Walter Ulbricht, Builder of Socialism

(Baumeister des Sozialismus Walter Ulbricht)

GDR, 1953, 74 min, b&w
In German; no subtitles
Credits:
Director
Script
Editor
Camera
Music (Score)

Synopsis

This documentary depicts Walter Ulbricht as a venerated and omniscient national father figure, interweaving his personal history with scenes of the building of the GDR. At the end of the documentary, the commentator concludes, "Comrade Walter Ulbricht is the creator of our plans, a man of keen vision and quick decision-making, a friend of life and youth, and the Secretary General of the working people.” This propaganda film was planned for Walter Ulbricht’s 60th birthday in 1953 but was rejected at the behest of the High Commissioner of the USSR, who desired a more modest celebration. The film was first shown in 1997 after being kept from the public for many years. 

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