Baldur von Schirach
- Episode aired Sep 13, 1968
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Excellent interview of a historical figure.
This is a great interview. But before explaining why, it must be noted that Baldur von Schirach is no Albert Speer. He does not provide any broad or spectacular insights into the inner operations of the Third Reich. He lacks the temperament and the political background necessary entice the audience with all kind of delectable tidbits about the Fuhrer. Nevertheless Schirach is a good candidate an interview. He knew Hitler personally over a period of many years. For a while he was part of Hitler's inner circle, which included being a welcome guest at Hitler's home. So, whatever Schirach has to say has some value. Schirach comes off as a non-repentant Nazi. He offers no apologies for the roles he played in the Nazi regime. Yet, he is willing to respond to sensitive issues, even if his answers are evasive. He doesn't complain about any of the questions. That is a tribute to David Frost's skill as an interviewer. He manages to get Schirach to respond, which is a tremendous accomplishment. Schirach believes that Hitler was "mad." He denies responsibility for deportations of the Jews from Vienna while he was the Gauleiter of Vienna. He says that Hitler had a sense of humor. He describes his 20-year incarceration as "ridiculous." Confronted by these comments Frost keeps his poise. Instead of getting into an argument with Schirach, or re-litigating Schirach's case, which would have made the interview pointless, Frost gives Schirach an opportunity to explain himself and reveal some interesting, if not particularly exciting, observations about his patron, Adolf Hitler. For that reason alone, the interview is worth watching. As for whether Schirach deserved to be showcased, that's a judgment call.
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- PWNYCNY
- Sep 1, 2017
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