Category: History

“Chaos: The Manson Murders” (2025) / Z-View

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Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025)

Director: Errol Morris

Based on: CHAOS: CHARLES MANSON, THE C.I.A., AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE SIXTIES  by Tom O’Neill with Dan Piepenbring

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Chaos: The Manson Murders details the events leading up to the murders of Sharon Tate (who was 8 1/2 months pregnant), Jay Sebring, Voytek Frykowski, Abigail Folger, Steven Parent, Leno LaBianca, and Rosemary LaBianca.  It also explores other lesser-known murders and crimes committed by Manson and his followers.

It then investigates possible connections between Charles Manson and the C.I.A.  How could it be possible that Manson was able to break parole, create a cult of followers who did his bidding and fly under the radar of the police?  Could there have been more at play than we know?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Chaos: The Manson Murders does an excellent job of detailing the events and people involved in Charlie Manson’s cult, the victims, as well as the trial of the century.  In addition other crimes and little know facts are presented.  I’ve followed the Manson murders/trial as well as books, documentaries, television specials, etc. for decades.  I enjoyed Chaos: The Manson Murders, but found the C.I.A. speculation to be a bit of stretch.  Still, I thought the documentary was excellent.

Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Manson: The Women” (2019) / Z-View

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Manson: The Women (2019)

Director: James Buddy Day

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Manson: The Women explores how four of Charles Manson’s female cult members were recruited, compelled to follow Manson’s every command and how they feel about Manson today.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Manson: The Women takes an interesting idea and showcases how four women who were members of Charles Manson’s family were recruited, compelled to follow Manson’s orders and how they feel about Manson today.  This is done using vintage footage, and interviews coupled with current interviews.

The recruitment method was similar for all of the women — they were young troubled girls without a support system looking for one.  Once in the family, Manson won them over using drugs, sex and saying things to make them feel special (even though he treated them terribly).  Manson had sex with all of them and made them available to anyone he wanted to impress.  They would beg, steal, and even kill for Charlie Manson.

All these years later, two looked back on their time in the cult with disgust, while two still spoke favorably about Manson and the things that went on there.

Manson: The Women (2019) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“American Murder: Gabby Petito” (2025) / Z-View

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American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)

Director: Michael Gasparro, Julia Willoughby Nason (Eps. 1-3)

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The story that dominated the summer of 2021.  Twenty-two year old Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie had been living out of her van as they traveled the west.  Their relationship was often rocky.  Things went way south when Gabby’s parents and friends could no longer contact Gabby.  Days passed with no phone calls or texts.

Then Brian showed up at his parents’ house in the van.  Gabby was not with him.  Brian refused to take any calls or talk to the police.  Same for Brian’s parents.  They had lawyered up and refused to answer any questions.

So the manhunt for Gabby Petito was underway.  It would end terribly.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The disappearance of Gabby Petito dominated the news. Then after her body was found her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie went missing.

A note to Laundrie from his mother said in part to “burn after reading” and “If you need to dispose of a body I will bring show up with a shovel and garbage bags”.

The whole thing played out over the course of weeks and is documented in three well done episodes.

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Surviving Black Hawk Down” (2025) / Z-View

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Surviving Black Hawk Down (2025)

Directors:  Sam Hobkinson, Jack Macinnes (Eps. 1-3)

Tagline: The war was just the beginning

The Plot…

Surviving Black Hawk Down explores the true October 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia made famous in the Ridley Scott film Black Hawk Down.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

What makes this film unique is that real life American and Somalia soldiers involved in the Battle of Mogadishu are interviewed.

Surviving Black Hawk Down (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Conspiracy Show with Richard Syrett”: Season 1 (2011) / Z-View

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The Conspiracy Show with Richard Syrett: Season 1 (2011)

Director:  Jalal Merhi (Eps. 1-13)

Writer: Ron Craig, Richard Syrett (Ep. 1); Richard Syrett (Eps. 2 – 13)

The Plot…

Radio host Richard Syrett explores conspiracies, paranormal and supernatural beliefs, and a variety of other topics.  Each episode presents believers and skeptics who calmly present their evidence/beliefs.

