The film uses edited footage from German propaganda films, including Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph Des Willens (Triumph of the Will), a film of the 1934 Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg, Germany. Our clip shows Hitler and his marching soldiers of the Reich, synchronised to the tune of ‘The Lambeth Walk’. ‘The Lambeth Walk’ was a popular song from the 1937 musical ‘Me and My Girl’ (with lyrics by Douglas Furber).
Context
At the time of this film, Britain was under severe threat from Nazi Germany. Propaganda was used to get people behind the war effort, but also to try and get people to forget their troubles for a while.
Interesting or important points about the film
Hitler was said to be a great admirer of British propaganda, claiming it was highly effective. He was probably not an admirer of this film! The film obeys one of the main principles of propaganda, which is to make one’s opponent seem ridiculous. Also the familiar music would certainly have tapped into the public consciousness at the time to enable everybody to share the joke.