Original subtitles

JEW SÜSS Rise and Fall

I hate the Moor.

He holds me well;

The better shall my purpose work on him.

How, how? Let's see.

Cassio is a proper man...

What's this?

- It's disgusting! - Take a seat. Take a seat, Hippler.

That! That's degenerate.

Don't worry. The play will never be performed.

... framed to make women false.

The Moor is of a free and open nature,

And will as tenderly be led by the nose

As asses are. I have't; it is engender'd:

Hell and night

must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.

Marian comes across as a Jew.

If only the Führer cared for Shakespeare.

This would heighten his racial hatred.

She shall not live.

Let her rot.

I will chop her into messes.

Cuckold me! -O! 'tis foul in her.

With mine officer!

Yes, with the officer that thou wouldst deflower.

He hath now deflowered her.

Get me some poison, Iago;

this night.

Do it not with poison.

Do it... Do it not with poison, strangle her

in her bed,

even the bed she hath contaminated.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Good, Iago.

Bravo!

Bravo!

That's not possible.

There must be a mistake. Tomorrow is the opening night.

You will no longer be performing, Mr Deutscher.

I'm sorry, Mr Engel. No more Jews on German stages.

The play will not be performed. Goodbye, gentlemen.

What?

Mr Marian. I just wanted to shake your hand.

Excellent! You were wonderful.

Congratulations! I will tell Gründgens all about it.

You are on a par with his Mephisto. - Absolutely.

And evil is always far more interesting than good,

wouldn't you say?

Iago is an upstart, a parvenu.

I know plenty from back home in Austria.

He knows plenty back in Austria!

Don't let the Führer hear that, Marian.

So, Marian. I will take my leave. You'll be hearing from us soon.

Mr Marian.

Softly falls each snow flake.

Silent and frozen the lake.

Christmas shimmers from the moon.

Rejoice, the Christ child comes soon.

In our hearts we feel warm,

free from worries and harm.

Cares of life fade far away.

Come soon dear Christ child, we pray.

Soon his journey he'll take.

Choir of angels awake.

Hear how sublime it does ring.

The Christ child's birth we will sing.

Merry Christmas, darling.

Thank you for the violin, daddy.

Oh, that was from your mother.

But this, this is from me.

- Good evening, merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

So.

Children, today is a special day

Today we will be so glad

Such rejoicing, such cheer

In this house there will be

I've always wanted one like this.

Look in the pocket.

That's...

Hold on, Britta. You'll have a drink first.

Cognac? Four stars!

From whom?

You won't believe it: from Goebbels.

Why is he giving you cognac?

He didn't say. He was very mysterious.

Where did I...

Ah, I completely forgot.

Oh, Ferdl!

My mother.

Thank you, Ferdl.

Britta!

So.

Would you mind, if I went over to Willi Deutscher's

and asked him to come over? - Oh, no, of course not.

Sure.

I'll be right back.

Oh dear.

Good night.

Sleep well.

Good night, darling.

What's wrong? Maria.

- Go on, give your mother a kiss. - You should love daddy more!

- But darling, I do love him. - But not enough!

Don't speak so...

"That greasy Jew will not come near my daughter..."

Harlan!

It's far too trite, this dialogue.

Why doesn't he say, simply and confidently,

something like:

"My daughter will not bring any Jewish children into the world!"

Full stop.

Very good, Minister. That's what I would have written.

So why didn't you?

Because I've only just started.

Harlan, I need the film tomorrow.

Actually, yesterday, now we are at war.

But I want an artistic film. Not cheap propaganda.

So write, write.

We want to fight and work,

and then say, like that Prussian general:

"My God, if you won't help us,

"we only ask of you

"that you don't help our damned enemies."

In that spirit,

I wish us all a good, successful, and victorious New Year.

Right, that's enough. 20 seconds to go. Britta, the champagne!

Nine to go...

Six, five...

Four, three, two, one...

Happy New Year!

When, for protection and defence, it always

takes a brotherly stand together.

From the Meuse to the Neman,

from the Adige to the Belt.

Germany, Germany above everything,

above everything

in the world.

Fantastic speech on the radio, Minister!

Thank you, I was very pleased.

To 1940!

- And may God punish England! - May God punish England!

Child, it has alcohol in it.

Oh Magda, just this once.

Helga's our eldest, after all.

Thank you, daddy.

Paul, not even the Führer drinks.

But you do.

My daughter!

Never at a loss for words.

I wonder who she gets that from?

You know what? I'll just call Marian now.

Follow me.

If you didn't know, I love this woman.

The wind...

Answer it, Britta. Tell them: "No entry during the performance."

... of fortune, unspeakably beautiful.

Mr Marian, Dr Goebbels in person.

Shhh, be quiet. Anna!

Marian.

I didn't want to miss the opportunity

to personally wish you and your wife a happy New Year.

Thank you, that's very kind, Minister. Likewise.

It can only be a good year for you.

Veit Harlan is here. He will get in touch with you.

I hope you haven't taken anything on.

No, no.

Although Erich Engel has a film project for me.

Oh, there's time for that.

Yes, but it would be the role of a lifetime. A suburban Casanova.

Please, my dear Marian. What is

a suburban Casanova compared to a role

that will make you famous throughout Europe, no the world.

See you soon.

See you soon.

I'm to be famous throughout the world.

Daddy's getting a leading role.

- Which film? Which role? - He didn't say.

Veit Harlan is directing.

It's your fault. Your staging.

He liked my Iago.

You know what? I'll only accept, if you're in it.

Don't tell him that I'm an actress.

You're an actress, ma'am?

This is all confidential, agreed?