Topics in season one include:

  • UFOs: The increasing amount of UFO reports, including those from the government – what is the truth?
  • 9/11 Controlled Demolition: Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth and Firefighters for 9/11 Truth present evidence that a controlled demolition brought down the towers.
  • Past Life Regression: Can past-life regression therapy prove the theory of reincarnation?
  • Chemtrails: Evidence that chemicals are being sprayed at high altitudes for reasons unknown.
  • Are We Running Out of Oil?: Are we running out of oil or do we have an inexhaustible supply?
  • Who is the AntiChrist?: Is the AntiChrist here or coming or is there really no Biblical basis to believe the AntiChrist is coming?
  • Electronic Harassment: Victims of alleged electronic harassment discuss the use of electronic devices to harass, torture, and/or physically cause harm.  Is the government involved?
  • Demonic Possessions and Exorcisms: Can people truly become possessed by demons or the devil?
  • Time Travel: Whistleblowers claim the government has used time travel already.
  • The New World Order:  Is a secret, powerful cabal controlling world events?
  • The Rendelsham Forest UFO Incident: What many consider an event with the best evidence for an UFO encounter is explored.
  • The Central Banking Conspiracy: Does a powerful, secretive cabal of international bankers truly control world events?
  • Vampires: Do vampires really exist?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I like that the host is respectful and presents both sides of each topic.  Since he interviews guests separately we don’t get arguments and shouting.  Each person presents their “evidence”.  At the end of each episode Syrett gives us his thoughts and we are left to decide how we feel.

Each episode runs less than 30 minutes.

The Conspiracy Show with Richard Syrett: Season 1 (2011) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Fruitvale Station” (2013) written & directed by Ryan Coogler; starring Michael B. Jordan / Z-View

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Fruitvale Station (2013)

Director:  Ryan Coogler

Screenplay: Ryan Coogler

Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O’Reilly, Ariana Neal, Joey Oglesby and Kevin Durand.

Tagline: Every step brings you closer to the edge.

The Plot…

The true story of the last day of life for 22 year old Oscar Grant III (Jordan) who was shot in the back by a police officer in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 2009.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ryan Coogler’s first feature film is an impressive debut.  Even more so when you consider that he also wrote it.

Michael Jordan and Ocatavia Spencer are, as always, at the top of their game.

Kevin Durand is perfect in his role as one of the cops.

Fruitvale Station (2013) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“King of the Apocalypse” (2025) / Z-View

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King of the Apocalypse (2025)

Director:  Daniel Vernon

Tagline:  PATRIOT.  ENEMY.  DAD.

The Plot…

Dakota Adams is the son of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.

In King of the Apocalypse we are told the story, through his son’s eyes, of how Stewart Rhodes, a vet and Yale graduate became more and more obsessed with the idea of a coming apocalypse.  Rhodes trained his children in military and survival tactics.  In 2009, Rhodes started the Oath Keepers.  The organization took off and membership increased dramatically across the country.

As Rhodes popularity and the Oath Keepers membership continued to grow, Rhodes’ mental stability diminished.  His children and wife began to fear for their lives.  They ultimately fled the house, giving Rhodes no notice.

Following the 2020 election, Rhodes was an outspoken critic, claiming the Presidency was stolen.  He spoke about the need to prepare for a bloody war.  On January 6, 2021, Rhodes was at the US Capitol directing members and entering restricted areas.

Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years for his actions on January 6, 2021 at the US Capitol.  Rhodes was recently pardoned by President Trump and is now a free man.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was interested in how Stewart Rhodes became obsessed with a coming apocalypse, his journey to becoming the founder/leader of the Oath Keepers and his thoughts after spending time in prison for his actions on January 6th.  King of the Apocalypse presents the tale of a man whose obsessions increase to the point that his wife and children flee for their lives.

It’s not a pretty story.  My nit to pick is that the story is one-sided.  I wonder how Rhodes would respond to his families’ allegations.  It’s not that I believe Rhodes could justify his actions, but it would be interesting to hear where his mind was/is at.  Also, if we could have heard from police, prosecutors or even some of his followers, it would have presented a more rounded documentary.  Of course, this is Dakota’s story and none of those things are needed to tell it.

King of the Apocalypse (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Hitler’s Executioners” aka “The Nuremberg Trials” (1961) / Z-View

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Hitler’s Executioners aka The Nuremberg Trials (1961)

Director:  Félix Podmaniczky

Writers:  Joe J. Heydecker, Johannes Leeb

Tagline: THE ACTUAL FILM! Written by Hitler Himself in the Blood of His 6 Million Victims! With Scenes Actually Filmed by Hitler! REVEALED AT LAST!

