The rise of National Socialism in Germany and Hitler’s anti-semitic policies and advocation of the superiority of the Aryan race resulted in several calls for a boycott of the games. Against this political backdrop, Jesse Owens’ haul of four gold medals is all the more significant. For a black athlete to demonstrate clearly his superior athleticism and so convincingly outperform his white counterparts was a massive slap in the face for Hitler and made a mockery of his racist theories during his Nazi showpiece games. Standing in the box at the Olympiastadion where Hitler sat to watch the games, Jesse Owens tells with pride that the flag of the US team was the only one not to be dipped as the athletes passed the Führer. (andberlin.com)
Credits
Jesse Owens Returns to Berlin Cast
| Name |
Character |
|
Jesse Owens
He was 52, 66 years old when he died
|
as Host / Narrator |
Jesse Owens Returns to Berlin Crew
| Name |
Department |
|
Bud Greenspan as Director. He was 39 (84) years old when He died
|
Directing |
|
Bud Greenspan as Writer. He was 39 (84) years old when He died
|
Writing |