We'll do the Casanova afterwards.

My friend, I wish you, as I wish all of us,

a wonderful and happy New Year.

I wanted to take my leave for today.

May I present:

Lutz, my boyfriend.

Permission to wish you a happy New Year.

Permission granted.

Thank you. Dismissed.

You've had a little too much champagne.

- When else, if not today. - Exactly!

Ferdl!

This role is meant to make me famous?

- Infamous, more like. - Slow down there.

- The title alone: "Jew Süss". - The material is historical.

Wilhelm Hauff, the storyteller, used it.

Joseph Süss Oppenheimer rose

to become banker to a duke in the 18th century.

Executed for exploiting the people.

All right, Harlan, but in this day, it could only become

a propaganda film.

Do you think I would stoop to that?

I have many Jewish friends.

Kristina Söderbaum, my wife, is playing the female lead.

And if it reassures you, the novel was written by Feuchtwanger, a Jew.

- But no one will believe I'm a Jew. - Oh, come. I wouldn't say so.

Jewish or not, it's a great role.

For Werner Krauss, certainly. Why don't you play it?

I'm playing Rabbi Loew.

But it's not really kosher to me, either.

Here.

Genuine shrunken heads. From Brazil.

You remove the bones and put them in hot sand.

Thanks, I feel ill.

"What? Minister, please let me play all the Jewish bit parts."

"You're a megalomaniac, Krauss."

"No, I'm not. I'm an actor, Minister.

"Please, the role of Rabbi Loew

"is too small for me."

"You know

"I don't like double roles."

"You'll have to do without me. Goodbye."

It's brilliant, isn't it?

Don't stand up, please.

Stay seated. I'm in a bit of a hurry.

But I didn't want to miss the opportunity to stop by briefly.

Bring the gentlemen some champagne.

Right away, Minister.

So, have you reached an agreement?

Minister, I haven't seen the script yet.

I vouch for its quality. That should be enough.

Of course. But I don't know if the role is right for me.

It's right for you, Marian.

Listen. This film, Marian,

I need it. The film is vital to the war.

And I need you, and only you,

in the leading role.

And Krauss,

you wanting to play all the Jewish bit parts is a brilliant idea.

I thought you were against double roles?

That's true, I am. But I'm also against rigid principles.

Because this, dear Harlan, is the perfect opportunity to show

that all Jewish characters and temperaments

come from the same root.

It's brilliant, Krauss.

So, Marian, I'm counting on you.

Don't get up. By the way,

if you didn't know yet, Marian,

our top fees

are tax-exempt.

Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Brilliant, Krauss.

People think, Goebbels guides.

He normally reacts to anything in a skirt.

He's not allowed to since the scandal with the Czech dancer.

The Führer himself laid down the law.

Was no one else asked?

- I see. - You don't see anything.

We had countless screen tests. It was a disaster.

Despite the tax-exempt top fee?

Can I also have a screen test?

The ladies at the bar requested a song.

Madam.

In this world, there's no money

and happiness is usually rare.

And when happiness comes even if just for a moment...

That's one role that's right for him.

...then I'm not afraid, I don't wonder for long

whether conscience will gnaw at me later.

I only think, daft conscience be still!

I'm just a man, not a ghost.

I'm just not made for a monastic life.

I need people around me.

Colleagues.

I'm an actor.

- I miss my calling, too. - But you have a family.

You don't have to hide.

In a way, I do.

I've started speaking monologues.

Your own or others'?

Goethe, for example. Mephisto.

"I am the spirit that denies.

"And rightly too; for all that doth begin

"Should rightly to destruction run;

"'Twere better then that nothing were begun.

"Thus everything that you call Sin, Destruction,

"in a word as Evil represent

"That is my own, real element."

Why can't I play that anymore?

It's an ideal role for a Jew.

Quiet!

Probably just the wind.

We're gradually becoming paranoid.

Sorry for letting myself go like that.

Sometimes you have to let it out, otherwise you'd go mad.

What else are friends for, Willi?

And the shirt?

Leave it, my husband needs it tonight. Just the sheets.

Is this how you thought keeping house for us would be, Britta?

I mean,

do you like it here?

Rather! I've always adored Mr Marian...

Please don't take that the wrong way.

Of course not.

I adored him once, too.

Not anymore?

You know, after years of marriage, adoration gives way to love.

Not in the dresser.

In the wardrobe.

Tell me, Mrs Marian:

Mr Deutscher, doesn't he have a home of his own?

Not in Berlin. Otherwise he wouldn't live with us.

No family, either?

I don't know. He likes to be alone, he says.

Strange. Lutz also asked me what he does all day.

There isn't much gardening in winter.

Don't worry yourself. He washes the car,

cuts the bushes, clears the paths.

What business is it of your boyfriend's?

Yes, the script discussion lasted until morning.

Yes, I'm going straight to the studio. I'm exhausted, but...

Okay, see you later.

I hate that.

I can't do it. Don't you have a bad conscience?

Yes. But it makes it more exciting.

Don't think badly of me.

I'm so lonely since my husband went to the front.

- Do you love him? - Of course.

And you? Do you love your wife?

Of course.

I put a fresh shirt out for you.

Is that so?

It's almost midday. Did you sleep in the theatre?

In the theatre?

Exactly. Where else?

- Have you read it? - Yes.

- And? What do you think? - What do you think?

- I haven't read it yet. - I see.

Script discussion all night.

You know how it is. Blah, blah, blah.

No, I don't know how it is.

And what's the script like? That bad?

No, it's not bad.

But it's horrible.

I won't do it.

I asked for a screen test and will be as bad as everyone else.

I'm an actor, after all.

