Anti-Semitic Filmmaking in the Third Reich: An Analysis of Three Notable Movies

The Third Reich era in German cinema is often marked by its subtle and overt use of anti-Semitic themes, designed to propagate hateful ideologies and promote a vision of a purely Aryan Germany. However, there were three movies released in 1940 specifically crafted to promote anti-Semitic sentiments, setting them apart from the plethora of other films with anti-Semitic undertones. These films utilized dramatic narratives, fear of Jewish dominance, and unapologetic stereotypes to effectively indoctrinate viewers with their anti-Jewish manifestos.

Der Ewige Jud: The Wandering Jew

Der Ewige Jud, or The Wandering Jew, is one of the most notorious anti-Semitic films of the Third Reich. Characteristic of its release in 1941, this film is a prime example of how the regime used cinematic art not just to entertain but to educate and indoctrinate. It follows the life of a Jewish man who is cursed to roam the earth eternally until the Second Coming, serving as a metaphor for the eternal persecution of Jews.

The movie is laden with stereotypes, depicting a leering, large-nosed man in a yarmulke, complete with text in Hebrew-looking letters on the poster. This film cleverly blends biblical narrative with contemporary anti-Semitic tropes, portraying the Jew as the eternal wanderer and enemy of all Christian civilizations. Such visual and narrative elements serve as powerful tools to reinforce the viewer's negative perceptions of Jewish people.

Jud Süss: Jew Suss

Jud Süss, released in 1940, is another seminal anti-Semitic film that was intended to further the Nazi agenda of anti-Semitism. Directed by Veit Harieg, this film was based on a pamphlet by Julius Langbehn, a respected educator and author within the Nazi regime. The movie tells the story of a fictitious court Jew named Koppelmann (based on historical figure Anton Lang), who becomes a powerful minister in the government, leading to his ultimate downfall.

The film employs intense drama and fear-mongering to create an atmosphere of dread and betrayal. It uses Jewish dominance as a central theme, suggesting that Jews take over and manipulate the state, leading to ruin. The film's heavy-handed anti-Semitic rhetoric and the use of fear are designed to radicalize the audience's views, making them more receptive to the anti-Semitic policies of the Third Reich.

Die Rothschilds: The Rothschilds

Die Rothschilds is a significant contribution to the anti-Semitic canon of Third Reich cinema. The film portrays the Rothschild family, a prominent Jewish banking and finance dynasty, as prime examples of the vilified stereotype of the Jewish usurer. By portraying the Rothschilds in this negative light, the film seeks to delegitimize them and their influence.

The film's narrative propels a dark tale of a Jewish plot to take over Europe, leading to the family's precarious position. The powerful ending assures the audience that the Rothschilds are now on the run, thanks to the efforts of the German people. This storyline serves to solidify the audience's belief in the notion of Jewish power and deceit, reinforcing the idea that these families must be eliminated to prevent future exploitation and subjugation.

Why These Films Are Notable

What made films like Jud Süss, Der Ewige Jud, and Die Rothschilds particularly notable is their direct intent to promote anti-Semitic sentiment along with their aggressive and often brutal methods of achieving this. Unlike other films with anti-Semitic undertones, these movies were explicitly designed to indoctrinate and influence public opinion. They employed exaggerated stereotypes and dramatic narratives to effectively spread their messages, often through fear and resentment.

The psychological impact of these films is significant. By amplifying the negative stereotypes and fears associated with Jews, these movies helped to create a society that was not just receptive but also complicit in anti-Semitic practices. The films served as a crucial tool in the indoctrination and propaganda efforts of the Third Reich, further embedding the dangerous ideologies within the German population.

Conclusion

In the context of the Third Reich, these films are not just historical artifacts, but powerful tools of propaganda and indoctrination. They exemplify the regime's use of cinematic art to spread hateful ideologies and justify their actions against the Jewish people. Understanding these films is crucial to understanding the broader context of the anti-Semitic campaigns of the Nazi regime and the lasting impact of propaganda.

References

Wikipedia: Jud Suss

Wikipedia: Die Rothschilds

Britannica: Anti-Semitism in Cinematic Representations