Olympics -- Berlin 1936
The first title says,"Short cross-section of the 11th Olympiad Berlin" The film seems to have been produced on orders of the Reichssportfuehrers or Reich Sport Leader. Another title on the screen says, Olympic Berlin (Olympisches Berlin). Scenes of the streets of Berlin decked out in flags and other paraphernalia for the Olympics and crowds in the street. Various famous locations, including the Lustgarten and the Brandenburg Gate. Shot of the Olympic flame and flags, including the American flag. The next scenes show the Olympic village, including shots of athletes. The next title says"The Olympic flame comes to Berlin" Shots of Greece, where the flame originated, then its progress as it is carried by athletes through several countries, including Hungary and Yugoslavia. Arrival in Berlin through crowds in the streets, including some who give the Hitler salute. The opening celebration on August 1, 1936. Military and other members of Nazi organizations march through the streets. Arrival of the members of the Olympic Committee followed by the lighting of the flame. Low aerial shot of Adolf Hitler arriving with his entourage by car. Crowds enter the Olympic stadium, followed by a long shot of the crowded stadium. A zeppelin flies low over the crowds. Hitler enters the stadium on foot, accompanied by members of the Olympic Committee (?). Brief close up of Joseph Goebbels. Hitler greets a young girl on the field. The contingents from various nations, beginning with Greece, march onto the field. Shots of the crowd watching. The athletes from Italy give a Hitler salute. The head of the Switzerland group throws a flag into the air and then catches it. 01:09:20 The small American contingent enters the stadium, followed immediately by Germany. Title:"The Fuehrer declares the ceremonies open" A gun salute is followed by the raising of the Olympic flag. Richard Strauss directs the orchestra in the hymn that he composed for the opening ceremonies. The athlete arrives with the Olympic flame and lights the torch. Graf Baillet-Latour speaks to the crowds. A title provides a quote from his speech.
See Stories 4683-4685 on Film ID 2859 for more of this film about the Olympics. Copyright: The donor has no information about copyright ownership. Therefore, the USHMM treats this film as existing in the public domain.