Verräter (Traitor) DVD (Karl Ritter, Lida Baarova, 1936)

In the gripping propaganda film Verräter (Traitor), directed by master filmmaker Karl Ritter in 1936, a convoluted British spy network infiltrates the Heinkel aircraft factory in Germany during peacetime, to steal top secret plans, or perhaps even a new bomber. Concurrently, other spies attempt to acquire blueprints for a cutting-edge tank, while a third agent strives to obtain intelligence about Berlin's waterworks. Commissioned by Admiral Canaris, head of Nazi Germany's military intelligence service, to produce this movie, Ritter presented German audiences with the first feature film showcasing scenes of the Third Reich's Wehrmacht, air fleet, navy, secret police, and intelligence services. With matinee idol Willy Birgel and Lida Baarova, Joseph Goebbels' lover, leading a cast of luminaries, Verräter is one of the most enthralling, dynamic, and thrilling films of the Zeitfilm era that Ritter produced. Traitor enjoyed an exclusive preview screening on September 9, 1936, at the Nuremberg Party Congress, before premiering six days later in Berlin at the esteemed Ufa Palast am Zoo. Representing Germany, it was the principal entry at the 1936 Venice Film Festival, where it received a special commendation for outstanding achievement. As part of the curriculum, Traitor was taught in German high schools, accompanied by a special Reich Ministry of Propaganda study guide to educate young people about the risks of foreign espionage. The Gestapo (secret police) and Abwehr (military intelligence) were portrayed as the heroes in the film, who ultimately apprehend the traitors and safeguard the Third Reich against British subterfuge.

Directed by Karl Ritter; music by Harold M. Kirchstein; starring Willy Birgel, Lida Baarova, and Irene von Meyendorff.

Germany, 1936 B&W, 92 minutes, in German with English subtitles.

Special Features:

• Historical Background Video Essay by William Gillespie: The Gestapo & Abwehr as Heroes
• Original Promotional Materials Slideshows many with English Translations:
  
  • Film Kurier, Programme von Heute
  • 1936 Venice Film Festival Booklet
  • Brochures, Pamphlets & Magazine Articles
  • Posters & Photos

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NTSC Region 0 encoding (Entire World)

Libraries and Institutions Please Note: Educational Editions with PUBLIC PERFORMANCE RIGHTS and DIGITAL SITE LICENSES are available.

NOTICE: Sales are prohibited to the European Union (EU), Norway, UK, Canada and Australia.