Produced during the post-war era of historical re-evaluation, this film is not a traditional scripted drama but a pioneering documentary feature. It is significant for being one of the first major cinematic efforts to utilize private films and captured German footage to peel back the public facade of the Third Reich.
The Synopsis
The film provides an exhaustive psychological and biographical profile of Adolf Hitler, tracing his journey from an obscure, failed artist in Vienna to the absolute dictator of Germany. Unlike newsreels of the time that focused solely on military movements, this production aims to expose the “private” man behind the propaganda.
The narrative focuses heavily on his inner circle and his relationship with Eva Braun, utilizing candid 16mm color home movies discovered by Allied forces at the Berghof (Hitler’s mountain retreat). The film examines the bizarre disconnect between the domestic, almost mundane life Hitler led in the Bavarian Alps and the catastrophic violence he unleashed across Europe. Through interviews with former associates, including his sister Paula Wolf, and a meticulous assembly of archival clips, the film attempts to answer the haunting question of how a single individual managed to manipulate an entire nation into a global conflict.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
| Director | James B. Harris (Producer/Uncredited) |
| Narrator | Westbrook Van Voorhis |
| Interviewee | Paula Wolf (Hitler’s Sister) |
| Archival Subjects | Adolf Hitler, Eva Braun, Joseph Goebbels |
Production Notes
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The Voice of Authority: The film is narrated by Westbrook Van Voorhis, whose booming, “Voice of Fate” delivery was famous as the narrator of the The March of Time newsreel series.
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Historical Discovery: At the time of its release, much of the footage—specifically the relaxed, color sequences of Hitler at his mountain home—was shocking to audiences who had only ever seen him in grainy, black-and-white footage of angry oratory.
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The “Secret” Element: The film’s title refers to its focus on the personal records that were meant to be destroyed or hidden from the public, providing a “behind-the-scenes” look at the regime’s social dynamics.
