The Berlin 1936 Games have been dubbed by some historians as the Nazi Olympics, but the political context of these Games is only one interesting historical detail. A less well-known dimension is how Adolf Hitler developed an extensive investment into cultural propaganda, such as initiating the Torch Relay, which is now a staple part of the Olympic programme. Also, Leni Riefenstahl’s Olympia became an iconic film, establishing a genre of sports documentary filmmaking.
Here’s a clip from Riefenstahl’s Olympia:
a little more historical context and footage from the time, which includes some footage of the relay as it enters the stadium
and the famous victory by Jesse Owens
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