Hollywood and Hitler

As Nazism took hold in Germany as early as 1933, Hollywood adopted an ambiguous stance. For diplomatic and economic reasons, studios altered scripts, cut sensitive scenes, and at times even consulted representatives of the Reich to preserve access to the German market.

Drawing on previously unseen archives and self-censored films, the documentary reveals an industry caught between ideals and compromise. At the heart of the story is Leon Lewis, a Jewish American lawyer who organized an undercover network to monitor Nazi activity in Los Angeles and warn Hollywood and Washington—often in vain.

Supported by historians’ analyses, the film raises pressing questions: what were people allowed to say? What did they choose to keep silent? And at what cost?

Directors & Writers : Clara Kuperberg & Julia Kuperberg
Production : Wichita Films
Producers : Clara Kuperberg & Julia Kuperberg
In association with : Kali Pictures
Co producer : Martine Melloul
Network : Histoire TV
Year : 2026
Distribution : ARTE Distribution
Running Time : 54 minutes

Casting

Steven J. Ross
Historian and author of Hitler in Los Angeles

Thomas Doherty
Author of Hollywood and Hitler 1933-1939

Tony Maietta
Film Historian