Olympia Collection
2 movies · 1938
The Olympia Collection comprises two films created in 1938, commissioned to document the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany. Initially intended as propaganda, the collection presents a celebration of the human form through extensive coverage of the athletic competitions. The two films together offer a total runtime of 231 minutes and a budget of 1,100,000. Olympia - Fest der Völker and Olympia - Fest der Schönheit provide distinct perspectives on the games. The first film captures the opening ceremony and follows key moments of the competition, including the achievements of African-American athlete Jesse Owens. The second film focuses on individual athletes across various disciplines, culminating in American Glenn Morris's performance in the decathlon and the closing ceremonies. The collection’s production spanned a single year, 1938, with a total revenue of zero. The two films within the Olympia Collection have individual IMDb ratings of 7.7 and 7.6, respectively.
Franchise cast
Adolf HitlerSelf (uncredited)
Hermann GöringSelf - Spectator (uncredited)
Joseph GoebbelsSelf - Spectator (uncredited)
Rudolf HessSelf - Stands with Hitler (uncredited)Wilhelm FrickSelf - Spectator (uncredited)Glenn CunninghamSelf (uncredited)
Jack BeresfordSelf - Carries British Flag (uncredited)Cornelius JohnsonSelf - High Jump Winner (uncredited)Heinz HermanGerman Flag Carrier (uncredited)All movies in chronological order
Olympia Part One: Festival of the NationsSet during the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, Leni Riefenstahl’s documentary is a visually striking look at human athleticism. Originally intended as propaganda, the film became a celebration of the human body's beauty and strength. It begins with a memorable scene that connects the modern Olympics to ancient Greek athletics, emphasizing the enduring quality of athletic achievement. The film then presents captivating footage from numerous competitions, notably the remarkable success of African-American athlete Jesse Owens, who won an unprecedented four gold medals. Riefenstahl’s exceptional cinematography and admiration for the artistry of sport create a compelling and lasting impression.1.9Stream on
Olympia Part Two: Festival of BeautyIn 1936, German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl was commissioned to film the Olympic Games in Berlin. The two-part documentary, *Festival of the Nations* and *The Festival of Beauty*, offers a detailed look at the athletes and the human body on display during this international event.
*Festival of the Nations* highlights the global participation in the games, while *The Festival of Beauty* focuses on individual athletes competing in events like equestrian sports, gymnastics, and swimming. The film features compelling performances, including that of American Glenn Morris in the decathlon, and concludes with a powerful depiction of the Olympic closing ceremonies. Through Riefenstahl's camera, *The Festival of Beauty* presents a celebration of human accomplishment, beauty, and unity.0.1Stream on
