The Continental Connection: German-Speaking Émigrés and British Cinema, 1927-45

by Tobias Hochscherf

This study is a major appraisal of the contributions of German-speaking émigrés to British cinema from the late 1920s to the end of World War II. Through a series of film analyses and case studies, it challenges notions of a self-sufficient British national cinema by advancing the assumption that filmmakers from Berlin, Munich and Vienna had a major influence on aesthetics, themes and narratives, technical innovation, the organisation of work and the introduction of apprenticeship schemes. Whether they came voluntarily or as refugees, their contributions and expertise helped to consolidate the studio system and ultimately made possible the establishment of a viable British film industry.

Hochscherf talks about such figures as Ewald André Dupont, Alfred Junge, Oscar Werndorff, Mutz Greenbaum and Werner Brandes, and such companies as Korda’s London Film Productions, Powell and Pressburger’s The Archers and Michael Balcon’s Gaumont-British.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2011

Reviews

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this topic has previously been covered by Destination London, nevertheless it is full of interesting information especially since it is written by a German Professor.
It is in 3 sections.The first deals with the period up till 1933,when there was a lot of exchange between film workers. The second 1933-1939 when there was a mass exodus of film workers. Finally 1939-1950,dealing with internment of emitted and their subsequent release and valued work in the film industry, and how many chose to stay in this country after the war.
Why the cover has a photo of Anna May Wong in Church Chin Chow is a bit of a mystery.