As with so many films based on a historical event, this one strays so far from what really happened to be nothing more than an entertainment vehicle. There is little to be found in this film of historical accuracy. For those of us who study such historical events, it's the ever-present rub when trying to enjoy such a film. I did enjoy it - very much.
Remember When Movies Didn't Have To Be Politically Correct?
It's not making any effort to be a historical documentary. The film is not intended to depict any actual trial.
shareI think it's pretty good in that it shows the audience that there were other minor war criminals who had to be dealt with post war.
shareThe fact is (romance storyline aside) this film is full of genuine historical parallels – many of which can be traced right back to the trial record. The opening by Colonel Lawson for instance, what we hear of it is pulled almost verbatim from the opening statement of General Taylor. Justices Hahn & Janning are composite characters in all likelihood representing Oswald Rothaug & Franz Schlegelberger. The “Feldenstein case” referred to is also a historical reality, although the surname was changed for the film. The Supreme Court case mentioned by Herr Rolfe is Buck v. Bell, decided in 1927.
share