The Plot…

Documentary covering the Nuremberg trials.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Originally released as The Nuremberg Trials in 1958.  Rereleased in 1961 as Hitler’s Executioners.

The movie posters look like they are for a 1950s/1960s horror movie.  Sadly, the horror is all too real.

Hitler’s Executioners aka The Nuremberg Trials (1961) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Ragtime” (1981) directed by Milos Foreman; starring James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern & Howard E. Rollins Jr. / Z-View

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Ragtime (1981)

Director:  Miloš Forman

Screenplay: Michael Weller, Bo Goldman (uncredited); based on RAGTIME by  E.L. Doctorow

Stars: James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern, Howard E. Rollins Jr., Brad Dourif, Moses Gunn, Kenneth McMillan, Pat O’Brien, Donald O’Connor, James Olson, Mandy Patinkin, Mary Steenburgen, Debbie Allen, Jeffrey DeMunn, Robert Joy, Bruce Boa, Jeff Daniels, Fran Drescher, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jeter, Ted Ross, John Ratzenberger and Norman Mailer.

Tagline: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime

The Plot…

An African-American baby is left in the yard of a wealthy family.  When the police discover the young unwed mother nearby, they are ready to put the child in an orphanage and the mother in jail.  The family decides to take in the mother and child until the mother can get on her feet.

The baby’s father shows up.  His name is Coalhouse Walker Jr.  He wants to marry the mother and support the child now that he has a job.  The wedding is planned and all is looking up until a group of racist firemen put horse manure in Coalhouse’s new car.  When the police and the courts refuse to make things right, Coalhouse decides to get his own revenge… against the city.

The famous architect Stanford White has placed a nude statue at the top of Madison Square Garden.  Evelyn Nesbit, a former chorus girl reportedly posed for the figure.  Now Evelyn is married to millionaire Harry Kendall Thaw.  Thaw is outraged and demands that White remove the statue.  White refuses.  Thaw murders White at a huge social event.  The court case will be considered the trial of the century.

These events will converge to become a part of American lore.  Like the tagline says, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime.”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ragtime was nominated for eight 1982 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Score: Randy Newman
  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Song: Randy Newman for the song “One More Hour”
  • Nominee – Best Costume Design: Anna Hill Johnstone
  • Nominee – Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: John Graysmark, Patrizia von Brandenstein, Tony Reading, George DeTitta Sr., George DeTitta Jr., Peter Howitt
  • Nominee – Best Cinematography: Miroslav Ondrícek
  • Nominee – Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Michael Weller
  • Nominee – Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Elizabeth McGovern
  • Nominee – Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Howard E. Rollins Jr.

Ragtime would be James Cagney’s final film.  He hadn’t appeared in a movie in 20 years.  Cagney was in poor health during filming and so in most of his scenes he is seated.

This was also Pat O’Brien’s final film.  O’Brien and Cagney co-starred together in several films during the 30s and the 40s.

Jeff Daniels made his film debut in Ragtime.

Ragtime (1981) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Becoming Hitchcock: The Legacy of Blackmail” (2024) written & directed by Laurent Bouzereau / Z-View

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Becoming Hitchcock: The Legacy of Blackmail (2024)

Director:  Laurent Bouzereau

Screenplay: Laurent Bouzereau

Stars: Elvis Mitchell (narrator), Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Balsam, Raymond Burr, Anthony Dawson, John Gavin, Cary Grant, Tippi Hedren, Grace Kelly, Martin Landau, Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Curtiss Cook, Eva Marie Saint and James Stewart.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Laurent Bouzereau explores how Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 film Blackmail foreshadows many of the themes and techniques that would make Hitchcock one of the world’s most famous directors.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Blackmail was made right as silent films were transitioning to “talkies”.  Hitchcock made Blackmail to be shown in either format.  To accomplish this some scenes were shot differently.  This documentary showcases the scenes side by side.

If you’re a die hard Hitchcock fan, this is for you.  If not, your mileage may vary.

Becoming Hitchcock: The Legacy of Blackmail (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“American Primeval” (2025) written by Mark L. Smith; directed by Peter Berg; starring Taylor Kitsch & Betty Gilpin / Z-View

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American Primeval (2025)

Created by: Mark L. Smith

Director: Peter Berg

Teleplay: Mark L. Smith

Stars: Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Derek Hinkey, Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier, Kyle Davis, Tokala Black Elk, Mustafa Speaks, Nick Hargrove, Alex Fine, Andrew P. Loga, Irene Bedard, Kim Coates and Shea Whigham.

