the picture is being shown under the name ‘ Beast of Berlin,’ while-in others it is given even less personal an application under tho title ‘ Beasts of Berlin.’ So that there will be no misconception regarding the realism and dramatic power of this production, the producers state that it is no mere compilation of newsreels, but a story of real life as it is lived in certain countries by those who still dare to prefer democracy and freedom to the Nazi war machine. The specially-selected international cast is headed by Roland Drew, Steffi Duna, Allan Ladd. John Ellis, Vernon Dent, and Greta Granstedt.

The production of this effective anti-Nazi film in the United States recalls that Hollywood has always taken a keen interest in the crusade against totalitarian theories and particularly against German militarism. During the Great War all the more important anti-German propaganda films came from_ Hollywood, notably, D. W. Griffiths’s ‘ Hearts of the World.’ His famous film, ‘ Intolerance,’ a passionate protest against political and reli- . gious intolerance, was also produced during the war period. Before the outbreak of hostilities last September Hollywood boldly took tho lead in anti-Nazi propaganda by producing ‘ Confessions of a Nazi Spy.’ a far more outspoken attack on Nazi ideology than auv other country, except the Soviet Union, had attempted up to that time. DIETRICH GOES TORRID EASTERN ROMANCE FOLLOWS COWBOY WESTERN Universal has selected ‘ Seven Sinners,’ a torrid tale of love and intrigue in the East Indies, as thri next starring vehicle for Marlene Dietrich. The story will provide the glamourous star with another lusty characterisation similar to that which she essayed in ‘ Destry Rides Again,’ and calls for three leading men. She will introduce three songs in the picture. Mi.sc ha Auer has already been cast in a featured comedy role, and other principles will be chosen later. This will be Miss Dietrich’s first production under her new starring contract, which provides that she make pictures exclusively under the Universal banner. ‘ Seven Sinners ’ will be based on an original story by Ladislou Fodor and Laslo Vadnai, and a screen play by Harry Tugend. Joe Pasternak will produce.