The Clown and the Fuhrer ( El Pallasso i el Fuhrer)

Summary

Inspired by the true story of an encounter between Adolph and famed entertainer Charlie Rival

Catalonian clown Charlie Rivel and his sidekick Witzi are "invited" by Herr Krauss, an imposing Gestapo agent, to prepare a routine for the Führer's birthday. The situation turns tense when Krauss professes his admiration for Rivel and announces that he - not Witzi - will be acting alongside him in the big circus number during the birthday celebration. Unconvinced, yet intimidated into accepting the proposal, the clowning duo has no choice other than to go along with the Gestapo’s plan. Unable to contain his hatred and contempt Witzi is soon deported and placed on a train not unlike the one his wife was sent away on. Superbly acted with top notch production values, the film uses the tone and mood of a staged play to draw the audience into this decaying regime.

RATED: PG (coarse language, violence)

Year: 2007
Genre: Narrative
Countries: Spain
Languages: Spanish with English subtitles
Subject: Drama
Run time: 95 minutes
Format: Beta SP

Director: Eduard Cortes
Cast: Ferran Rane, Jordi Martinez, Manel Barcelo