Part 1
For this Fritz Lang’s film call “Hangmen Also Die!” Make into a response paper” based on the film.Be sure that you are including an introduction where you briefly introduce the film, the main characters and events, and summarize the film’s impact on you what effect did it have? Does it say anything about past/present-day/future society? Did it cause you think about something in a different way?
This should be followed by several paragraphs where you support your response regarding the film’s impact with specific instances from the film. You can focus on the characterization of a particular figure (or group of figures), one or more scenes, the ending etc.You should not make a strictly autobiographical make into response paper. but concentrate on analysis of a scene/character etc. to argue your point.Do not make a review of the film!In the conclusion you should briefly summarize the overarching themes/questions the film raises.approximately into four or five page for one thousand words maximum
“Hangmen Also Die!” Information about film
The film call “Hangmen Also Die!” Release in 1943 and directed by Fritz lang. this film is about During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovokia, insurgent Franticek Svoboda (Brian Donlevy) assassinates the brutal German leader Reinhard Heydrich (Hans Heinrich von Twardowski). Svoboda escapes with the aid of history professor Stephen Novotny (Walter Brennan), but Novotny is then captured, along with 400 other Czechs, through the machinations of Nazi sympathizer Emil Czaka (Gene Lockhart). The Czech prisoners are then told that if Svoboda does not surrender, they will all be executed.
Once more “Hangmen Also Die!” is a 1943 film directed by Fritz Lang. Set in German-occupied Prague during World War II, the movie tells a gripping story of resistance against the Nazis. Here is a detailed breakdown of what happens in the beginning, middle, and ending of the film:
Beginning:
The film opens with the assassination of “Reinhard Heydrich,” a high-ranking Nazi official known as “The Hangman” due to his brutal methods. The Czech resistance is responsible for the attack, and they manage to escape from the scene. As news of Heydrich’s death spreads, the Nazis launch a massive manhunt to find the assassins and punish the Czech people.
Middle:
In the middle part of the film, we see the Nazis’ relentless efforts to uncover the identities of the assassins. They impose strict measures on the Czech population, including curfews and random searches. Dr. Franticek Svoboda, a prominent surgeon, is wrongly accused of being involved in Heydrich’s assassination. He goes into hiding with the help of his daughter, Anne, and other members of the resistance.Meanwhile, Reinhard Heydrich’s widow, Mrs. Heydrich, arrives in Prague seeking revenge for her husband’s death. She collaborates with Nazi investigator Inspector Gruber to find and punish those responsible. The tension escalates as innocent Czech citizens are arrested and interrogated.Anne Svoboda takes on a dangerous role by pretending to be Mrs. Heydrich’s maid while secretly gathering information about her activities. She discovers that Mrs. Heydrich has been using her influence to have innocent people executed as scapegoats for her husband’s assassination.
Ending:
In the final act of the film, Dr. Svoboda decides to turn himself in to save innocent lives from being wrongly executed. However, before he can do so, he is captured by the Nazis. Anne, along with other resistance members, plans a daring rescue mission to save her father.
During the rescue attempt, Anne is captured by Inspector Gruber. However, she manages to kill him before being taken into custody. The resistance successfully rescues Dr. Svoboda and other prisoners from a Nazi prison transport.In a climactic scene, the Czech people rise up against the Nazis, leading to a violent confrontation between the resistance fighters and the German forces. The film ends with the resistance members escaping to safety while the Nazis face defeat and chaos in Prague.
1. Anti-Nazi Themes: The film is an anti-Nazi propaganda piece that criticizes the Nazi regime’s oppressive policies and human rights abuses. It is interesting to observe how the film’s themes and messages were received by audiences during World War II.
2. Visual Style: Fritz Lang was known for his distinctive visual style, and “Hangmen Also Die!” is no exception. The film features a mix of German Expressionism and film noir elements, with high contrast lighting, sharp shadows, and dramatic camera angles.
3. Performance by Peter Lorre: Peter Lorre gives a powerful performance as a German engineer who is wrongly accused of murder and must flee from the Nazis. Lorre’s performance is nuanced and emotional, and it is interesting to observe how he brings depth and complexity to his character.
4. Use of Symbolism: The film is full of symbolism, from the hanging of the protagonist to the use of the swastika as a symbol of oppression. It is interesting to observe how these symbols are used to convey the film’s themes and messages.
5. Historical Context: “Hangmen Also Die!” was released in 1943, during the height of World War II. It is interesting to observe how the film reflects the political and social tensions of the time, and how it was received by audiences in the United States and Europe.
