Joseph Goebbels is finishing remarks, to the effect that we can still have a life, during a gathering of Nazi party officials, in a room somberly decorated as if commemorating a funeral (possibly that of Paul von Hindenburg, in 1934). Small pictures of Hindenburg and Hitler flank a large imposing painting of Hindenburg, over a mantle. All gathered join Goebbels in saluting and repeating "Heil" three times. Next, Adolf Hitler is seen, speaking and haranguing audiences in several different venues and circumstances. Politician Hitler, in civilian clothes, having been appointed Chancellor, stands with German President Paul von Hindenburg and Vice-Chancellor, Franz von Papen, in 1933. Hitler, in uniform, signs a document during a ceremony.
Still pictures and comments about three pioneers who stimulated international thinking about rocketry. The first shown is German, Hermann Ganswindt (1856-1934), who proposed using high explosives to propel aircraft. Next is Russian, Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky, AKA Ziolkowsky, (1857-1935), some of whose popular writings on the possiblilities of rocket propulsion are shown. Last is a picture and comments about Austro-Hungarian Hermann J Oberth (1894-1989) who developed the first theory of the liquid rocket. A copy of his original treatise is shown and then opened to its table of contents. Another of his books,"wege zur Raumschiffahrt" (Pathways to Space Travel) published in 1929, is shown and opened to its table of contents.
Slate refers to efforts to overcome problems with compressed powder rockets. A large crowd is gathered to watch a demonstration of a Zucker mail rocket. Gerhard Zucker walks ahead and left of Several uniformed Brown Shirts, AKA Nazi Stormtrooper (Sturmabteilung) as they carry a large rocket down some stairs at a beach. Uniformed Hitler youth (Hitlerjugend) are also seen in the crowd of spectators. A cinematographer sets up his camera on structure near the water. Next, the rocket is seen set upon its inclined launching stand as Zucker makes ready the four rockets on each side of the large mail carrier. Closeup of Zucker doing this as another person deposits mail through a door atop the rocket body. Scene shifts to the Wadden Sea off Cuxhaven,on April 9, 1933, where Zucker follows Nazi Stormtroopers carrying the mail rocket across wet sands. Spectators stand shoulder-to-shoulder atop a hill in the background.Zucker standing alone next to the rocket. He and an assistant ignite the 8 side rockets and the mail rocket takes off. But, instead of heading straight, it noses up and loops over backwards, falling to the sand. Stormtroopers lift up the damaged device. Later, Zucker is seen designing a launch with concentric guide rings. He made several attempts in 1934 and 1935, to convince British Royal Mail officials of the viability of rocket mail. He is seen in the last attempt on the Isle of Wight, in January, 1935, standing by his rocket, surrounded by English spectators. His launch stand with concentric rings is clearly seen. He places mail in the rocket body and drops it down through the rings on the launch stand, ignites it and it appears to take off smoothly.(It actually failed.) Views of Belgian Karl Roberti and his postal rocket. An American rocket carrying a line out to a boat needing rescue offshore.
A "Totenehrung" ceremony, honouring dead, held during the 6th Nazi Party Congress at Nuremberg, in 1934. The Luitpold Arena is seen filled with Nazi SA ( Sturmabteilung) and SS (Schutzstaffel) troops in precise formations, leaving only a wide pathway to the Ehrenhalle war memorial. Three figures are seen walking side-by-side along that path. View from behind guards standing at the Ahrenhalle, as the three persons approach. Three huge banners with swastikas are seen in the far background. Camera continues moving left, to behind a military band playing a slow dirge. Suddenly another camera from an elevated position, focuses upon the three persons approaching the Ehrenhalle. Soon they are recognizable, as Adolf Hitler, flanked by SS leader, Heinrich Himmler (in Black) and Viktor Lutze, head of the Sturmabteilung (SA). They pause on the terrace. From camera position, behind them a huge memorial wreath is seen on the terrace, as well as flames and smoke rising from open cauldrons, lining the Ehrenhalle terrace walls. Hitler, Himmler, and Lutze, all render Nazi salutes. Closeup of a stone swastika. The three principals turn and begin walking away from the Ehrenhalle, as soft strains of "Ich hatt' einen Kameraden" are heard. SA troops are seen with their banners tilted down, in salute to the fallen. The principal trio continue their walk along the path. The SA raise their banners, and a cadre of their buglers are seen as they sound in unison. Adolf Hitler stands at principal speaker's atop the main grandstand (Ehrentribüne) overlooking the scene. Units of SA begin to march towards and around the dais. Himmler seen on a lower dais to left of Hitler, and Lutze, likewise to his right. Huge Swastika banners form a backdrop. Spectators in a gallery above and behind the assembled troops. The marching continues, uninterrupted. Hitler standing with arms folded. Marchers snaking along as they reposition themselves closer to the speaker platforms. Closeup of Lutze, and of Hitler, with Rudolf Hess, close to his left. SS troops in black uniforms, begin to march, starting with their band. Glimpse of Himmler at their head. View from high above the field, shows the SS troops formed up in the walkway, their black uniforms contrasting with the white of the path. Closeups of the largest swastika banners and of German eagle sculptures. Buglers sound a call. Closeup of Lutze, saluting and presenting the SA troops to Hitler. He and they render three "Sieg Heils." Hitler speaks, and is hailed. Closeup of Hitler speaking. Glimpse of SS troops, now filling the pathway in front of the dais. Views of the entire scene from various locations as Hitler is speaking. More hails from the assemblage. Hitler concludes his remarks with a "sieg heil," and the troops respond. SA gunners commence firing an artillery field piece, as Hitler walks among SS units, shaking hands with their leaders. He does the same with SA troops and leaders.
Events following meeting of Sixth Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg in 1934. A Hitler Youth rally on the parade ground. Men blow trumpets and beat drums. Shows Fuhrer Adolf Hitler, Hitler-Jugend (HJ, Hitler Youth) Baldur von Schirach and other German officials arriving to review the parade. Hitler and other officials give Nazi salute to rally. Baldur von Schirach and Hitler address the Hitler Youth rally. Men in rally cheer and give Nazi salute to Hitler. (From a U.S. government-edited version of production "Triumph of the Will" with World War 2 period English audio narration and commentary added.)
Events at the meeting of the Sixth Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg in 1934. Fuhrer Hitler delivers a speech to German political leaders in torchlight. Men beat drums. German troops march headed by flag bearers. Hitler gives Nazi salute to the marching troops and delivers a speech. He welcomes the 2000 men present there. Men cheer him. Hitler speaks into a microphone. (From a U.S. government-edited version of production "Triumph of the Will" with World War 2 period English audio narration and commentary added.)