Olympia: Part One – Festival of the Nations

Overview

Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. This first half of her two-part film opens with a renowned introduction that compares modern Olympians to classical Greek heroes, then goes on to provide thrilling in-the-moment coverage of some of the games' most celebrated moments, including African-American athlete Jesse Owens winning a then-unprecedented four gold medals.

Top Cast

David Albritton

Self - High Jump, USA (uncredited)

Arvo Askola

Self - 10000 Metres, Finland (uncredited)

Jack Beresford

Self - Carries British Flag (uncredited)

Erwin Blask

Self - Hammer Throw, Germany (uncredited)

Sulo Bärlund

Self - Shot Put, Finland (uncredited)