We’ve talked about BELLE AND BLADE VIDEO before in the Video Risks section. Readers of Einsiders will know that this is a great specialty outlet for war-themed films on video and DVD. Steve Mormando, the Video Guru at Belle and Blade, has a gift for discovering little-known films of this genre. Here are three more great ‘must-have’ titles that Steve has unearthed for war film enthusiasts.

THE MAGIC FACE (1951, starring Luther Adler)

This seldom-seen film is sometimes encapsulated in reviews by the phrase ‘Adler rises above the material’. That is an understatement. The great, underrated actor Luther Adler positively transcends the restrictions of this low-budget ‘what if’ tale about a persecuted actor in Nazi Germany who, through his gift for impersonation, is able to transform himself into different people, including, eventually, Hitler himself. The actor’s Magic Face propels him into a covert world of false identities and constant danger.

Adler’s performance is the main reason to see this exceptionally hard-to-find film, but rest assured there are many other effective ingredients to savour. A versatile musical score, capable of punctuating the drama or adding a humourous flourish to a funny scene, is but one of these tasteful artistic elements. A very clever premise, with Hitler as a central character, is intriguing if admittedly melodramatic. In addition, evocative camera work and lighting adds much to the atmosphere.

The most amazing scene occurs when Adler, who has managed to deceive his way to the position of Hitler’s manservant, poisons him with a glass of milk, switches clothes with him, dons Hitler make-up, rearranges Hitler’s appearance, then shoots Hitler’s already lifeless body in order to summon his guards and create a panicked diversion. Adler is brilliant as, in Hitler-like fury, he names all the people he surmises have made this assassination attempt possible— and who just happen to be the key Nazis whom he has deceived on his journey—and makes sure his attending guards and officers know who to arrest. It’s an astounding scene.

William L. Shirer, the celebrated author of THE RISE & FALL OF THE THIRD REICH and BERLIN DIARY, introduces the story and narrates periodically, giving the incredible story a credible grounding.

Adler goes on to effectively double for Hitler (having studied his habits, behaviour and mannerisms while in his employ) and makes deliberately wild and increasingly insane military decisions (as Hitler historically did) with the subversive purpose to sabotage the Nazi war machine and instigate his own (as Hitler) downfall. It’s a fascinating merger of history and fantasy and is one further reason why THE MAGIC FACE is a unique, intriguing and must-see film for fans of war and suspense films.

The available print of this film is rather snowy, but it is still watchable.

Of course, within the conjectured plot-line, Hitler’s inner circle begins to suspect that Hitler isn’t really Hitler—hence the motivation for the assassination attempt which, we know, unfortunately, was unsuccessful. In this premise, we are glad they fail! It’s a brilliant story twist and a complete reversal of sympathy towards an historical character and event. Absolutely brilliant.

Of course the irony of the film proves to be that the actor has so brilliantly portrayed Hitler, convincing everyone about him that he IS Hitler, that he becomes trapped in his ultimate role. What recourse does he have? Who would believe his outrageous story? His machination of the Nazi downfall and his ultimate suicide becomes the single greatest act of heroism of the Second World War! ‘Hitler’ as ultimate war hero? I never would’ve believed it. Or bought it. But it’s right here, in ‘glorious black and white’.

There are other plot elements of interest that contradict history but fit within the framework of fact the story respects. You can discover those for yourself. I cannot urge you enough to buy this film today. To do so, contact www.belleandblade.com and ask the Video Guru, Steve Mormando, to immediately send you THE MAGIC FACE.

You won’t regret it.

Jon Ted Wynne