Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1998

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

German

Major Professor

David E. Lee

Committee Members

Charles Maland, Peter Hoyng

Abstract

Film propaganda in Hitler's Germany has a notorious reputation, though it remains one of the least understood genres in film history. We can partially demystify the sinister aura surrounding Nazi propaganda by comparing it with films from other countries. This thesis compares the Nazi film Kolberg with the Hollywood film Bataan, and finds that both have two overarching aims in common: 1) to depict for the audience who they are as a people, and 2) to convince the audience to support/fight in the war. Chapter One examines the term "propaganda" and also places the film industries of Germany and America in historical context. Chapters Two and Three examine, respectively, the ways in which the films appeal to national identity and fighting spirit. In sum, both films can be understood as political acts that use plot, characterization, image, and sound to appeal to the emotions and sometimes the intellect of the audience in order to reinforce its prejudices, evoke fear, and make it feel that supporting the government's war positions is the only reasonable alternative.

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