Hitler's hidden drug habit.

Date:
2014
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About this work

Description

This programme is about the relationship between Hilter and his doctor Theodor Morell. Newly discovered footage and archive materials show the decline of Hitler’s health throughout the Second World War and the part that his physician played in that. Bill Panagopulos, a trader in Second World War memorabilia, discusses a dossier compiled by US military intelligence in 1945 which evaluates Hitler’s state of health. Professor Sir Richard Evans, an expert on the history of the Third Reich, visits the surgery where Morell had his private practice and where he offered discreet medical aid to Berlin’s rich and famous. Morell was appointed as Hitler’s personal physician after suggesting a possible cure for a digestive ailment. Historian Dr Henrik Eberle visits the German National Archives to study the journals of Morell in which he describes the illnesses of Hitler and the medicines he administered. Dr Sarah Bailey and Professor Roland Jones from University of Bath discuss the various drugs taken by Hitler and their effects. Historian Tim Ryback visits the ruins of Hitler’s mountain retreat in Southern Germany where much footage was taken by Eva Braun showing the importance of Morell in Hitler’s private life. In 1943 as war turned against Hitler and his health deteriorated, Morell prescribed more and harder drugs. Journals studied by Dr James M Wilson from the Texas Heart Institute shows evidence that there was something wrong with Hitler’s heart. Propaganda footage shows Hitler unharmed after an assassination attempt in 1944 but Morell’s journals say otherwise. Hitler became more dependant on Morell and the drugs that he was administering. Neurologist Dr Tom Hutton reveals from the last film footage of Hitler that he had a pronounced tremor of the hand suggesting that he had Parkinson’s Disease.

Publication/Creation

UK : Channel 4, 2014.

Physical description

1 DVD (46:39 min) : sound., color, PAL

Copyright note

Waddell Media

Notes

Broadcast on 19 October, 2014

Creator/production credits

Produced and directed by Chris Durlacher.

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    5408D

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