Das Mädchen Johanna

De Franse patroonheilige in het hart van nationaalsocialistisch Duitsland

Samenvatting

On 26 April 1935 the historical drama film Das Mädchen Johanna (Joan of Arc) premiered in Berlin. The movie was of top-notch production, starring many famous actors. It stood out because its protagonist was a heroic female character and her antagonist a devious male figure. And, more importantly, because it translated a traditional French story for a German audience. The story was adapted to fit within the National Socialist framework. Therefore it underlined the myth that Nazi Germany was the heir to Europe and all of its culture. As for many German films at that time, it is also to be understood as a moral guide for men and especially women. It taught women that they should be assertive, but only within the boundaries set by a predominantly male-oriented National Socialist society. The film also showed what was to be perceived as good and bad leadership.