Titanic

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "• The German film “Titanic” is released in occupied Europe. The theme is intended to showcase British avarice and is filmed on the 27,600 ton liner Cap Arcona at Gdynia, Poland. The dangers of Captain Smith’s fast run is fathomed only by a righteous German First Officer on the Titanic named Petersen, who tries in vain to get the Captain to slow the ship’s speed.

 

- Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels commissioned the film, but refuses to allow it to be shown in Germany, as he feels the German people, going through regular Allied bombing raids, would be undermined by seeing a film that portrayed mass death and panic.

 

- During filming, screenwriter and director Herbert Selpin made unflattering comments about the Kriegsmarine officers assigned as consultants, saying they were more concerned with molesting the female cast members rather than doing their job. He also spoke about Germany having little chance of winning the war and morale in the military being low. He is arrested and within 24 hours, hanged in his cell on Goebbels orders. The death is officially ruled a suicide."