Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
4.8K
YOUR RATING
The document of the 1936 Olympics at Berlin.The document of the 1936 Olympics at Berlin.The document of the 1936 Olympics at Berlin.
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
4.8K
YOUR RATING
- Director
- Writer
- Stars
- David Albritton(uncredited)
- Arvo Askola(uncredited)
- Jack Beresford(uncredited)
Top credits
- Director
- Writer
- Stars
- David Albritton(uncredited)
- Arvo Askola(uncredited)
- Jack Beresford(uncredited)
- Awards
- 2 wins
- Director
- Writer
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
- All cast & crew
Storyline
After being commissioned by the 1936 Olympic Committee to create a feature film of the Berlin Olympics, Riefenstahl shot a documentary that celebrates the human body by combining the poetry of bodies in motion with close-ups of athletes in the heat of competition. Includes the marathon, men's diving, and American track star Jesse Owen's sprint races at the 1936 Olympic games. The production tends to glorify the young male body and, some say, expresses the Nazi attitude toward athletic prowess. Includes the lighting of the torch at the stadium and Adolf Hitler looking on in amazement as Jesse Owens wins an unprecedented four Gold Medals. —Fiona Kelleghan <fkelleghan@aol.com>
- Genres
- Certificate
- Not Rated
- Parents guide
Did you know
- TriviaLeni Riefenstahl's visit to the United States in 1938 was mainly aimed at finding a US distributor for the film. Faced with fierce protests from many American organizations, in particular the 'Anti-Nazi League', her plan never came to fruition. The first screening in the United States was organised in Chicago in November 1938 by Avery Brundage, president of the US Olympic Committee and an ardent Nazi sympathiser. The private reception was hosted by Mrs. Claire Dux Swift, ex-wife of the German film star Hans Albers. The second screening (also private) took place on 14th December 1938 at the California Club in presence of Olympic medalists and screen Tarzans Johnny Weissmuller and Glenn Morris (Riefenstahl's ex-lover), as well as Olympic diver Marjorie Gestring. For this screening, Riefenstahl submitted a copy where she had edited out almost all the scenes featuring Hitler.
- ConnectionsEdited into The Negro Soldier (1944)
- SoundtracksOlympische Hymnne
Richard Strauss
Top review
Why argue-its a grand piece for work
If this film was never made, the current camera movements and angles we see today on television would probably never exist. Given unquestionable freedom, Leni Riefenstahl created a film which is bold in composition and visual aptitude. The motions of athleticism are caught beautifully, especially the diving sequence and the running sequences. While many will say Riefenstahl was a pro-Nazi film maker, one cannot deny the innovation she instilled in the art of film making. If you can take the near 4-hour running time and the fact there is no dialogue in the film, then experience this film for the power and breathtaking visuals, not the supposed pro-Nazi agenda.
helpful•222
- Agent10
- May 9, 2002
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- The Olympiad
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 51 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was Olympia 1. Teil - Fest der Völker (1938) officially released in India in English?
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