Dating to 1964, this episode of the David L. Wolper produced TV show “Men in Crisis” was directed by Alan Landsburg, and focuses on the struggle for power between Paul von Hindenburg and Adolf Hitler. It was one of 32 episodes of the ground-breaking non-fiction show. Hindenburg was a German general and statesman who led the Imperial German Army during WWI and later became President of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1934. During his presidency, he played a key role in the Nazi Machtergreifung in January 1933 when, under pressure from advisers, he appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany.

Opening: In 1933, people cheer President Paul von Hindenburg, a German general and statesman who commanded the Imperial German Army during World War I. Hindenburg walks down a street, on his way to hand over power to a younger upstart named Adolf Hitler. People rush to watch. The rivals, Hindenburg and Hitler, shake hands. Titles: MEN IN CRISIS (:09-1:34). Title: Climb to Power. 1931, Hindenburg is 84 and president. Hindenburg walks around. A picture of a young Paul Hindenburg. Out of retirement, in WW1 he wins Germany’s only clear cut victory at Tannenburg. He retires but Germany has problems. At the age of 78 and on the verge of senility, Hindenburg becomes president and the nation has economic recovery. A sign reads: “Germany Awake”. A swastika. The nationalists or “Nazis” are led by a former painter named Adolf Hitler. People cheer on the nazis. Hitler waves at a crowd of supporters (1:35-4:37). Nazis march and their band plays. A huge Nazi march. Hitler wants to destroy the government and take control of the nation. Nazis salute their leader. General Hindenburg is 83, pictures of him at elite social functions. September 1930, Adolf Hitler shakes hands with people and is a leader of the second most important political party in Germany. Hitler speaks with a few men. Hitler salutes as he walks. Hitler speaks with Hindenburg (4:38-7:50). Hitler walks down the stairs. In 1932 election, Hindenburg vs Hitler vie for the presidency. Newspapers and leaflets are thrown out at the people. People grab at the papers. Nazis throw our propaganda. Hindenburg gives a speech. Liberals and moderates speak on behave of Hindenburg (7:51-9:08). Hitler makes the same speech over and over again to crowds. Hitler makes a flying tour of Germany. Photos of Hitler shaking hands as he runs for office. Hitler shakes hands and looks respectable. Women are glad to see him. A large crowd turns out to see the Nazis, a swastika flag is in the crowd. Hitler inflames the people (9:09-12:01). Hitler drives in a car. Election day, lit up swastika. Crowds with candles. March 1932, Nazi troops help the sick and lame come and vote. People vote. Hindenburg is 85 and tired. The votes are counted and it is obvious that Hindenburg will win. An angry Hitler gets into a car, an angry crowd. People salute Hitler. Most Germans are happy for Hindenburg (12:02-14:40). Hindenburg looks old and frail. People salute him and wave their hats at him (14:41-15:23). Hitler reviews a letter. A train comes in, Nazis exit the train. They walk, salute, and hold flags. Nazis in trucks. Communist movement gains strength. Nazis march, some people try and attack them, chaos is breaking out. Fights erupt. Police intervene. Hindenburg is aware of the rioting (15:24-18:21). Nazis are the nations largest party. Hermann Wilhelm Göring is a German political and military leader as well as one of the most powerful figures in the Nazi Party. The Nazis control most seats in the Reichstag. Hindenburg knows this is a problem. Franz Von Papen is close to Hindenburg and was once Chancellor of Germany. An angry crowd mills about. Hitler exits a car. Von Papen invites Hitler to a meeting and is saluted (18:22-20:39). Hitler sits with Von Papen. Hitler can be chancellor but must abide to some stipulations. Von Papen thinks he can control Hitler. Hindenburg listens to Von Papen. Hindenburg works at his desk. Hindenburg shakes hands with Hitler. Hitler sits next to Hindenburg (20:40-22:14). Hindenburg turns to Hitler and shakes his hand in front of other officers. Nazi stormtroopers march in the streets. Hitler looks out of a window (22:15-23:22). August 1934, Paul Hindenburg dies. There are moments of silence. Troops march. Hitler attends the funeral of Hindenburg. He now has control of Germany. Swastika flags go up everywhere, as do pictures of Hitler. Hitler gives a speech, people cheer (23:23-25:24) End credits (25:25-26:19).

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