Tagline:  No one survives alone.

The Plot…

1857.

A wagon train heading into the west is attacked. Isaac Reed, a frontiersman who had been trailing the group manages to get Sara Rowell and her son Devin away to safety.  Abish, a newlywed Morman bride shows courage as the surviving women are killed.  Abish’s life is spared, but she taken captive by one of the Paiutes.  Everyone else is left for dead.

Although badly wounded and partially scalped, Jacob Pratt survives.  Jacob is determined to find his bride Abish.

The attack on the wagon train appeared to be by Native Americans.  Although there were some Paiutes that participated, the massacre was led by a Morman militia.  The Mormans, led by Brigham Young, are determined to make this area of the west, their stronghold.  When it is learned that Abish survived and could identify that Mormans were involved in the raid, a squad is sent to find and kill her.

Bounty hunters are on the trail of Sara Rowell and her son.  Sara is wanted for the murder of a man back east.

As the US calvary prepares for revenge against the Shoshone (thought to have massacred the wagon train), bounty hunters are closing in on Isaac Reed, Sara, Devin, and Two Moon, a young Native American girl who joined their group.  At the same time the Morman soldiers are hunting Abish.

Each group will face more battles with the other groups, wolves, and the elements.  Most will not survive living in American Primeval.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

American Primeval writer Mark L. Smith also wrote The Revenant (2015).

Shea Whigham always raises the bar when he appears in a scene.

Arrows have never appeared so fast and dangerous as they do in this one.

American Primeval (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga” (2024) / Z-View

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The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga (2024)

Director:  Chapman Way, Maclain Way

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Kevin Curtis had to give up his career as an Elvis impersonator when he married and started a family.  Curtis got work as a janitor at the North Mississippi Medical Center.  When Curtis went into an off-limits area he told everyone who would listen that he found a severed head there. Ultimately Curtis was fired.  Curtis claimed the hospital was involved in black market selling of illegally harvested human organs.

Curtis became obsessed with conspiracy theories about the black market for human organs.  Curtis reached out to Steve Holland, his local House of Representatives legislator.  When Holland wouldn’t help Curtis, a feud developed.  Curtis discovered that Holland owned several funeral homes.  This led to Curtis’ belief that Holland was involved in the human organs black market.

As Curtis became more obsessed with overlapping conspiracy theories his life crumbled.  Curtis’ relationship with his brother (also an Elvis impersonator) ended.  After Curtis discovered his wife was cheating on him with James Everett Dutschke, they divorced.  Dutschke was a member of mesa, a karate instructor and wanna-be politician.  Curtis and Dutschke hated each other and each kept upping the ante in their feud.

Ultimately Curtis was arrested for sending Rican in a letter to President Obama, Judge Sadie Holland, and Senator Roger Wicker.  Curtis claimed he was innocent and Dutschke set him up.  Dutschke said Curtis was unhinged.

Both Dutschke and Curtis are known liars.  This time one of them is telling the truth.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you can get past the all over the place opening of The Kings of Tupelo, you’re in for a tale that is hard to believe.  The over the top, Southern to the bone characters are real people that would fit nicely in a Joe Lansdale novel or The Dukes of Hazard.   I liked visiting, but wouldn’t want to live there.

The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“From Darkness to Light” written & directed by Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie / Z-View

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Director:  Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie

Screenplay: Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie

Stars: Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, Martin Scorsese, Harry Shearer and Sarah Silverman.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

In 1971, producer Nat Wachsberger, approached Jerry Lewis about directing and starring in an adaption of THE DAY THE CLOWN DIED by Joan O’Brien.  Lewis knew the story of Helmut, a once famous clown now a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp.  Nazis see Helmut entertaining the children.  The Nazis then use Helmut to lead the kids to the gas chamber.  Lewis was intrigued.  It would be a fine line to walk — finding humor in a dark story and at the same time present a film that said something about the human condition.  Lewis was told he could tweak the script and would have full control of the film.

Lewis agreed.  He lost 35 pounds preparing for the role.  Lewis cleared his schedule and threw himself fully into the project.  With just a couple of weeks of filming left, Lewis learned the producer’s rights to the film ran out.  The producer couldn’t (or wouldn’t) come up with money to re-secure the movie rights. Further money to complete the film wouldn’t be coming.  Lewis reportedly paid $2 million of his own money to cover costs.