Ah, Marie.

- got top marks! - Really?

- What for? - For a poem. I recited it best.

Let's hear it. Screen test:

Maria one, take one.

"Now in the schools there will be joy, as all the Jews,

"they have to go.

"Big and small, they all will out. It'll do no good to scream or shout.

"Nor to be angry or to rave. Begone, you Jewish knaves!

"A German teacher's the one for us, who'll show the path to cleverness.

"Who'll ramble with us, play, and then is not afraid of discipline.

"Who merrily will laugh and sing, so that our studies joy do bring."

That's horrible.

What's wrong?

I'm just dizzy.

It's not the first time.

And why have you never told me?

You don't tell me everything, either.

Britta asked me about Willi. Her boyfriend had enquired.

Maybe we shouldn't keep her here.

What have you got against Britta now?

She's completely harmless.

If I play the Jew badly, they'll say I have no talent.

If I play him well, I'll keep having to play one.

People will end up thinking I am one.

If that's your only worry.

Why do you always give me the feeling that you're a saint

and I'm an arsehole?

Good afternoon.

On your mark, please.

Okay. And now the following sentence:

"I thought Württemberg was rich."

What? Just one sentence? But then I can't...

act.

You're not supposed to.

It's the first scene, in the Frankfurt ghetto.

A courtier wants to buy jewels from the Jew for the duke.

But they're too expensive.

Then your line.

I thought Württemberg was rich.

Just like that. Quiet, with no intonation.

Just with a slight smile.

Sound.

Camera. And action!

I thought Württemberg was rich.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

- What? That's it? I didn't even... - Mr Marian.

Thank you.

Stop!

What are you doing with my gardener?

If I were you,

I wouldn't ask questions, Mrs Marian. Or we'll take you with us,

and ask you some unpleasant questions.

Don't worry about me, ma'am.

Bad weeds grow tall.

- Did you know he was Jewish? - Who?

Mr Deutscher? A Jew?

And did you tell your boyfriend?

I don't have to put up with this.

The League of German Girls will find me another position.

Lutz is only doing his duty, Mrs Marian.

Mr Deutscher is gone.

Mama has locked herself in.

Well, go to bed. I'll come up later.

- Why did Mr Deutscher go? - I'll explain another time.

Anna!

Anna, please open the door.

Open it!

Anna, please.

What can we do for him now?

You could speak to Goebbels personally.

What should I tell him?

We've been hiding a Jew for months?

It pains me just as much as you.

But I don't understand why Britta had to leave.

She was a walking bad conscience.

Is it possible she was hurt, because you suspected her unjustly?

Come.

The storm troopers march with calm,

firm steps. Comrades, shot by the Red Front and reactionaries,

march in spirit in our ranks.

Comrades, shot by the Red Front and reactionaries,

march in spirit in our ranks.

I don't want to be a burden to you and Maria.

If you want, I'll go. To my mother in Austria.

What are you talking about?

You mustn't leave me.

You're all I have.

If you ask me,

Marian senses instinctively that people will take him for a Jew

- That he'll never shed the role. - That's exactly why I want him.

He was like a Jew as Iago.

His whole smiling greasiness.

Mr Marian is here.

Have him come in.

My dear Marian!

I'm glad we finally have the chance to talk.

Well, out with it. Why don't you want to tackle "Jew Süss"?

- Minister, I... - Have a seat first.

Have a seat.

I'm... I'm not right for the role.

Believe me, Marian, the artist

is the very last to be a judge of that.

And you were splendid in the test.

Yes, but I only read one line.

Sometimes one line speaks a thousand words.

And Harlan vouches for you. Don't you?

Certainly. See, that's enough for me.

But I don't feel I'm up to the role.

You actors.

Sometimes you're vain

and sometimes as insecure as children.

But it's precisely that subtlety that makes a great artist.

And, by the way, you were excellent in your last film.

Except for the white make-up on your temples

to make you look older...

Yes, terrible. But they wouldn't listen to me.

What was the film called again?

"Tomorrow, I Will Be Arrested".

"Tomorrow, I Will Be Arrested".

I'll leave you alone.

Take a look, Marian.

This here

is a listing of the popularity

of German actors. You rank under "also-rans".

Yes. People know my face, not my name.

Your face will also

be soon forgotten, if you are out of circulation for a few years.

You have a choice, my dear Marian. Either:

well-known, popular, famous, or ostracised, lost, forgotten.

I can crush you like a fly, Marian.

But Minister, I just want to save you from a miscast.

The public won't believe it and doesn't want to see me like that.

I see.

Your public doesn't want to see you like that.

But who casts you in your roles, my dear Marian?

The audience

or me?

Believe me, there are a thousand better.

I play shady, likeable bon vivants.

I see. And your Iago was a likeable bon vivant?

No, but that was Shakespeare.

And I am Joseph Goebbels.

You actors demand endless help from us.

And we pay you more than our greatest scientists.

But when, just once, we want something from an actor, he thinks:

"No,

"I can't play Jew Süss,

"because otherwise I won't make it to Hollywood.

"Otherwise the Jewish vermin over there won't hire me anymore."

Minister, please, that's not the reason.

Silence!

You have lost the right

to tell me in this room that you accept the role.

Go outside and tell one of my employees.

Out! Out with you!

No! I'm telling you here and now!

I don't accept the role.

I'm not doing it. That's the end of it.

These actors are like children. Stubborn but loveable.

He smashed an ashtray at my feet and refused. Wonderful!

He is perfect for the role.

Betrayal. Betrayal of you.

Betrayal of me.

So you're playing the role?

I... I refused it.

You refused it?

