Ohm Kruger

There is no hiding the agenda of the German produced Ohm Krüger [Uncle Kruger] (1941). Looking past it's obvious evil intent, the film is powerful with a eccentric Emil Jannings doing one of his best performances since returning to Germany after the fall of the silents. Several scenes will make you chill, both for the Nazi agenda, but also because they are excellently gruesome. One of the essentials as far as German war propaganda is concerned.

Fascinating propaganda piece lacks the film-making distinction of a Riefenstahl, but Jannings' powerful performance as Kruger is legitimately great; while interspersed with some grains of historical fact, the extraordinary depiction of Victoria and her court as snivelling, lying (and ultimately decrepit and emaciated) crooks is possibly the centerpiece here, combined with a particularly ugly and chilling climax with Kruger vowing that the British Empire will get theirs... one day... somehow...