Der Hauptmann

Started by Jarhead0331, September 07, 2019, 06:12:53 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Jarhead0331

This is a pretty interesting German movie I caught on showtime, of all places.

It takes place in Germany a few weeks before the end of WWII. It's about a German Army private deserter who comes across an abandoned car and luggage with a luftwaffe Captain's uniform inside. He puts the uniform on and begins to origanize a unit of misfit German soldiers who go on a rampage of atrocity across the countryside. Most don't question his authority, and those who think he is a fraud don't act out of self interest.

I was surprised to find out that he movie is based on the true story of Pvt. Willi Herold. He and his group ended up killing something like 170 people, mostly German deserters. He was eventually caught be German authorities and exposed as an imposter. He was tried and convicted by the kriegsmarine, but was released by mistake. Finally arrested after the war by the British, he was hung as a war criminal.

The movie explores interesting ideas about authority and obedience. It's in black and white and definitely worth a watch.
Grogheads Uber Alles
Semper Grog
"No beast is more alpha than JH." Gusington, 10/23/18