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I
Together
After a lifetime of stardom together in Germany, the Bassermans abruptly left that country in the middle of a successful stage engagement because of one shocking, frightening insult
KOLMA FLAKE
| One evening in 1933, a limousine drew up to the Hof Theatre in Berlin and deposited a distinguished couple. The crowd, gathered in front of the theatre, cheered, for they were great favorites. Smiling, they looked up at the lighted marquee. There they saw spelled out in the electric globes a drastic change in their lives. They walked steadily into the theatre, gave an inspired performance and then hurried to pack a few possessions. A few hours later, Albert Basserman, his wife, Elsa Schiff, and their daughter, Carmen, were speeding on their way to Vienna.
What had the lights spelled out?
Zealous Nazi officials had ordered the removal of Elsa Schiff 's name as co-star of the play. Elsa Schiff had been born the daughter of a Jew.
Albert Basserman and Elsa Schiff had appeared together on German-speaking stages throughout Europe for a quarter of a century. Albert Basserman's name was a legend in the German theatre. For fifty years he had been known as the greatest actor of his time. To him belonged the noted Iffling ring which, for
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Right, Albert Basserman with his wife, Elsa Schiff, in a scene with Robert Taylor from Escape, exciting tale of flight from Nazi Germany. Left, the Bassermans exchange happy smiles in front of their home in Hollywood to celebrate a long-sought security from Nazi beliefs
more than a century, has been awarded to the best European actor of each generation. Equally legendary was the devotion of Basserman to his charming actress-wife, Elsa Schiff, but her fame did not prevent the removal of her name from the Marquee.
The ministry of propaganda, learning of their flight, pleaded with Albert Basserman to return. Goebbels offered many inducements and promised all consideration for Mrs. Basserman. But Albert Basserman by this time had realized he could not compromise with his beliefs any longer.
Albert and Elsa Basserman appeared together again on the Viennese stages until 1938 when Hitler's troops marched
into Austria. This time the couple fled to Switzerland, but their thoughts turned toward the United States where many of their friends had already gone.
They wrote to their friend, Ernst Lubitsch, for advice. He immediately replied, encouraging them to come to America. Other friends already in America included William Dieterle, noted motion picture director; Henry Blanke, Warner Brothers' producer; and Max Reinhardt.
In April of 1939, the Bassermans left Europe. A few months later, Mr. Basserman scored a distinct hit in the role of Dr. Robert Koch in the Warner Brothers' production, Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet. Not only the critics heralded the man who had brought alive the great scientist in a few brief scenes — taxi drivers, stenographers, housewives and professional men talked of him.
But the Bassermans' difficulties were not yet over. Unknowingly, Albert Basserman had violated a clause in his entry permit. Because he had engaged in remunerative labor, he faced deportation. [Continued on page 47]