Witness Against Hitler (TV 1996)

The true story of a Prussian aristocrat working for German military intelligence during W.W.II who, with a group of fellow devout Christians, plotted to assassinate Hitler with a bomb in ... See full summary »

Director:

Betsan Morris Evans

Writer:

Jack Emery

Stars:

Helen McCrory, James Wilby, Ashley James

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Helen McCrory	...	Freya von Moltke
James Wilby	...	Helmuth James von Moltke
Ashley James	...	Hans
Colin Buchanan	...	Peter Yorck
Alun Armstrong	...	Pastor Harold Poelchau
Anna Calder-Marshall	...	Dorothy Poelchau
Ben Cole	...	Father Delp
Sonia Forbes-Adam	...	Maryon Yorck
Glynn Sweet	...	Hans Peters
Ben Bazell	...	Augustin Rosch
Ella Kenion	...	Christina
Derek Jacobi	...	General
David Westhead	...	SS Officer Lange
Toby Kensett	...	Young SS Officer
Antony Brown	...	Drogen Policeman

Storyline

The true story of a Prussian aristocrat working for German military intelligence during W.W.II who, with a group of fellow devout Christians, plotted to assassinate Hitler with a bomb in his briefcase. Despite being ultimately hanged by the Fuhrer, his actions ultimately saved the lives of hundreds of Jews and helped bring about the formation of the Christian Democrat party.

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Plot Keywords:

hitler | stauffenberg bomb plot | nazi | plot to kill hitler | world war two | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 1996 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Jerusalem Productions, The Drama House

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

The most dramatic court scene I've ever seen.

This film is based on the book, Letters to Freya - A Witness Against Hitler. The plot is basic, being the true life story of a German who dared to hold meetings with others who opposed Adolf Hitler and was subsequently arrested. The drama is in Von Moltke's handling of his own trial, which he knows is a sham that will certainly end in his execution. His eloquent denunciation of the premise on which he was arrested, his trial and the hypocrisy of the men who sat in judgement on him are played out in a subtle crescendo. Their anger and embarrassment are well played against Von Moltke's calm yet damning testimony. His verbal bravery in court in the face of death, and the amazing peace in which he approaches his execution, make this film, for me, a masterpiece.