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APPENDIX II
Public Reactions to the Captured German Films

Considerable advance publicity was given to the release, in two instalments, of these films of the Nazi invasion of Russia: so that the first batch of newsreels, carrying sequences from it, was judged mainly on what the public had been led to expect in the way of horrors, rather than on the actual interest of the pictures shown. The commentaries, too, took the line that: “We make no apology to our audience for showing this grim evidence of Nazi brutality” etc., and as a result, there was a chorus of disappointment from all over the country at the mildness of the scenes chosen for the first release.

The second release was far better received. Unheralded by any further publicity, its effect was possibly heightened by the expectation of another anti-climax. The impression of horror seems to have been even more general than the disappointment felt over the first set. Suggestions that the whole thing had been faked - though not heard at all during the showing of the first reels - were made by several newspapers, cinema managers and members of the public.

Critisism has been made of discrepancies between the commentaries and Press references to the films; certain shots reproduced in newspapers bore captions which differed widely from the spoken descriptions.

There appears to be a consensus of opinion that such films should in no circumstances be shown to children: a condition difficult to fulfil, as newsreels require neither A. nor U. certificates. One cinema manager, who flashed a request on his screen for parents to take their children out, reported that this had practically no result, as parents immediately became far too anxious to see for themselves what was coming to risk losing their places by moving.

The following comments on the first batch of reels are taken from special reports sent in by Regional Information Officers:-

Northern Region

Some were of the opinion that the horrors depicted by no means justified the expressions used in the commentary, and did not equal those they had been led to anticipate. Indignation expressed at the Nazi methods might have been given a keener edge if the unprovoked aggression of the German attack had been brought out by showing pictures of peaceful Russian life.

North Eastern Region

Very flat, uninteresting, in no way impressive. There was praise for the commentary, but the general reaction was that much had been made of very little.

The lack of horrors and morbid incidents caused a feeling among cinema-goers that they had been “let down”. Typical comments were that the film might have been “taken at manoeuvres”; that it had been too heavily censored - “The Nazis didn't seem to be doing any worse things than our own men do”; “the horrors ought to have been stressed more”.

North Midland Region

Public opinion shows that whilst these films were thought impressive, they were considered ‘rather tame’ and not nearly as terrible as might have been expected.

Eastern Region

Slight disappointment was noticeable among some people who felt the film did not altogether come up to expectation.

London Region

This film seems to have fallen a bit flat. One comment was that “it looked like any army exercise, and if they were British soldiers we should probably be cheering.” Another person said “it was extraordinary that there should have been such an enormous battle and nobody killed”. It was felt that all the “horrors had been cut out by the M.O.I.” There was a good deal of criticism of the introduction of irrelevant music.

Northern Ireland

In Belfast the film created wide public interest. At one of the central city cinemas (the Royal Hippodrome) the film was closely followed and the concluding lines of the commentary - “We shall keep going in until we can go in and stay in” - were loudly applauded. The Manager of the cinema said the film entirely achieved its object of impressing his audience with the strength of Germany. He heard no criticism of the film, but there were many favourable comments.

At the Royal Cinema two different reels were shown. Both were well received, and the manager said; “We want more short films of this type to shake the people up and prevent that feeling of complacency”. Only one person was found who thought the film gruesome. The films are thought to be having a very good psychological effect on the audience.

Typical comments on the second batch of films include:-

Northern Region

Many women were deeply affected by the horrors shown in the films. All the usual conversation, rustling and shuffling were hushed when a body was carried out of a ruined building and laid alongside a number of other dead bodies. Women could be heard saying: “Oh, how dreadful!”- “Oh, how terrible!”.

A common comment is that, considered as German propaganda, the film were unconvincing because they showed only one side of the battle, and because the Germans are too uniformly successful. The artillery scores a ‘bull’ every time, no Russian opposition may be observed, nor any German dead. At the same time, the films do seem to have given an impression of German military efficiency and to have had a chastening effect on many audiences.

North Eastern Region

The pictures released on September 11th made a far deeper impression than the earlier ones. People have declared that they were “stupified”, “revolted” and “horrified” by certain shots; some have expressed astonishment that the German propaganda Ministry intended to release pictures of this kind for home consumption, and that the German people are expected to applaud acts of brutality by their own army. On the other hand, from Leeds come stories of a frivolous reception of those parts which had been expected to make a profound impression. More thoughtful people feel that the brutality and ruthlessness of the Nazis in particular was not sufficiently stressed. It is felt that “real horror” films of Nazi doings should be shown as often as possible, and that they should not be watered down. “If the Nazis paint themselves black, we should not whiten them by cutting their horrors”.

