Please note: This was screened in
Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, the policy of the UK’s ruling Conservative Party was one of appeasement when it came to Nazi Germany.
As a consequence, the screenplay for Pastor Hall – based on the true story of German Protestant minister Martin Niemöller, who was persecuted by the Nazis – was rejected outright by the BBFC when submitted in early 1939. However, when war was declared later that year, the Board's policy shifted and Pastor Hall was rushed into production and released into cinemas in 1940.
When the quiet German village of Altdorf is taken over by an SS platoon which proceeds to enforce Hitler's ideals upon its inhabitants, a kindly pastor questions the agenda of ‘The New Order’ while members of his parish turn a blind eye to the insidious indoctrination.
Before long, he is punished for his vocal opposition and is sent to Dachau, where, despite the abuse and brutality which he suffers, he refuses to give in to the madness and inhumanity of National Socialism.
Pastor Hall has been restored by Powerhouse Films from a 4K scan of the nitrate duplicate negative, preserved at the BFI National Archive. Powerhouse Films publishes the Indicator series of Blu-rays and 4K UHDs, and, like Cinema Rediscovered, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.