Blackened Skies

[JohannaK]

So much for "peace in East Asia", hefty hypocrites of the Imperial Court.

 

[JohannaK]

The Han Republic increases its mobilisation to 70%

The remaining members of the Qing imperial family will be transferred to a secure location deep in the mountains of Zhejiang.

 

[JohannaK]

Address to the Nation from President Li Zhuten:

People of China! Today, the Han people are again the victims of foreign aggression. Waving flags of truce and claiming to want only peace, the servile mindslaves of the repugnant Russian Emperor offered, in exchange for an ancestral piece of Chinese land, a ‘compensation’ so meagre that it only added insult to injury. This injury is the outrageous threat that, should these scraps not even worthy of dogs not be accepted, Russia would declare war on this peaceful Republic, whose existence has been marked by strife at every turn in self-defence and for the cause of union of the Han people.

However, that is not the full extent of their villainy, for as we were engaged in this mockery of diplomacy, even as we sat together to discuss their joke of terms, their duplicitousness became evident. They have, dear people, assured the hateful criminals in K’unming of help and recognition. Such is the evil intent of this pseudo-nation, which is nothing but a continent-sized chain that binds all its peoples together in servitude to the Imperial tyrant, that they sought to maintain against us a second front as they machinated for the existence of the first one.

This is also a call to Europe and America. A call to all civilised nations everywhere to realise that the true enemy lies not in Frankfurt, or London, or Washington, but in Sankt Peterburg. Much as it is an address to the people to let them know of our fortitude and decisiveness of action in these more dire of times, it is a shout to the world, to call for an end to the impunity of the Russian rascals in Europe and Asia alike. It is China today, India tomorrow, and Japan on the next.

As I speak to you, our men are loading onto trains all along the Guangxi border and everywhere in China, north and west bound. Immediately upon the declaration of war, War Plan Xióng (Bear) has been activated and frantic work begins now to finish the defences that will stop the vile Imperialists dead on their tracks. We shall not only survive, but vanquish the arrogant men from the frozen steppes of the West. The Republic shall prevail.

 

[Nuka-sama]

From The Trieste Pact
To Romania

Very well then. If you are unwilling to aid with the entire pact's struggle, we are quite happy to leave you to the Turkish invader. We hope you enjoy their benevolent occupation policies. We can liberate you after you've learned that lesson.

 

[christos200]

War in China​

- Gerlach Trautmann, Generalissimo of the Russian Army
​

Gerlach Trautmann now has a chance to prove his skills. Well known for his literacy work and his military abilities, he was the one who led the Russian invasion of Xinjiang. But that invasion was a military walk, as there was hardly any resistance. So, despite his victory, Gerlach Trautmann felt somewhat disappointed as he did not had the chance to display his military genius. But now, with the war against the Han Republic going on, he has a chance to defeat a major enemy and make his name. If he manages to defeat the Han Republic, he hopes that his name will go down in history along with that of other great military leaders.

The cold and calculating Prussian General has been drilling the Russian soldiers in the Sino-Russian border and has made sure that his staff is made up by the brightest military officers of Russia. He has also called a Russian Film Studio (the "Imperial Productions") to film the drills of the Russian soldiers and himself and his staff officers. The reason for it is because he wants to produce propaganda films to bolster the Russian morale. He knows that war is won not only by guns and strategy, but also by high morale and support for the war.

Gerlach Trautmann has also began writing a book titled "War in China" which will detail his victory in China. The first chapters, which he has completed, focus on the causes of the war, the condition of the Russian troops and his military strategy to defeat the Han Republic. Of course, the book will be published only after the victorious end of the war. Gerlach Trautmann knows how to exploit his successes and being already a celebrity figure in Russia, this book will surely become a best seller.

 

[Nuka-sama]

Which country is the Oaxaca Commune? Is it the red blob dominating the southern half of Mexico? I want to join Blackened Skies as them. Is that permissible?

Sorry didn't see this, yes it is and yes you can! Welcome aboard! I'd recommend speaking with Grandkhan, who is your neighbor to the north.

 

[christos200]

Russia mobilizes to 55%.

 

[JohannaK]

The Russian commander shouldn't be so prideful, lest his patently inferior forces fail to succeed.

 

[Grandkhan]

Excellent update guys!

IC:

LET THE RULING CLASSES TREMBLE!

The forces of Repression and Capital assemble against the Anarchist Cause! They know that we pose a threat, and that titan of repression, that beacon of illiberal democracy, the United States and its pliant stooges in Sonora sends their minions to enforce terror upon the People! But the Anarchist Cause can not be halted - the more people they slay, the more willing hands take up rifles against them!

Raise high the black flag, and let death come to the enemies of the People!

