“Jud Süß” is often credited as the single film most responsible for the Holocaust. This vile anti-Semitic propaganda picture helped to turn the German public against the Jews. Excluding its objectionable messages, the film is average at best yet it remains an important party of 20th century history. This picture was also a big success when it was released in Germany with tens of millions purchasing tickets.

In this film, we are given a rather historically inaccurate account of the life of Joseph Süß Oppenheimer (Ferdinand Marian “Uncle Kruger”), a Jewish man that becomes the treasurer for the Duke of Württemberg. Through manipulation, Oppenheimer tightens his hold over the corrupt leader. This rather despicable picture depicts the Jews exploiting the goyim for financial gain as they erode the lives of those around them.

Ferdinand Marian apparently declined the role of Oppenheimer at first but was later threatened by the Nazis. Oppenheimer is portrayed as a scheming man out to secure a profit for himself. This ugly representation of Jews is not dissimilar from the versions seen in propaganda from more recent fascist, socialist and Islamic extremists. Many of the other characters are presented here as patriotic Germans out to protect their constitutional rights from the Jews.

Like “The Triumph of the Will”, it’s very clear to me that the Nazis were masters of propaganda and they knew the power of images. However, while “The Triumph of the Will” was incredible from a technical point of view, “Jud Süß” does not appear to be anywhere near as well made. Perhaps no film has ever served the forces of evil with as much success as “Jud Süß” and I doubt if another ever will. I think it is important for people to see it so that we cannot only understand the history of anti-Semitism but so that we may have a better view of the current poison being pumped out by extremists around the globe.