North Midland Region

A very different reaction from that felt about the first films. Some scenes were thought to be “terrible”, but although people would not go and see it twice, the film has definitely had the desired effect of making them realise what monsters we are up against.

Eastern Region

The second edition has been welcomed with unanimous praise. It is recognised as propaganda and welcomed as such. It is, in fact, generally described as “the best single piece of propaganda up to date. It has brought home to the civilian population the ferocity and efficiency of the enemy forces, and, therefore, the nature of the task before us. It has spurred the civilian community to exert itself in producing armaments by demonstrating that war is now the clash of tank against tank and gun against gun, and not merely the counter-balancing of armed men".

It is felt, however, to be directed solely to civilians. This is confirmed by comment from Air Force men who felt the film to be no special concern of theirs. But civilians do feel they are now being told succinctly, directly and comprehensibly what is needed of them, and what it is up to them to do.

Comments from women stressed the horrors of the film, although no ostrich-like attitude was observed. Remarks were frequently forthcoming such as: “If invasion comes we now know what it will mean”.

No single remark concerning bad taste has been encountered, as has been the case with certain aspects of the reported Russian wireless propaganda. People feel that they are simply being told the facts.

Contact was maintained throughout the week with the Manager of one of Cambridge's five main cinemas, four of which were showing this film concurrently during the week. Apart from the announcements on the wireless, little publicity had been given to the film.

On Monday night the audience was described as “average for the time of year”; on succeeding nights the box office takings rose by regular steps of £10 per night, until on Saturday the takings broke all records. The main film showing during the week was described by the Manager as “a good film, but in his judgement not of special interest to a Cambridge audience”. Consideration of other possible causes for a record-breaking week, such as weather, local troop concentrations, lack of alternative attractions, presence of undergraduates in unusual numbers etc., brought forth nothing of special note. In the Manager's opinion, all factors could be excluded except that the public were coming to see this newsreel itself. In the absence of advertising and other publicity, the progressive increase in the audience through the week can only be accounted for by praise for, and interest in, the film having passed through Cambridge by word of mouth.

London Region

The audience though quiet was very impressed. There was an “Ah!” of horror at the sight of the dead being carried out. It was thought that the effects of the bombardment were much more terrible than anything in a fake war film; others thought the film rather confused - some people seemed to think the dead bodies were the result of executions, others the result of the air raids. The captions: “Now Mr. Slacker what do you feel about this?” etc., were disliked. The burst of music at the end was thought “bad”.

Wales

A report from North Wales says these films have not caused much comment; the few who have discussed them have expressed horror, though the general opinion seems to be that they have been faked for German home propaganda purposes. One lady was so worried that “she was unable to sleep for three nights”.

Another North Wales contact has collected several opinions; one was not much impressed; one thought the films were “horrible and should not be exhibited”; another that “their propaganda value was negligible”; yet another thought that “the horrors of total war had been so brought home to the average person through the air-raids that the films were unnecessary and only appealed to the morbid type”. Another comment was, “The film showed how wicked the German were”. This contact reports that the amount of interest the films created was surprisingly small.

Scottish Region

The most commonly expressed opinion was that the film was “terrible” - “That this shows what would happen if the Germans invaded Britain”. Many people declared that the reels were frightful to look at, but necessary to spur on our war effort and to awaken the apathetic to a realisation of what total warfare means.

Though there were gasps of horror from the audience, there was no criticism of their being shown.

“Horror was expressed at the sight of rows of corpses and wanton destruction, but never have I heard it said that the films ought not to be shown. Rather, people have said that it is well that we should know the worst. I believe the films are having the effect of fanning hatred against Germany and all Germans. How many times have I heard that old phrase: ‘There is not and never will be a good or decent German; they must be exterminated’.”

Northern Ireland

The film has aroused no resentment though a good many people found it very tough. One point of criticism has been brought to my notice. In the commentary to the Paramount version it is said, in reference to the pictures of a lot of dead bodies, that young Nazis drew lots for the killing of these people. On the other hand, a Sunday paper produced a strip of the film and the bodies were said to be those of the victims of a bombing raid. This seems to indicate some flaw in the direction of this particular propaganda.

Extracts from a report by Mass Observation

A large section of those who saw the film found it horrifying, but very few of these thought the film ought not to have been shown on that account, although a number said they would not like their wives and children to see it.

Among those who considered the film to be good propaganda some thought it showed the Government had great confidence in public opinion if they allowed the film to be shown. In some people the reaction to the horrors of the film was an aggressive one, making them long to “get at those swine” or to wonder whether they really were doing their bit.

Home Intelligence

24th September, 1941