Category — culture

Sources tell me that Hitler was called from Munich to Berlin to talk with Chancellor Bruening about prolonging Hindenburg’s presidential term. Hindenburg does not want to go through the strain of another election. The old man wants to prolong his own term, but not have to once again fight for it against Hitler and others.

Hitler reportedly said in Munich when he received the summons to Berlin that, “Now I have them in my pocket! They have recognized me as a partner in their negotiations.”

Bruening’s  proposal includes two incentives. If the Nazis agree to Hindenburg’s term extension, Bruening will retire once he settles the problem of repaying reparations and restoring equality for rearming Germany. He also said that on his retirement, he would suggest to Hindenburg that Herr Hitler be made Chancellor.

Hitler has apparently not given an answer yet. He has retired to the Kaiserhof just down the street to confer with his deputies. My sources at the hotel tell me that Hess, Strasser, Goebbels, Goering and Roehm are all in attendance.

We shall see what the morrow brings.

I did see Fritz Lang’s film ‘M’ yesterday. After saying good night to Ada following our  late afternoon stroll, I excused myself and headed over to the theater. I was surprised to find several toughs with Nazi swastika armbands protesting in front of the venue.  I brushed past one of the men blocking my way and he called after me, “This film is filth!”

I disagree. ’M’ is Lang’s first talking picture and is a masterpiece of suspense. The movie’s topic of serial killings of children is indeed disturbing and the ending is ambivalent, but the composition and mood of the film is compelling. Peter Lorre does a remarkable job in the main role as the child killer. And a creepy role it is indeed. This is a role from which he may have  a difficult time distancing himself for quite some time. I have to admit that I will never be able to listen to  ”In the Hall of the Moutain Kings” again without thinking of this disturbing film. Peter Lorre whistles the tune as he goes about his macabre business. I don’t think Edvard Grieg would be happy having his music associated with this film.  

I believe the Nazi’s despise ’M’ not so much for it’s possible “incitement of public disorder,” as they claim, but more for its portrayal of a criminal underground, something that may touch a nerve a bit too close to Hitler and his lieutenant’s methods. One recalls Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch in Munich. Claims have also been made that in the past year over 200 of Hitler’s facist followers have been killed and 1,000 seriuosly wounded fighting Communist and Reichsbanner opponents. Are the Nazi’s a serious political organization or a dangerous mafia?