Anna!

Anna.

I'll never act again. I'm finished.

I'm so proud of you.

This is...

very interesting. She's a quarter Jewish.

Who knows how this information could be useful.

You're not so stupid, after all.

Come here.

I know what a sacrifice this is for you. I'm very grateful.

It's in my interest, too.

If you don't act again, you'll just sit at home all day.

Perhaps he'll offer me another role.

Of course. Why else invite you?

To humiliate me.

You're shaking.

It'll be fine.

New guests are arriving.

My dear Mrs Marian.

It is a great honour to finally meet you in person.

Good evening.

So, Marian.

- Are we friends again? - Certainly, Minister. Thank you.

Please.

I'll be right back.

Magda.

Let me introduce the Marians.

I'm very pleased to finally meet you.

A pity the Rühmanns didn't come.

Heinz is filming in Munich.

Are you also from Austria, Mrs Marian?

But of course.

And Mrs Marian was once a talented actress.

Oh really? Why not anymore?

Well, sometimes the circumstances...

What circumstances?

Madam, I couldn't possibly be any good as a wife and mother.

I see.

You knew Wilhelm Deutscher, didn't you?

Slightly.

He no longer works as an actor, either.

Which I personally find a great pity.

Follow me, Mrs Marian.

You should meet another young mother.

Kristina Söderbaum.

Oswald, you old war horse! You've really dressed up to the nines.

May I introduce: Kristina Söderbaum.

So, my dear.

- Krauss. - In for a penny, in for a pound.

How do you mean?

Take a look around. Eugen Klöpfer,

Albert Florath, Malte Jäger. Everyone who's on board.

- On board where? - Marian, old boy.

We're making a film together, after all.

I look forward to the drinking.

Have you heard this one?

The devil says to the actor: "You can have anything.

"Great roles, big houses, beautiful women, fast cars.

"But you have to sell me your soul."

"Okay," says the actor. "But what's the catch?"

Yeah? "What's the catch?"

Wait, I got another one.

Himmler's lying on his death bed, and he calls for a rabbi. Why?

He wants to convert to Judaism. Why?

Another one down.

Another one down!

You see, Marian, our faithful Heinrich is also on board.

Come.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Allow me now

to introduce the lead character in our major project:

Ferdinand Marian.

He certainly didn't make it easy for himself

to accept this role.

But I'm convinced

that he'll play it admirably, and soon

he'll be up there with our very best German actors.

It's about time.

Because this film, my dear friends,

will be our German "Battleship Potemkin".

Because

it is merely a question of time, my friends,

until our German films

are seen throughout the world.

Yes, indeed.

And is it not an irony of fate

that in German cinema, the Jews

are played by Aryan actors?

In America, on the other hand,

the National Socialists are played by Jewish immigrants.

- Sieg Heil! - Sieg Heil!

So, my dear Moser.

Would you also like to take part?

I'm very sorry, but "Jew Süss" is definitely not a comedy.

I thought the Minister would perhaps have news regarding my wife.

Well, well. You thought so?

Believe it or not, our dear Moser

has written a lengthy letter to the Führer,

asking him to allow his Jewish wife to return.

What do you say to that?

Does that mean I can hope, Minister?

My wife is a fine and respectable...

Yes, yes, dear Moser. I know that.

All of a sudden,

there are 80 million respectable Jews in Germany.

Because every German knows at least one.

No, no, my dear Moser. But we are not monsters. And you,

you're still the Führer's favourite comic.

Wait until we've won the war, and then we can talk about it.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us dance.

So, Marian.

Things turned out well in the end, eh?

Thank you, but I don't want to dance.

Excuse me.

I'm sure that, with my direction,

you'll deliver a Jew who goes down in history.

So, my dear Mrs Marian.

Tell me, wouldn't you maybe like to take on a small role again?

At your husband's side, perhaps?

Anna Altmann is still a name, after all.

Back home in Austria, at least.

Oh, you know, I'm very happy at home.

And our daughter needs me.

And inside you, there's a chaste housewife, isn't there?

But is it enough for a woman like you

to lead the bourgeois life of a little housewife?

Why wouldn't it be enough?

I can feel the passion burning in you.

And Britta is expecting.

Really? You wouldn't know it.

Congratulations.

I'm still in the third month.

Charming, charming.

- What are your next projects? - Britta!

Are you deaf? Didn't you listen to what Goebbels said?

Mr Marian is acting in "Jew Süss". Congratulations.

I'd like to go. You can stay.

- We've always worked well. - Without a doubt, Minister.

Tell me, my dear Marian, does your wife not like us?

But of course she does. She's just a little indisposed.

Yes, the troubles and whims of women.

I know all about that.

- My dear Mrs Marian. - Thank you for inviting me.

I hope you are soon better and honour us with your presence again.

We will, Minister.

It was a pleasure. Goodbye.

Goebbels doesn't want cheap anti-Semitic propaganda.

He's too clever.

He wants international glory from this film, do you see?

The crème de la crème of our actors are taking part.

It's a one-off chance.

Could I let it pass me by?

You know what? I'll give them a Jew you end up sympathising with.

A person, you know.

They'll all fall for my charm. I know

how to get the audience on my side.

There are a thousand tricks for making the Jew likeable.

Can you tell me why my role is any worse

than Krauss' or the good German Aryans'?

I never said that.

Well then. Why am I the odd one out? Tell me that.

Mama.

Sir, I would advise you not to miss the next stagecoach.

I'm in no hurry. I have business in Stuttgart.

In fact, could you recommend a good inn?

The city of Stuttgart

has no Jewish inn.

I commend your human insight, sir.

