One off period drama The Man Who Crossed Hitler tells the ultimately heartbreaking story of Jewish lawyer Hans Litten who in 1931 put Adolf Hitler in the witness box and paid the price with his life.
With Germany on the brink of collapse and Berlin little more than a paramilitary enclave Hans Litten decides to bring a group of Nazi thugs to try and expose the real nature of not just the whole Nazi party but in particular one of it’s prime movers Adolf Hitler.
When Hitler took the stand he had to outline his political beliefs and and explain his reasonings behind wanting to see an end to German democracy, it was a major loss of face for Hitler and he made sure that Litten would eventually get his come uppance for making such a stand against him.
Ed Stoppard of Upstairs Downstairs acclaim takes the lead as Litten and the always watchable Ian Hart takes on the role of Hitler.
production details
UK / BBC Two / 1×85 minute episode / Broadcast 28 August 2011
Writer: Mark Hayhurst / Producer: Susan Horth / Director: Justin Hardy
cast
Ed Stoppard as Hans Litten
Ian Hart as Adolf Hitler
Bill Paterson as Judge Kurt Ohnesorge
Anton Lesser as Rudolf Olden
John Hollingsworth as Mr Furst
Sarah Smart as Mrs Furst
Ruth McCabe as Han’s Mother
