Reviewer:
Kenneth Orme from Ligonier, PA United States
KUHLE WAMPE is an intriguing propaganda film intended to showcase social problems in the late period of the Weimar Republic. Much of the film's format reflects dynamic Russian editing and emphasizes group action rather than individual effort to bring about reforms. Hans Eisler's music grabs attention immediately with its unrelenting stridency and clamorous volume. Cinematography is above average and acting quite excellent, reflective of scripter Bertolt Brecht's expertise in handling actors. Slatan Dudow is credited as director, but interpolated songs and politically charged ambience seem to indicate Brecht himself was steering the ship. This version of the film appears to be the censored one running closer to seventy minutes than ninety. Definitely an educational experience.