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The Rise of the Nazis, BBC 4

(14 Posts)
Witzend Fri 17-Jul-20 07:09:01

3 part series, did anyone else watch it?
We thought it excellent.
It’s not a WW2 programme, it went up to about 1934, showing how a savagely ruthless man gradually overthrew all semblance of democracy and the rule of law, and installed himself as an all-powerful dictator.
Plus, how more than once, opportunities to stop or remove him were missed.
It was presented by various historians/experts, inc. German ones.
A particular feature was the contrasting background music - all beautiful classical pieces.

Esspee Fri 17-Jul-20 07:18:33

Thank you for that Witzend. Always great to have a programme recommended with a synopsis.

MerylStreep Fri 17-Jul-20 07:26:49

Witzend
Although it was a repeat I watched it again. It's very good.

Ellianne Fri 17-Jul-20 07:38:27

I think I will catch up on iplayer as I missed it.

The more time goes by, almost 100 years now, the more interesting these programmes become as historical material.

paddyanne Fri 17-Jul-20 09:50:38

Looks like Westminster and Boris' circus ,the similarities were clear to see.Change the ruels to suit themselves ,getting rid of people with no economic values in the current case the ehrd immunity issue where 63000 + PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN JUST 4 MONTHS .Tell any tory on here they look more like Nazi's every day and they'll be outraged ,sadly the people in Germany in the 30'S felt exactly the same

Fennel Fri 17-Jul-20 12:32:07

I watched the first part a few days ago. I already had a pretty good idea of what was going on then, having recently read about that period, but this gave much more detail.
Our school history course only went up to 1914.
Having been born in the 1930s I found it very upsetting and didn't watch to the end, though I intend to go back and finish watching.
paddyanne the parallel with modern times occured to me too.

Fennel Fri 17-Jul-20 12:35:52

ps except I can't see Boris as an all powerful dictator.
Our 'power behind the throne' perhaps? or Trump?

Jane10 Fri 17-Jul-20 12:43:28

SNP supported national socialism aka nazism back in the 30s.

Callistemon Fri 17-Jul-20 12:52:28

Say that a bit louder Jane10!

It's extremists like the SNP that worry me.

Fennel Fri 17-Jul-20 13:32:13

Some members of tour royal family also supported Hitler and his party. And other upper class folk such as the Mitfords.

mary51 Fri 17-Jul-20 13:35:12

I've seen that programme before and most of the WW2 and Germany and Nazi topics. (MY DH watches them all) but I just cannot watch them any more.

Slightly off topic but
if you want something different about the end of Hitler and his days in the bunker there is a brilliant 2004 German made film with sub-titles, Downfall. Much of it is based on the personal diaries kept by his personal secretary. Brilliant acting and really gruelling, shocking and chilling to watch.
I only got to the end because we bought it when HMV opened recently so could have frequent breaks. More gritty than the Anthony Hopkins film set in the bunker.

Awful portrayal of Magda Goebbels in the film.

Ellianne Fri 17-Jul-20 13:54:15

Wouldn't it have been so much better if these evil dictators could have put all their efforts into good deeds? They are certainly fanatical and have amazing drive and charisma, so just think how much they could achieve if their brains were wired differently.

Jane10 Sat 18-Jul-20 16:43:26

Oh yes Ellianne. If only. Something just seems to come over them and they get power mad and God help the people they take against.

welbeck Sat 18-Jul-20 17:41:03

i know what you mean about energy and drive and focus.
but i guess a truly narcissistic person would not be interested in good deeds.
it's part of their definition to be motivated by fame, self interest, and totally lacking in empathy, let alone altruism.