But I am so indebted to the gracious damsel that you will understand,

if I refrain from answering in kind.

Must you close your eyes and look at the ground, Marian?

Be more self-confident, more insolent.

I've just been deeply humiliated.

Why?

The Jew is used to such humiliation and knows how to respond.

How should he know it?

He lived in the ghetto and is used to respect.

I won't argue with you.

The Minister will attend tomorrow in person.

Wonderful. Let him decide.

On what? On your performance here?

That too, much obliged.

Sir, I would advise you not to miss the next stagecoach.

I'm in no hurry. I have

business in Stuttgart. In fact, could you recommend a good inn?

The city of Stuttgart has no Jewish inn.

I commend your human insight,

sir.

Camera off!

- That's not what we discussed. - Oh yes?

Bravo!

You see, Marian? I was right.

You're wonderful in the role.

Are you not worried, Minister, that the audience

could take Süss' side, if he says the line with so much...

dignity? - No, no. Why?

The Jew has to be a man, not a monster.

Otherwise everyone would think: "What cheap propaganda!"

Later, with her father's words, we will get people

back on our side, when he says:

"My daughter will not bring any Jewish children into the world."

And then, the sentence that's the crushing blow:

"Where do you get

"this insolence, you son of a bitch?

"To sow discord between the Duke and his people?"

And as soon as the Jew leaves the room,

Eugen Klöpfer throws open the window, and says: "Fresh air!"

No, no. Let Marian do his thing.

He'll be hanged in the end, anyway.

- You would make a wonderful actor. - What do you mean, I would?

I am, I am.

Ah, gentlemen!

And by the way, France is free. The Führer

is in Paris.

Bravo, Minister!

And even abroad, he is now recognised as a great statesman.

He is, by any measure, far ahead.

As any genius is. How often he has surprised even me.

With that, good work and

- Heil Hitler! - Heil Hitler!

Ah, and Harlan:

Your Jewish extras, you can get them from a Polish ghetto.

And I'd recommend that Marian goes with you. That way,

dear Marian, you will have the chance to study real Jews.

So, keep it up, dear Marian.

- Superb. Sieg Heil! - Sieg Heil!

So, the same scene again?

Forget it. Scene change break.

Line up!

Form a line!

Line up! Form a line!

Line up!

Form a line!

How many Jews do you need?

A couple of dozen, Captain Frowein.

Deutscher!

Deutscher!

Come forward.

Our interpreter. Fresh from Germany.

Introduce yourself.

First names and surname, in full.

Wilhelm Adolf Deutscher.

Great, no?

Wilhelm's fine, I suppose, but Adolf?

That's really a bit much for a Jew.

And then Deutscher.

Deutscher!

It's Israel, Deutscher. You piece of filth.

I need 150 people, Mr Deutscher.

Including about 30 women.

As extras for a film.

We're shooting in Berlin. Decent board and lodging.

Comfortable train ride there and back.

Yes.

The people will be glad to get away.

Who allowed you to open your mouth?

Enough, Mr Frowein.

Could you select the people?

I'll see to it myself.

- Could I take part myself? - Not a chance.

I need you here. As an interpreter, if nothing else.

Harlan, couldn't you take him with you? Take a look at that face.

You're right, Marian. A very good head for close-ups.

You can spare Deutscher for a few days.

Yes, of course.

If it's necessary.

A day's break in shooting.

I thought my wife might be missing me.

I was about to go out.

Where?

Somewhere with people, life, music.

Where's Maria?

At the Wortmanns'. She doesn't want to see me.

I can believe that.

I told her grandma's a Jew.

- Are you crazy? - Yes.

I want to be crazy, like all of you.

Come, drink with me.

You won't go anywhere like that.

You're drunk.

Then fuck me at least. You do it to everyone else.

Or don't I excite you anymore?

This is miscegenation!

Go on! Louder!

Louder!

A bit more cheerful!

Ferdl!

Erich!

- What are you doing in Prague? - I'm filming a comedy.

May I present Vlasta? She's an extra.

My pleasure.

Ferdinand Marian, the famous actor.

I always wanted to be an actress.

I'm sure you're very talented.

Cheers, my friend. To happier times.

At least you were spared typhoid.

- Heil Hitler! - Heil Hitler!

Carry on playing.

I like it.

- Good afternoon, Dr Knauf. - Mr Hippler.

Who's that?

That man.

He filmed "The Eternal Jew".

They forced men and women from the ghetto, on camera,

to have sexual intercourse. At gunpoint.

Cheers, Marian!

Ah, Dr Knauf, from the Terra Film press office.

May I present Mr Deutscher? A former colleague of mine.

Say, don't you always need extras here?

Bit players would be even better.

The Minister announced before "Jew Süss"

that many similar films will now be made.

I might have something for you.

What as?

As the Jew on duty?

And how shall I justify that to my people once the war is over?

It'll be a while. At least until Göring fits into Goebbels' trousers.

There's no need to introduce you two.

No, we've already had the pleasure.

What's the difference between Christianity and National Socialism?

I don't know.

In Christianity, one dies for all,

and in National Socialism, all for one!

I must remember that one.

Have you got a cigarette for me?

I'd like to know one thing:

How does it feel to play a dirty Jew?

I know why you stand up for me.

To appease your bad conscience, because you had me arrested.

I can see how you'd become paranoid in your position, Deutscher,

but to think that of me, after I took you in, is going too far.

- Then I must apologise. - No, you don't. It's forgotten.

I can promise you one thing: It won't be cheap propaganda.

It'll be an artistic film.

Will you shake hands on that?

No Jew can enter Stuttgart. You know that.

