MovieChat Forums > The Mortal Storm (1940) Discussion > Ben Mankiewicz wrong in his Introduction...

Ben Mankiewicz wrong in his Introduction...


Ben Mankiewicz states in his introduction of this film on TCM, that "Germany isn't specifically mentioned in the film". A decision, he says, was made in an attempt "not to alienate the large German-American movie going population".(which in itself sounds ridiculous In 1940)

However, Germany is mentioned in writing at the beginning of the movie:
"JANUARY 1933
A SMALL UNIVERSITY TOWN AT THE FOOT OF THE ALPS IN SOUTHERN GERMANY"
And many of the actors refer directly to Germany at some point during the film. Robert Young's character asks Jimmy Stewart at the Inn "we want to know if you're going to join the party and work for GERMANY..."
There are other examples and 'Heil Hitler' wasn't appointed Chancellor of Great Britain. Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by a scared, hapless Hindenburg!
I guess it's no big deal.
But the introduction IS WRONG and, IMO, leads the viewer to expect something else.
_____________
"We in it shall be remembered;
We few, we happy few,
We Band of Brothers " ~ W.S.

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Ben Mankiewicz very often states incorrect things. I guess TCM has no fact checker. Even their documentaries and books are sometimes wrong.

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He's wrong so often I don't even waste my time listening anymore. If he's not spouting incorrect info, he's ruining the movie by giving away important plot points. Clearly he's more interested in hearing himself speak, than ensuring not to spoil the movie. Just because it's old, it doesn't mean everyone has seen it.

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