"Hitler, Beast of Berlin"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23601, 9 March 1940, Page 12 (Supplement)

"Hitler, Beast of Berlin"

- Sensational New A

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 the 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 novel "Goosestep," by 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 some 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 and libelled the head of a friendly Power. Jn 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 the 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 antiNazi 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 antiGerman propaganda films came _ from Hollywood, notably D. W. Griffiths' "Hearts of the World." His famous film "Intolerance." a passionate protest against political and religious intolerance, was also produced during the war period. Before the outbreak of hostilities Jast September, Hollywood boldly took the lead in anti-Nazi propaganda by producing "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," a far more outspoken attack on Nazi ideology than any other country, except the Soviet Union, had attempted up to that time.