You do not need to watch the entire movie; instead, you can select two parts and highlight intriguing aspects to note for your response paper. There are a number of noteworthy scenes that stick out. The following significant events have roughly time stamps:
1. Opening Sequence (0:00 – 4:30): The film begins with a powerful and suspenseful opening sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the story. It starts with a series of shots showing Nazi soldiers patrolling the streets of Prague, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression. The camera then focuses on a group of resistance fighters planning their next move, highlighting their determination and bravery in the face of danger.
2. Assassination Attempt (23:45 – 35:10): One of the most intense scenes in the film is the assassination attempt on Heydrich. The resistance fighters meticulously plan and execute their plan to kill him, showcasing their resourcefulness and courage. The tension builds as they wait for the right moment to strike, and when they finally do, chaos erupts. This scene is filled with suspenseful moments and showcases Lang’s skill in creating thrilling sequences.
3. Interrogation Scene (1:15:20 – 1:22:50): In this scene, a captured resistance fighter named Karel Vanek is interrogated by Nazi officials. The dialogue between Vanek and his interrogators is filled with tension and psychological warfare. Lang masterfully captures the power dynamics at play, as Vanek tries to maintain his composure while facing immense pressure. This scene highlights the psychological toll of war and the resilience of those who resist.
4. Climactic Showdown (1:43:10 – 1:51:30): The film reaches its climax with a gripping showdown between the resistance fighters and the Nazis. As the tension builds, the stakes become higher, and the characters face life-or-death situations. This scene is filled with action, suspense, and emotional intensity, showcasing Lang’s ability to create thrilling climaxes.
Choose a few scenes. Put these interesting scenes from “Hangmen Also Die!” into the response paper. Don’t forget to include the approximate time stamps, and I’ll provide you a link to the movie on YouTube. These are just a few instances of unique scenes that capture viewers’ attention and add to the overall effect of the film.
Link of film Copy and paste :
1. Dr. Franticek Svoboda (Time Stamp: 0:00 – 1:30)
Dr. Franticek Svoboda is a prominent Czech surgeon and the central character of the film. He is played by Brian Donlevy. At the beginning of the movie, Dr. Svoboda is shown attending a medical conference where he learns about the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi official.
2. Emil Czaka (Time Stamp: 5:45 – 10:20)
Emil Czaka, portrayed by Gene Lockhart, is a collaborator with the Nazis and works as an informer for them. He is despised by his fellow Czechs for his betrayal. In this scene, Emil is seen reporting to his Nazi handlers about potential suspects involved in Heydrich’s assassination.
3. Mascha Novotny (Time Stamp: 15:10 – 18:50)
Mascha Novotny, played by Anna Lee, is a young Czech woman who becomes involved in the resistance movement after her father is arrested by the Nazis. She assists Dr. Svoboda in hiding from the authorities and provides him with crucial information about the Nazi investigation.
4. Inspector Gruber (Time Stamp: 25:30 – 29:15)
Inspector Gruber, portrayed by Alexander Granach, is a relentless Gestapo officer tasked with capturing those responsible for Heydrich’s assassination. He is shown interrogating various suspects and using brutal methods to extract information.
5. Dr. Franticek Svoboda’s Wife (Time Stamp: 35:20 – 37:40)
Dr. Svoboda’s wife, played by Anna Neagle, is worried about her husband’s safety and urges him to leave Prague. She fears for his life as the Nazis intensify their search for the assassin.
6. Jan Horek (Time Stamp: 45:55 – 50:10)
Jan Horek, portrayed by Dennis O’Keefe, is a young Czech resistance fighter who is wrongly accused of being the assassin. He is captured by the Nazis and subjected to torture in an attempt to extract a confession.
7. Gestapo Chief Heinrich Gruber (Time Stamp: 1:00:15 – 1:04:30)
Gestapo Chief Heinrich Gruber, played by Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, is Inspector Gruber’s superior officer. He arrives in Prague to oversee the investigation and puts immense pressure on his subordinates to capture the assassin.
8. Mrs. Novotny (Time Stamp: 1:15:40 – 1:19:25)
Mrs. Novotny, portrayed by Margaret Wycherly, is Mascha’s mother and a member of the resistance movement. She provides support and guidance to Mascha as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and resistance.
9. Reinhard Heydrich (Time Stamp: 1:30:10 – 1:32:50)
Reinhard Heydrich, played by Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, is the high-ranking Nazi official who is assassinated at the beginning of the film. Although he appears only in flashbacks and newsreels, his presence looms large over the narrative.
These are just a few of the main characters in “Hangmen Also Die!” Each character contributes to the complex web of intrigue and suspense that unfolds throughout the film
