Hitler Comedy No Laughing Matter for Germans [5min]

A new German movie about Adolf Hitler opened this week. It's the first mainstream German film to make fun of the Nazi leader. And while laughing at Hitler has been a successful form of comedy in the U.S. and Britain, it's been unusual -- if not taboo -- in Germany. As Mein Fuhrer, the Truly Truest Truth about Adolf Hitler begins, it's December 1944. Germany has all but lost World War II. Hitler is depressed and unable to do anything. His propaganda minister organizes a major New Year's Day speech for the Fuehrer to rally the nation, and pulls a Jewish actor out of a concentration camp to coach Hitler back to his former glory. Hitler is played by a beloved German comedian, and his Jewish coach by a well-respected actor. In the run-up to the opening of Mein Fuhrer, the German media was consumed with the question of whether it's OK to laugh at Hitler. Most critics have not been amused. Webpage includes extended report by Emily Harris.