If His Highness wants to do business with me,

Your Excellency will find a way to get me a pass that sweeps away

all difficulties at the border.

Once in Stuttgart, I can help you,

but you won't pass the barrier.

- So revoke the ban on Jews. - Revoke the ban?

Not even the Duke can do that.

The Duke will get his jewels,

but only if I take them to him myself.

Good. But it is urgent. The Duke needs the jewels.

You can rely on Süss Oppenheimer, Your Excellency. Levi?

Are you crazy, Joseph? You want to cut your beard?

Cut off your ringlets? No longer wear a kaftan?

Aren't you afraid

of the rabbi?

Idiot!

I'm opening the door for all of you.

You'll walk in velvet and silks.

Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after.

But it will happen.

So?

Should the Jew be more generous than the gentlemen of the Council?

The people obviously do not know

how to treat a mighty lord.

- And you do? - I believe I do. For example,

I do not see why the Council refuses Your Highness a ballet.

I cannot get it into my head.

Will Your Highness allow me... If I can arrange

for the ballet for Your Highness... I mean, I don't know,

but I would consider myself happy, if I could rightly say of myself,

I am a loyal servant to my lord.

Remchingen.

Yes, Your Highness?”

Stop the rehearsal.

Bring me the little one, the black-haired one.

Bring her up to me.

- Süss. - Your Highness.

I need a little something, something...

I have nothing else on me at present.

You see, Hippler? That's what I mean.

Subtle manipulation.

True. It will work. 1940, Venice Film Festival

So this is Dorothea Sturm's husband?

The very Christian spouse?

Who are the rebels?

- Open your mouth! - Who wants civil war?

You!

Me?

Interesting.

You want a coup d'état.

You advised the Duke to do it.

I ask the questions, not you.

It will be more embarrassing for you than me.

Put the screws on this fellow.

Show no mercy.

Until he talks.

Look at this.

Look at it.

Do you still believe you can entice me with your ring?

Begone.

You want to free your father and husband?

A skilful start.

If a bird catcher wants to let a bird free,

he has to have another, no?

You can see that, can you not?

The handkerchief's out. Go!

So, Carl. Is this fun for you?

You know the voice.

For the love of God.

Remove the handkerchief. Remove it.

What does that mean?

Can you hear anything now? That is what it means.

So remove it, my child.

Carl!

- Now give me back my hanky. - No!

No? Then keep it, but...

- God in heaven. - What?

Father in heaven.

Ah, praying! Yes, pray.

Pray to your God.

But not only you Christians have a God.

We Jews also have one. The God of revenge.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

- Stop... - Thank your father.

Stop!

What? Do you not want me to have the traitors shot?

- Do not touch me! - What?

Don't be so coy. Afterwards, you can have your actuary back.

Good evening.

I am very pleased

to be here in Italy and have the honour

of showing our great film here in Italy. Saluto romano!

Fantastic reception.

Are you a little proud of your husband?

Of course.

You were wonderful in the role.

I'm so proud of you.

- I didn't follow any directions. - Thank God for that.

May I present Signor Donadoni?

One of the most important producers in Rome.

Signor Marian.

My company has good contacts in Hollywood.

Would you be interested in a large international project?

If there's something suitable.

Well, I see you as a lover.

With, how should I say,

certain chasms.

And how do you know my husband so well?

Success across the board. Mr Marian, you'll be world famous.

All the important papers are singing your praises. For example:

Ferdinand Marian draws the figure of Süss with great subtlety.

This representation of a Jew will go down in history.

That was written by an Italian critic with a wonderful name:

Michelangelo Antonioni.

So, what do you think, Ferdl? Shall we risk it?

In two days, a plane leaves Rome for Casablanca.

And from there, a ship to New York.

Mr Donadoni has promised to arrange everything.

I know.

Do you love me?

Yes, I love you.

But I have to go to the premiere in Berlin.

Even the heart of the Duchess

is not impervious to his wiles.

- Only the heart? - I do not understand.

I am asking, if it was only the heart.

What does Your Highness mean?

I mean that nothing is sacred to you.

Not even the wife of your Duke.

Only your profit, your interests.

Your Highness appears to mistrust me.

Yes,

I mistrust you.

Thus do revolutions start.

A bloodbath, if Your Highness does not change his mind in time.

The people must be confronted with a force they would not dare oppose.

What would it cost? To hire soldiers, I mean. How much?

How many does Your Highness require?

If a Jew be joined carnally with a Christian, he shall be hanged

by the neck until dead. As a fitting punishment to himself,

and as an example to others.

I have been nothing more than a loyal servant to my sovereign.

What fault is it of mine that your Duke

has been a traitor?

I will make amends.

I swear to you, take my houses, take my money,

but grant me my life.

I am innocent.

I am but a poor Jew. Spare me my life!

I want to live.

Let me live!

Live!

Through me, the Council proclaims

the will of the people of Württemberg:

All Jews shall leave Württemberg within three days.

I hereby declare all Jews banished from Württemberg.

Announced in Stuttgart, on February 4, 1738.

May our descendants adhere

to this law with iron resolve,

that they might be spared great suffering

for their property, their lives, and the blood of their children.

Well, gentlemen.

As I can see,

you are as impressed as I am.

Special praise should go to the work

of Krauss and Marian.

And please make it clear in each one

of your articles, what a major, patriotic

sacrifice it was, for both of them, to play a Jew.

And once more, for the very slow,

it goes without saying that neither one of them is a Jew.

Comments on the Jewish Question have no place in film criticism.

Rather on the political pages.

And this film presents, of course, a wonderful opportunity there.

The tenor would be as follows:

Since the start of war, at the latest,

Jews are officially our enemies.

