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This is a nostalgic and beautifully photographed look back at the year 1936 when, in Berlin's huge stadium, athletes from 51 nations competed in 142 events for Olympic honors. The documentary ties in well with the current Olympics, but it may be difficult to sell in some spots because of its age. The film has been edited to present the highlights of American victories at the Berlin Games, but there is an abundance of shots of events where Americans did not figure. The American winners' names are known to all - Jesse Owens, Glenn Morris, Ralph Metcalfe, Frank Wycoffe and Jack Parker, and they are seen in vibrant action. Showmen undoubtedly recognize the value of a timely documentary, but care should be taken to acquaint the audience that these are the 1936 and not the 1948 Games. The picture was photographed by some 600 cameramen and the results are overwhelming, especially in the Men's Diving event. Good action and character shots are interspersed throughout and the length of the film is just right. Bill Slater's commentary is brisk and informative. The best parts of this Westport-International film are the grueling Marathon and the Decathlon, in which Glenn Morris and two other Americans captured the three leading places.
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