 

[Decamper]

From: France
To: The Trieste Pact

France declines your offer. While dealing with the Turk is up to you, it is not in France's interest to become involved.

As for Austria, France does not believe a fully fledged European war is in anyone's best interest. Spilling blood will not prop up a failed state.

France will remain committed to European peace, and suggests the members of the Trieste Pact do so as well.

 

[tobiisagoodboy]

From : Romania
To: The Trieste Pact

Thank you for showing how much you are commited to the cause. His majesty the king of Romania, declares that any Pact soldier, trying to enter the country will be shoot on sight and that we from now on support the German cause in Austria.

 

[Masada]

Romania just killed itself... sigh.

 

[Robert Can't]

Transcript of an interview on a respectable Radio Station

24th March 1933: 18:30 GMT

Wells: Good evening all, its me Anthony Wells of UKPR bringing you an exciting interview with one of the most controversial figures in Lords and most powerful men in India. It is Governor-General Herbert Layton The Viscount Trevelyan. Before I invite him in here I'll just tell you a bit about the history of this man and why he has in the past few years been of increasing importance in the internal politics of the British Empire.

Herbert Layton was born in 1882 at his family home in Westmorland to Henry Layton the fourth Viscount Trevelyan and Eleanor Layton, daughter of the then Prime Minister. Herbert read Theology at University College, Durham and became president of the Union Society. After graduation he acquired a job in the Colonial Office serving in the British Raj. in 1908 Henry Layton died and Herbert took up his position in Lords as the Viscount Trevelyan. He quickly took to politics and specifically found himself involved with issues related to India. He sat on the Ecclesiastical committee and later became chair of the cross party parliamentary committee for India. By 1917 he found himself as a cabinet minister - Secretary of State for India. He continued to be the main driving force for the continuation of the Civilizing Mission and under Henry Law's Government Trevelyan was appointed to the position of Governor-General of India.

Since rising to the position he has guided the India Office in the continued expansion of Indian Railways and more recently he has begun his controversial policy of English schooling for all peoples of India. Perhaps more controversially though he continues to speak out against the Black-North government as a member of the Conservative party. It was expected by many that he would be replaced after the new government took power however perhaps due to his popularity amongst the Indian Bureaucracy and general populace he remains at the helm of the Raj.

Ladies and Gentlemen it gives me great pride to introduce to tonight program the Viscount Trevelyan.

Trevelyan: Many thanks Anthony, but please call me Herbert.

Wells: Its a pleasure to have you here in England Herbert, so would you like to tell us what're your doing for this brief visit to your homeland.

Trevelyan: That's very kind of you Anthony, I'm here in London in my capacity as a member of Lords. There was a recent vote on the budget that I felt the need to put my opinion forward on.

Wells: I suppose its worth noting here that once again there were too few members of Lords in cambers for any veto to be made of the PM's latest budget, would you care to comment on this?

Trevelyan: Its clear that this isn't the Britain that I was born into. The authority of Commons has been eroded by the government and the Lords all hide scared in their homes. I'd say this certainly has something to do with the Fascist cretins and their SSS. It is my belief that many are scared to come out in opposition of the government for fear of retaliation from these brutes.

Wells: So what is your opinion on the recent actions of the Queen in regards to bringing justice for the Night of the Crown’s Hounds?

Trevelyan: It is my belief, Anthony, that Her Majesty has taken a step in the right direction here. Yes there are constitutional worries that this raises but she has taken a stand for justice. As a most loyal servant of her majesty I would be unopposed to more royal intervention in parliament especially since the government stripped commons of its powers.

Let us not forget that last time the parliament was stripped of its powers a monarch's head ended up being chopped off and civil war plagued the country for years. I would not want to see that happen but as long as people are silent in their opposition to this government they will slowly chip away at what once made our nation the greatest force on this planet.

Wells: You've always been known to say that you consider the Civil service, specifically in India, some of the Crown's most loyal servants but if they are starting to come into conflict with Westminster that raises many questions about the nature of their loyalties. What in this day and age does it mean for the civil service to be loyal to the Crown and the Empire?

Trevelyan: Somehow I'm guessing that this question is directed not just as the Civil servants I represent but also directly at me, am I right Anthony?

Wells: Well I was perhaps trying to subtly imply that yes. As many people these days are calling you disloyal as are calling you loyal.

Trevelyan: Well, let me put it this way, The first duty of any servant of the Crown is to the Crown. Her Majesty's Government may represent and advise the crown but at the end of the day they are not Her Majesty only her servants as are we all. The second duty must be to the Empire. Our nation is more than just these British Isles, it is in Africa, India, Australasia and all the territories throughout the world. And we have a duty, not just to the maintenance of Empire but also to the peoples of that Empire. We must continue the civilising mission. We have a duty to elevate the lives of the subjects of the Crown, an important duty. Third I would say is loyalty to God and the church. Government follows all those three things and in the matters which I am declared disloyal I am just prioritising my loyalty to the Crown, the Empire and the Church.