And one has always taken care to intern enemies,

to prevent sabotage and espionage.

And this is exactly how our enemies treat us Germans.

And who, dear friends, takes pity on us?

The Führer

foretold back in January '39:

If the Jews should once more instigate a war,

it will end with their annihilation.

One believes in Marian.

You could say he was a Jew.

I don't want to know how many will now believe he is a Jew.

Excuse me.

I've no doubt whatsoever that it will be a huge success.

Yes.

Congratulations!

A huge success.

And see, it is possible

after all: an artistically outstanding, stirring,

National Socialist film!

And Marian,

everyone's raving about your work.

I'm but a poor Jew, I only did my duty.

He is but a poor Jew!

Oh, excuse me, madam.

Do you know what I think? Your husband

now urgently needs a likeable role.

What about the two of you together in a comedy?

- That would be a dream! - You see?

And dreams are there to be fulfilled.

Excuse me for a moment. Marian, I would like to present you

to a devoted admirer of your acting skills.

Mrs Frowein. You already know her husband,

from the Polish ghetto. SS Captain Frowein.

You don't have a drink.

Excuse me, I...

First, you must explain how you managed

to so impressively slip into the skin of a man who gets hanged.

I'm an actor.

What exactly did you feel?

Horror?

Despair?

Perhaps even desire?

Desire?

It's commonly known that a hanged man gets one last

erection.

Congratulations, Mr Marian.

But it must have been a daily struggle to portray that scum.

Why? I felt for him, I understood him.

Otherwise, I would have played a caricature, not a person.

Believe me, I also feel sorry for every person.

But duty is duty. We all play our role.

Will this film also be shown in Posen?

- Certainly, why not? - Lutz is to be awarded land there.

Oh yes? Do you know anything about agriculture?

- The Poles will do all that. - I'm to be deployed on Tuesday.

It would be an interesting background study for your role.

But don't worry, you were only acting the Jew.

Please go to the bomb shelter. Drinks will be provided.

Room 446.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear guest!

Please make your way to our air-raid shelters

below the foyer.

Please take extra care

on the stairs.

Marian! Marian!

Excuse me, Marian. You were fantastic.

Just one thing. About my wife: I thought,

now that you have access to Goebbels...

What makes you think that?

See, we've been married for over 20 years.

It's not possible. It's not right.

- And what makes you think I... - Who else?

Look, we're colleagues. Even if you're Jewish.

If Hitler can make an exception for you, he can for my wife, too.

Moser, are you crazy? I'm not a Jew.

Jesus!

What have I done now?

And you really want to go to room 446?

Of course.

Where else?

Isn't it exciting?

That scene where he has her husband tortured

and blackmails her into sleeping with him.

Do you know what I think?

She doesn't want her husband anymore.

She wants the Jew.

With the prayer, she's telling him that she's prepared to sin.

Father in heaven. Father in heaven, and so on.

Go on.

- Say your lines! - "Pray. Pray to your God.

"But not only you Christians have a God.

"We Jews also have one.

"The God of revenge.

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."

Do it to me! - "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."

Yes, do it to me. Jew.

Don't believe everything you read.

Of course we are still interested in diplomatic relations with America.

That is obvious. It would be...

My dear Georg. Georg Heckenheimer, Ferdinand Marian,

the lead in our film.

"You can hang us, but we will outlive you.

"Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after tomorrow,

"but it will happen."

Does your wife also yearn for a Jew, Goebbels?

You are completely drunk, Marian. Go away.

Go away right now.

I think he's had a little too much to drink.

Good evening.

She positively reeks of that wretch's sperm.

But I'll show him his limits, once and for all.

Mr Marian.

Frowein. Do you remember?

Oh yes.

My deepest thanks for this film.

Now, if any of my men have doubts, I just need to show them the film.

I have a new posting.

First, a transit camp, then a concentration camp.

It's still being built.

Our friend Deutscher, Wilhelm Adolf Israel Deutscher.

You remember,

my interpreter who you wanted to make a star of. He's coming with me.

Deutscher's going to a camp?

Each to his own.

Tell me, could you do me a favour?

Make sure nothing happens to him.

So that's the way the wind blows.

You wanted to take him to Prague,

so your house Jew could go into hiding.

What are you talking about? How could he hide?

The unfortunate man.

Unfortunate?

Exactly. Heil Hitler.

Only tea. I want cognac! What is this?

Marian, please. You're not alone here.

Frowein, he's called.

He's to be commander of a concentration camp.

And his wife likes to do it with Jews!

Marian!

Oh, sir. Excuse me, Madam "Water Corpse of the Reich"...

That's enough, Marian!

But the lady has such lovely breasts...

You're off your head!

- Harlan! - Mr Marian! Mr Marian!

Your long-distance call to Berlin.

Hello, Anna?

Anna?

Is this supposed to be a joke?

Who is this?

Hello? Are you still there?

Where is Goebbels?

Heinz Rühmann made this exquisite little film,

together with my children. It's the best 43rd birthday present.

Dearest daddy, here we are, little soldiers, full of zest.

And, no doubt you are aware, we are here to wish the best.

Chest out, filled with brawn.

Today's the day that you were born.

Pay close heed to our rhymes. We are marching with the times.

Is that not indescribably sweet?

Where is my wife?

Someone called to say she'd been taken away.

You're seeing things, you're drunk.

It's a private event. Get out, Marian!

But I have to find my wife...

I want to know where my wife is! Let me go!

I have to know where my wife is!

I'm terribly sorry.

It was one of my people who spoke with him there.

A form of shock therapy. He has to come to his senses.

