Hitler: The Unknown Soldier 1914-1918 (2004): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2004, Hitler: The Unknown Soldier 1914-1918 is a documentary film directed by Stuart Russell, running about 80 minutes.

What it’s about. Adolf Hitler the fighting man is the subject of this engrossing feature, chronicling the future dictator’s combat experience as a foot soldier in World War I. Excerpts from Hitler’s letters from the front, recollections of regimental comrades, and evaluations by his officers offer a revealing portrait of a brooding, fearless loner who preferred battlefields to brothels, frontline service to home leave, and kept the men he frequently risked his life to protect at arm’s length. In a world of death, hardship, and discipline, Hitler sought comfort in the companionship of his English terrier, and in sketches and watercolors he rendered during lulls. It speculates on the influence wartime service exercised on his personal and political development, filling a critical gap for any sincere appraisal of Hitler’s psyche, motives, and subsequent actions.

Who’s in it. Hitler: The Unknown Soldier 1914-1918 stars Tom Wesel as Adolf Hitler, Ilse-Carola Salm as Anna Popp, John Hedges as Self - Narrator and Herbert Döhring as Self (archive footage), among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, Hitler: The Unknown Soldier 1914-1918 sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Hitler: The Unknown Soldier 1914-1918 page.

If you liked it. Fans of Hitler: The Unknown Soldier 1914-1918 tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.