Watch The Secret Life Of Adolf Hitler

The Secret Life of Adolf Hitler is a historical documentary film that examines the early life, rise to power, and the downfall of the infamous German dictator, Adolf Hitler. The documentary was released in 1958 and directed by David Wolper, who was also known for producing the documentary, This Is Elvis. The documentary stars Westbrook Van Voorhis as the narrator, Paula Wolf as Eva Braun, and Julius Schaub as Hitler's personal aide.

The film opens with a sweeping view of the German countryside, accompanied by ominous music. The narrator, Van Voorhis, introduces the film and sets the stage for the story that will unfold. He describes Hitler's early life, including his failed attempt at art school and his time as a poor vagabond in Vienna. As Hitler becomes more involved in the politics of the time, the documentary examines his rise to power and his ability to manipulate the masses with his speeches.

The film does a good job of presenting a detailed look at Hitler's personal life. We are introduced to Hitler's lover, Eva Braun, and get to see rare footage of the couple together. We also learn about Hitler's relationship with his personal aide, Julius Schaub, who remained loyal to Hitler until his death. The documentary also highlights Hitler's obsession with the occult and how it shaped his worldview.

One of the strengths of The Secret Life of Adolf Hitler is its use of archival footage. The documentary features rare footage of Hitler's speeches and rallies, as well as footage from key moments in European history, such as the signing of the Munich Agreement. These clips are interspersed with interviews with historians and experts in the field, who provide historical context and analysis.

The film is not without its flaws. The documentary was created in the 1950s, when many of the primary sources were still alive and available to interview. However, the filmmakers rely heavily on secondary sources and did not conduct any new interviews. This means that the documentary sometimes relies on outdated information and perspectives. Additionally, some critics have argued that the documentary is too sympathetic towards Hitler and does not do enough to condemn his actions.

Overall, The Secret Life of Adolf Hitler is an interesting documentary that provides a glimpse into the life of one of the most notorious figures in history. While it does not provide any groundbreaking revelations, it presents a comprehensive overview of Hitler's life and legacy. The film is noteworthy for its use of archival footage and interviews with historians, which make it a valuable resource for those interested in this topic. However, viewers should approach the film with caution and consider it within its historical context.

The Secret Life Of Adolf Hitler is a 1958 documentary with a runtime of 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.