You saw how he behaved in Berlin after the premiere. And now again!

My daddy is my best comrade.

Anna!

Marie!

Anna.

Maria!

Anna!

Mr Marian?

- Your wife has been taken away. - Where?

- Where is my daughter? - With your neighbour.

I must see her.

I'm sorry, I have to take you, too.

- Where to? - You'll see presently.

How could you desert from the occupied East?

You know what the punishment is.

You civilians think you can have special treatment.

You will get straight on a train and go back.

No more limousine service. Knauf will accompany you.

- Your tour is not over yet. - Where is my wife? Where is she?

- She's in protective custody. - Protective custody? Where?

That's classified.

Dr Goebbels wishes to inform you to carry on with your duties

and be glad

that your daughter is still at large.

My dear Marian, what were you thinking?

Falsification of documents, miscegenation.

Children, come in here now!

Why? They're singing so beautifully.

Drink this. It'll help.

Knauf, you're a good man. Without you, I wouldn't make it.

It's okay.

- Come on! Faster! - Move it!

- Over there! - Go, go!

- Are you deaf? - Come on!

- Hop hop! You, too! - Go, go!

You there! Take that coat off!

Take that coat off! Take it off!

- Come on! - Bring the luggage back!

And back! Hurry up!

- Everything out, now! - Bring the luggage!

- Scumbags! - Move it!

Go!

- Put it up here! - Faster!

Let's go.

Auschwitz 3 KM

Jew!

Jew!

Pardon. The Jew has to answer for her.

Don't touch her!

- Kill him! - Kill the oppressor!

The Jew must go!

The Jew must go!

Jew! Jew! Jew!

Hey!

Hey! Where are you going?

For a walk.

Here? They're building a camp here.

And one! And one! And one!

Never should you say this is your final journey.

Even if the leaden skies darken the blue days.

Our time will come.

Our steps will be sure. We are here!

Will you shut your mouth!

- Never should you say... - Shut up!

...this is your final journey. - Shut up!

Even if the leaden skies darken the blue days.

Our time will come.

Our steps will be sure.

We are here! - Back!

- Stop! What are you doing here? - Back!

Name! Papers!

- Carry on! - You're under arrest!

SS Captain Knauf, Imperial Film Department.

This is the famous actor, Ferdinand Marian.

From the film "Jew Süss".

Forgive my mistake, Captain.

Carry on, you scumbags!

The flag high,

the ranks tightly closed.

The stormtroopers march with calm, firm steps.

The wind sang me a song

of fortune, unspeakably beautiful.

It knows what my heart is missing,

for whom it beats and burns.

It knows for whom.

Come!

Come!

Oh!

The wind sang me a song

of a heart that I miss.

The wind...

Thank you, a thousand thanks.

You've given me a great gift. A gift my entire fortune couldn't afford.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Who knows which film this scene is from?

"La Habanera"!

A bottle of bubbly for the gentleman.

"La Habanera" with

Zarah Leander and,

the man himself, Ferdinand Marian!

I've ordered you a drink.

You're a true friend. Any new jokes?

Two years.

What's this?

Poisoning the air and soon to be hanged:

Jew Süss. There he is.

Keep your trap shut!

- You swine. - Marian!

Where is Vlasta?

Up there.

Don't, Marian!

That's enough.

Hey!

Don't make such a fuss!

- Bloody swine! - Kissing this bastard!

At least I...

Ferdl!

Ferdl?

What were you doing on his lap?

Not as bad as you, Ferdl.

You sat on Goebbels' lap.

Shut your mouth.

You even dressed up as a Jew for him.

Shut your mouth. I told you to shut your mouth!

Shut your mouth. You dumb cunt!

- I'll throw you out. - No, don't!

I'll throw you out!

I've got hold of some meat. Horse meat.

You have to eat, Ferdl!

You're not just a face, you have a body, too.

Finally, the Yanks are letting me act.

Do you know how much I've missed it? Contact with an audience.

You won't remember your lines, if you carry on drinking like this.

Have you called your daughter?

Maria doesn't want to see me. She despises me.

Silly little girl.

- Come on, give me it. - No!

I'll pour it down the toilet.

Do you hear that? Come.

Where to?

The Yanks are having a summer fete on the lawn.

- There's only weak beer. - Do I have to dress up?

What do you think?

Chic, no?

Write that we want nothing more to do with the film.

We were forced to do it.

You must have another copy somewhere.

Who are those people over there?

From concentration camps.

Freed by the Yanks.

Now they're staying free of charge at Sperrer's inn.

They hang around the streets all day

and probably get lots of compensation.

And the German people starves.

Willi!

Do you remember what you promised me?

On this hand?

That it would be a purely artistic film.

Have you forgotten?

It was in the summer of '42.

A beautiful day.

Frowein showed your film "Jew Süss" to his men.

Afterwards, they set the dogs on us.

I was lucky.

Anna, less so.

They gassed her.

There is a poem by Heine:

"Never should he be remembered

"Not in songs and not in books

"Dismal dog

"In a dismal grave

"May you rot with my curse."

Come. Let's go home.

Leave me alone. I'm cursed.

Over 20 million people had seen Jew Süss by 1945.

Since the war the distribution of the film has been banned.

Director Veit Harlan wasn't arrested.

He died of an accident in 1964.

Heinrich Georg, who played the duke, was arrested by the Russians

and died in 1946 as a result of the prison conditions.

Werner Krauss, Süss's Jewish employee, continued acting.

He is buried in Vienna.

Ferdinand Marian was banned from acting and died on August 9th, 1946.

Subtitles: Miles Staveley

Subtitling: C.M.C.