O Judeu Suss

Conceived by Joseph Goebbels after the success of the British film, Power (1934), Veit Harlan's anti-Semitic magnum opus portrays quasi-historical events, as the Grand Duke, Karl Alexander, takes an oath to obey the constitution and the Swabian people of the peaceful Christian Duchy of Wurttemberg. However, shortly after his coronation, the Duke accepts the help of the astute court Jew, Joseph Suss Oppenheimer, allowing him, unknowingly, to worm his way into an enviable position of authority as the palace's chief financial adviser. Little by little--as the cynical opportunist sows the seeds of fear through an elaborate system of customs duties, bridge tolls, and heavy taxes--the once-untroubled land is plunged into recession, despair, and, ultimately, rebellion. Is there a limit on the corrupt arriviste's rapacious ambition?