Wells: Thank you Herbert, I for one was always on your side of thing.

Trevelyan: That's flattering Anthony but perhaps not the sort of bias that UKPR should be showing.

Wells: Maybe not. That last answer does lead us on nicely to another question though. You talk of the continuing Civilising Mission, what can you tell us about your continued operations to support English Schooling in India?

Trevelyan: We in the Colonial Administration are absolutely committed to this policy. In the near future we are going to clap down on some illegal activities of landowners who are not allowing peasant children to access schools and we intend to continue to work with the Indian aristocracy to hear their wishes in regards to this situation. We are considering some hybrid language Public Schools as opposed to the English language state schools. However we will be brining in measures to transition or close down any schools that do not operate within our standards. We also hope to be offering some long term incentives that at the moment I can't share much information about.

Wells: There have been rumours of negotiations for expanding voting rights to those who have attended English language schools. Is this going to be introduced? Does it mean that India will be gaining representation in commons?

Trevelyan: You may well suspect that but I couldn't possibly comment at this time.

Wells: Understandable, now its now a year on from the declaration you made in Colombo and it has been reported that there has been an influx of old money conservatives and liberal thinkers to India since that declaration some even say that Colombo is the new America, a haven for dissidents and free thinkers. How much influence have you had in this development?

Trevelyan: The Colonial Administration has not had any policy designed to lead to such an end however it is clear to see that this is a response to what they're calling Night of the Crown’s Hounds. I will however say now that such events will not be tolerated in India. India is a safe place for all peoples to reside no matte their political views.

Wells: Have you felt any fear of violence against yourself since you arrived in England last week?

Trevelyan: No, I have not. Though I am aware of the threat that groups such as the SSS pose to my person and other opposition speakers I will not give in to intimidation. This is my country and I am a Peer of the realm, I will not be bullied into not attending Parliament as is my right as a Peer.

Wells: A quick question before we have to go, what is your view on the conflict between the Russians and Chinese?

Trevelyan: I wish the best to the peoples of China, this is not a conflict that I feel will be easily resolved but I feel that Russia doesn't know what its doing here. The balance of power in East Asia has yet to settle and I feel that Russia is stirring a pot that needs to rest.

Wells: Well that may be all we have time for tonight, It was a please to have you here.

Trevelyan: And as always a pleasure to speak with you Anthony. I wish you the best of health and the same for all the people of our country.

Wells: Well, that was Herbert Layton the Viscount Trevelyan. Next on the program we will be taking a deeper look at the Russia-China conflict.

 

[tobiisagoodboy]

Informations about Romania (Should have done this some time ago)

King Michael of Romania (Not the Michael from WW2)

Spoiler :

King Michael with his youngest son

Michael was born in the year 1890 and was from the very beginning educated and trained to one day become Romanias king. He proved to be a talented military commander earned the officer corps respect with his skills.
Originally a rather conservative man, his progressive wife, a young noble woman from an exiled german family, changed his political views.
He became King in 1928 and has since then tried to reform his nation, against much opposition.
He is a rationalist, while he doesn't like socialists, he is able to work with them if he needs to. He is also famous for his strong stance against anit-semitism and his pro-minority opinions. and is not very popular amogst the Fascists and Ultra-nationalists.
He is neither a republican nor an Imperialists, he believes that a monarch is needed to guide and unite a nation, but should not place himself above the people.
He is very popular with the rural population and the army.


The Royal Guard

Spoiler :

Parade Uniform

Nickname "Michaels boys". The Royal guard is an elite formation within the Royal Romanian Army. Originally nothing more than an ceremonial battalion with fancy uniforms, Michael turned the Royal Guard into a well equipped division-sized formation.
They are absolutly loyal to the King and often act as his personal army and police.
They are also the best equipped unit of the Romanian Army, they test new and exotic equipment and try out new tactics. Within a few years they gained a very good reputation within the army and only the presence of a few Royal Guardists can raise the moral of a whole division.


OCC: King Michael is slightly based on Frederick III, the second german emperor, who sadly died 99 days after his crownation. he is also the man on the picture.

 

[Nuka-sama]

Korea mobilizes to 60%

Iran mobilizes to 40%

 

[JohannaK]

The Han Republic would like to reassure the Korean government that no troops will trespass sovereign Korean territory and, on the other hand, encourages it to denounce the Russian regime.

