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Duped Till Doomsday

Duped Till Doomsday (1957)

Mar 07, 1957 1h 14m Drama Crime War

East Germany's contribution to the 1957 Cannes Film Festival was the wartime melodrama Betrogen bis zum Juengsten Tag. Had the film been released in the U.S., the title would probably have translated to Duped Till the Last. The film condemns the Nazi mindset by concentrating on a particularly odious cover-up. When his son is involved in the accidental killing of a girl, a Gestapo general pulls strings to save the boy from prosecution. The general manages to pin the blame for the killing on a group of Russians, whereupon he gives the men under his command carte blanche to round up and execute as many innocent Russians as they wish. This act of brutality is contrasted with the pangs of guilt suffered by the son and his co-conspirators.

Directed by Kurt Jung-Alsen

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kurt Jung-Alsen
Writer
  • Kurt Bortfeldt

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Duped Till Doomsday examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Kurt Jung-Alsen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1957, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Duped Till Doomsday took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 420 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1957, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: March 7, 1957
  • Runtime: 1h 14m

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