The Day the Clown Cried became a thing of legend.  Never completed. Never released.  A rough cut was seen by just a very few people.  In fact, most folks didn’t know the story behind the story… until now.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I always wondered if The Day the Clown Cried would be released.  Now I know why it wasn’t.  Lewis was questioned about the movie from 1972 to his death.  He refused to show footage and would only say he wasn’t happy with the job that he did.

In August 2015, it was reported that Jerry Lewis donated a copy of The Day the Clown Cried to the Library of Congress.  Lewis stipulated that the unfinished film not be screened until 2024.  In August 2024, a limited screening was held.

From Darkness to Light is a wonderful documentary.  With vintage interviews, footage and stills from the film, viewers are treated to answers to the many mysteries of The Day the Clown Cried.

From Darkness to Light (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey” (2024) / Z-View

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Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey (2024)

Director:  Joe Berlinger (Eps. 1-3)

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

In a crime that rocked the nation, six year old JonBenet Ramsey was reported as kidnapped.  The kidnappers left a long ransom note (reported as looking like mom’s writing; written on mom’s writing pad) asking for $188,000 in exchange for the safe return of JonBenet.  ($118,000 is the amount that dad received as a Christmas bonus and is an odd amount to request at any rate.)

The police came.  So did family friends who received word of the kidnapping.  The police allowed everyone in the house.  An officer suggested that dad check the house again.  Dad found JonBenet bound with her mouth tapped on the floor in a downstairs play room.  Dad took the tape off her mouth and brought her upstairs.

The case made national news.  Speculation ran wild.  The parents and JonBenet’s nine year old brother became the main suspects.  The parents reported behaviors seemed suspicious.  A grand jury was paneled.  No one was ever charged.

This documentary explores the mistakes the police made, the evidence that was withheld and the push to make JonBenet’s parents the main suspects.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

It’s a shame how the reporters were not given the full facts of the case.  The only reason that occurred was to put pressure on JonBenet’s parents.  Much was made of the ransom note (and it still needs to be explained) but handwriting experts said it was NOT her mother’s writing.  That was never to my knowledge reported.  Much was also made about there being no footprints in the snow near the broken window that the killer supposedly used.  While there was some snow in the front of the house, there was no snow on the ground near the window side.  So of course there were no footprints in the snow.  There were many things like this that is pointed out in the documentary.

We also learn of several child molesters that were considered suspects.  One even had repeated phone calls admitting to killing JonBenet.

This documentary is an eye-opener.  Not into who actually did the killing, but how the public’s perception of the killing was manipulated.

I hope someday we do learn the truth and the killer is brought to justice.

Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Testament of Dr. Mabuse” (1933) directed by Fritz Lang / Z-View

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The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)

Director:  Fritz Lang

Screenplay: Thea von Harbou, Fritz Lang

Stars: Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Otto Wernicke, Oscar Beregi Sr., Gustav Diessl

Tagline: Fritz Lang’s masterpiece. The most tremendous film of the present.

The Plot…

Hofmeister, a disgraced ex-police detective, uncovers an underworld criminal organization.  Barely escaping with his life, Hofmeister calls police Inspector Karl Lohmann.  As Hofmesiter lays out what he’s discovered, the connection is cut.  When Hofmeister is found, he’s gone insane.

Inspector Lohmann finds clues indicating that Dr. Mabuse is the mastermind behind the underworld criminals discovered by Hofmeister.  Lohmann is puzzled to learn that Dr. Mabuse went mad ten years prior.  He’s been housed at Professor Baum’s asylum.  Dr. Mabuse, locked in his cell with no outside contact, spends his days writing comprehensive plans for heists.  Mabuse’s cell is full of them.  Making things even stranger, since no one has access to these plans, is that they’re being used to commit crimes.

How can that be?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Nazis banned showing of The Testament of Dr. Mabuse because it might “incite people to anti-social behavior and terrorism against the State”.

Director Fritz Lang said that he was called to a meeting with Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda for the Nazi Party.  Goebbels said that he and Adolph Hitler were fans of Fritz’s earlier movies but his latest films (M and The Testament of Dr. Mabuse) could be interpreted as against the Nazi Party.  Goebbels then offered Lang the opportunity to direct films for the Nazis.  Lang said he would consider the offer.  He left Germany not long after this meeting.

Fritz is a master a direction, use of sound (talkies were still relatively new) and tension building scenes.

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933) rates 5 of 5 stars.