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by Bert Granet
equal 500 marks. In order to legalize the illegal traffic, the United States Army has organized barter markets of its own. Here, American soldiers are permitted to trade in their food stuffs or cigarettes in possible exchange for some much wanted German item such as a camera, binoculars, Meissen China, etc.
OUR actual production shots required extras for the backgrounds, with no possibility of compensating them for their services. The situation solved itself in a unique manner. Since the Germans had no place to go and very little to do they willingly donated their services for the opportunity to appear in the picture.
Casting the bit parts presented more difficulties. Centers of acting talent were literally non-existent. Our only lead was a German production of "Mourning Becomes Electra" that was playing in Weisbaden under Army auspices. Fortunately there were several superb actors in the company. Our economic problems became a little more severe, cigarettes, after all, were ridiculously unfair payment for services of such value. One actor nervously inquired, "If it wasn't too much — could he have a pair of pants for his service?" The deal was consummated for a pair of the producer's pants. After turning in an excellent job, a day later he came pleading, "he had made a mistake, acted hastily, instead of the pants could he have a CARE package?" He was told he could have both. He became highly indignant, his reputation for never taking advantage of a producer was at stake ! Hollywood agents please note. It took a good deal of tact to make him take both items. While the actual value
of the CARE package and the pants seem insignificant, on the German market they were worth thousands of marks.
TENDING production help was ■*" another thing. After searching diligently we found several grips and electricians who had worked for UFA, now stationed at Heidelberg with a U.S.O. theatrical unit. Special work permits from the State of Hesse and the Army were required to permit them to travel from Heidelberg to Frankfurt. Fred Gronich, our Army Liaison man, had great foresight when he sent CARE packages to Europe to tempt them, since most jobs and the low rations are insufficient incentive to make the men want to work. The Germans have developed a barbed humor about their low caloried rations. A grip who had been carrying a heavy camera tersely commented, "Well, there goes my 1500 calories for today."
Relations with the United States Army were exceptional on this project. The calibre of the Army mind surprised us in more ways than one by their liberal attitude and exceptional tolerance. Their desire to have a democratic Germany against untold political obstacles is genuine. The people had seen their country cut up into four separate divisions with four different forms of nationalism thrown at them. The confused German has now reached the point where he is waiting for the best offer. Like every other nation in Europe it is hard to sell Germans the "American Way." The reason is simple — a normal psychosis takes place. Here is a rich Uncle, Sam by name ; if he contributes food and material for reconstruction, it never seems to be enough. If he doesn't respond over-generously in
every case he is miserly, inconsiderate, a sated ogre intent on dominating the world. The Army has gone to long odds to reeducate, reindoctrinate these people against the tremendous obstacles they face. Democracy, itself, is a problem to sell to the people of Europe. Its prime purpose is to permit people to function for themselves in their selection of leaders. Inactivity, due to dietary deficiency, various forms of incipient dictatorship, have caused a lassitude that makes Germans incapable of selecting government. The side that provides the easiest way out is the one that will eventually win Germany.
Interesting because of its current position in the news today is the trip on the "Berliner" from Frankfurt to Berlin. By now most are aware that Berlin is a "heart" island in the Russian zone. The city itself is quartered into four Allied sectors. Three of these sectors are serviced with supplies, food and rations at Russian discretion since the rail lines run through their zone. The highway and the forty mile International air lane are also subject to the whims of their transportation officers.
I > EFORE one proceeds to Berlin -*— ' from Frankfurt, military permits are again necessary. The travel orders are written in English and Russian, since occasionally, even preceding the current crisis, the Russians have halted the train for various reasons. This activity takes place in the one hundred and forty mile stretch between Helmstaadt and Berlin. In transit through the Russian zone the train carries a wireless car. This is the only source of communication that the United States Army maintains during the trip. This single
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The Screen Writer, May, 194t
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