Educational Media Reviews Online

The twentieth century saw global war and the rise and fall of totalitarian states, in which the lives of millions were dominated by a handful of men. Two leaders during this period, Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin, emerged from the chaos of the First World War, to rule their respective countries, and in a larger sense, these two men determined the fates of the world during the remainder of the century.

Blakeway Associates has produced a video documentary describing the lives of Hitler and Stalin, and showing the parallels between the two men. Both men grew up in violent families, had hard fathers, and loved their mothers. Both became self-sufficient, trusting few, and found their calling during the trials of World War I.

The video provides biographies of the early lives of each man, and develops a character study of their upbringing, including many details not brought out by other resources. For example, Stalin originally studied for the priesthood, then during the upheavals of the pre-revolution period in Russia, he became a criminal and embraced communism as a means to take charge of the political situation in Russia.

Hitler wanted to become an artist, despite his father's disapproval. He wandered through his early years unsuccessfully trying to make a name in art, and when Germany went to war, the young artist enlisted in the army, where he gained the focus that would drive him for the rest of his life. Hitler's experiences in the desperate trench fighting and the horrors of war (he survived being gassed and wounded several times) convinced him that the German State would need to fight to survive. He also gained an intense fear of communism.

Josef Stalin tried to enlist to fight in World War I but was unable to because of his physical condition, and so he went into politics. The ravages of war and the political turmoil in Imperial Russia, hardened Stalin and directed his life down the path toward totalitarianism.

When the war ended, Hitler was a highly-decorated corporal with a cause, but without a job, while Stalin began his rise in the ranks of the Communist Party in the newly-formed Soviet Union.

Hitler and Stalin: Twin Tyrants is rich in original photographs, film clips, and artwork including some of Hitler's watercolors and drawings. Anecdotes by relatives and others (Kira Alliluyeva, Stalin's niece and Wolf Rudiger Hess, son of Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess), quotes by Hitler and Stalin, and comments by historians (German, Russian, and other), add emphasis to the narration. The intensive use of visuals is a strong feature of this production.

Overall, the tape is good. The sound quality on the review sample was less than adequate, but other portions of the production are very good. The script is well written and the narration is clearly understood. The material is presented in a well-organized fashion and the comparisons between the two men are a bit striking.

This video is appropriate for high school, college, and adult learners. It is useful for those studying history, political science, and twentieth century international relations.