I have already seen THE GREAT KING and BISMARCK, so I knew what to expect from these Third Reich "Great Man" historical pictures. Like those, this story of Paul Kruger and the Boer War is well made and epic. You'll find yourself asking how in the world they were able to film some of the massive battle scenes when they were deep into WW2!
Like those other two films, the hero stands in for Hitler. He's incorruptible even when surrounded by dirty politicians. He dedicates his life and soul for the Fatherland, despite what it costs him. Sound like the official picture of any German fuhrers you know from 1941? Emil Jannings gives a superb performance, especially in the scenes at the end when Kruger is forced to go to the various courts in Europe to beg for assistance in the war. (something that did happen as the movie portrays)
The anti-British propaganda flies fast and loose. Queen Victoria is presented as something of an alcoholic. The British officials are dishonest and obsessed with gold (as opposed to Kruger's Boers, who are focused on good National Socialist activities like working the land and raising big families). Of course, the focus on the historically accurate and awful British concentration camps is ironic. But never let a bit of truth get in the way of a good piece of propaganda. It's one more way to see the enemy's evil nature.
Speaking of good little National Socialists, Gisela Uhlen takes Kristina Soderbaum's usual role as the beautiful and strong Aryan wife. Actually, she's stronger than Soderbaum, whose characters had a tendency to commit suicide after being raped or otherwise "dishonored". But the two actresses are certainly similar physically.
And in an inspired bit of casting, Ferdinand Marian plays Cecil Rhodes - Marian's previous role was the title character in JUD SUSS. The real Rhodes was by no means a Jew, but he was definitely obsessed with gold and diamonds and power. And since he did indeed orchestrate the events leading up to the Boer War, it's clever - from a propaganda viewpoint -- to suggest that the Brits and Jews are equally evil. Marian's terrific. He's so convincing in this type of role that it's no wonder he had trouble after the war.
As we know from history, the Boers lost the war. But the film ends with a voice-over from Kruger about how one day a greater power will come along and punish the wickedness of the English.
Wonder what he meant?
