Der Untertan (film)

The Kaisers Lackey German der Untertan also known in English as Man of Straw and The Loyal Subject is a 1951 East German film directed by Wolfgang Staudte, based on Heinrich Manns 1918 satirical novel by the same name.

When Heling unveils a monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I before his citys dignitaries, he carries a speech in which he announces that Germany cannot prosper in peace, but can only achieve glory on the battlefield. A storm breaks, scattering the attendants, but he continues his speech, waving his fist at the sky. As he bows before the statue before leaving, the background music changes to Listzs prludes, and Die Deutsche Wochenschaus opening signal is heard. The picture blurs, and the statue is seen again amid the ruins of the city, destroyed after the bombings of World War II. Helings last words about the need for war are heard The narrator announces that so has he spoken then, and many others after him until this very day.Heinrich Manns satirical novel der Untertan, with its attack on Wilhelmine conservatism, was held in high esteem by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany it was entered into the schools curriculum, and the cultural establishment viewed it as vital for reeducating the populace. ........

Source: Wikipedia