Olympia: Part One – Festival of the Nations
Apr 21 1938
•2h 7m
•Documentary
Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. This first half of her two-part film opens with a renowned introduction that compares modern Olympians to classical Greek heroes, then goes on to provide thrilling in-the-moment coverage of some of the games' most celebrated moments, including African-American athlete Jesse Owens winning a then-unprecedented four gold medals.
Cast
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David Albritton
Self - High Jump, USA (uncredited)
Arvo Askola
Self - 10000 Metres, Finland (uncredited)
Jack Beresford
Self - Carries British Flag (uncredited)
Erwin Blask
Self - Hammer Throw, Germany (uncredited)
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Olympia: Part Two – Festival of Beauty
Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. Where the two-part epic's first half, Festival of the Nations, focused on the international aspects of the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin, part two, The Festival of Beauty, concentrates on individual athletes such as equestrians, gymnasts, and swimmers, climaxing with American Glenn Morris' performance in the decathalon and the games' majestic closing ceremonies.