*************

On the varnished redwood table, eight manila envelopes laid perfectly aligned with each chair, and the people on them. Although they all wore a Zhuten suit, the colour and style signalled these men’s positions. At one head of the table, a scrawny, old but earnest, severe man in light green attire and silver-rim spectacles looked at the dossier that had been in his now open Manila envelope. His dress, unlike everyone else’s, has red at the rim of every button, pocket, flap and collar. This was the President himself, Li Zhuten. He was here as a gesture of protocol only. Opposite from him was the Army Chief of Staff and Supreme Commander Hu Diao of the Republican Army. His dress was a sandy yellow, and a regalia of ribbons and medals hung from his right pocket. Although he was theoretically subordinate to Zhuten, his broad presence is what kept the Republic united. His spiky moustache and feline eyes had earned him a nickname as “The Tiger of China”, surely compounded by the fame of his feats on the battlefield. To his sides, left and right, Head Admiral Zhu Peifu wore a blue version of the suit, and Air Marshal Sun Zhongrao the gray. The other four men, all in the sandy yellow uniform, were the warlords of different statures that had coalesced in defence of the Republic and prevailed.

A tenuous illumination kept their aides, sitting behind their superiors on chairs by the wall, in the shadows. President Zhuten finished his reading, left the dossier on its enveloped and looked over his glasses at Diao. At a nod of his, the other six men opened their envelopes and read the last version of War Plan Xióng. Most of them were familiar with it. Peifu and Zhongrao in particular had been active participants in its inception and preparation, and had been extensively consulted over every modification, but still they read it once more. President Zhuten, in turn, examined their faces and their hands, one by one, as sweat slipped and fingers tapped. Eventually, they were all finished, dropped the dossier and stared nervously at each other. Their men were rolling across the country to their designated deployment spots. Planes and ships were being refuelled and resupplied for the first sorties, and munitions exhaustively inventoried by logistic company clerks. The world was in a frenzy as they sat back in silence, until silence was broken.

“What is not written here, but should be obvious, is that we will face very stiff resistance.” Let out Diao, rather matter-of-factly. “Whether scouting confirms the reports or not, we should be ready for the worst. Only then can we overcome it.”

“What worries me”, interrupted one of the warlords, “is the sheer breadth of the plan. Not to mention the magnitude of these operations. If they attack first-“

“That is foreseen”, cut him Diao.

“Yes, but there is no plan after that.”

“The plan is to go on with the plan. Our primary objective does not change.”

“I understand its importance, but if the offensive were to fail… I’m not sure we can hold the line across the whole front. These distances…”

“Excuse me, gentlemen.” Everybody turned to the President, whose eyes moved fluidly, decidedly and slowly from man to man. “We cannot doubt now. I will do everything in my hand, and I expect you to do no less, for the survival of the Republic and myself. I understand that some of you have the reverse priority. The fact is, if we lose, we all lose. I expect that you will do everything human and inhumanly possible for the Republic, and I will do everything human and inhumanly impossible to make your job easier.”

None of them having expected the President to open his lips, they all now looked at him with a mix of suspicion, confusion, and reassuredness. Only Hu Diao looked straight at him with the same fierce stare that the President had locked on him, and without either of them moving, he slammed his palm of the precious table.

“Gentlemen! We have a war to win! Your aides have been given the codebooks and the radio frequencies for your communications teams, and all is ready for you at the pre-established command positions.” Yelled, almost barked, the imposing General. His stare was still locked with Zhuten’s. “For the Republic!” Six echoes repeated his last three words before getting lost at the other side of the door.

 

[Crezth]

The Trieste Pact makes the following propaganda announcement in condemnation of the global forces of socialism and fascism:

We stand together. From time immemorial, the Christian nations of this world have been led according to principles that are time-tested and true; and where leaders have strayed from this path, perdition followed. In this modern age, we have born witness to a number of injustices that have strained our very character as people and citizens of civilization. The conflagration of only a decade prior now admits the promise of destruction as the ugly prospect of international war rears over us.

The German Union, by all accounts a polity forged by the flames of Hell itself, seeks now to spread its devil's wings and sink its hateful talons into the Austrian nation, with spiteful eyes no doubt looming over its many remaining neighbors. Their invasion of Austria-Bohemia and the concurrent and ongoing occupation of the sovereign Kingdom of Bulgaria speaks to us of a Conspiracy against civilization itself - what they call "capitalism," which we know to be the engine of prosperity in this world. Yes, Bulgaria is but the first victim in this wave of new crime, a wave perpetrated by the world's socialists and their mask-wearing allies in Istanbul. Make no mistake: we see the Turkish and German adventures as one and the same!

The illegal occupation of Austria-Bohemia and the plainly orchestrated destruction of their government is, in the eyes of this Pact, a grave crime. The German Union has no rights here. We will accept nothing short of their full withdrawal so that the legitimate holder of the Austrian territories, the ancient Austro-Hungarian union, may establish civil order. If whatever madmen lead the German Union see reason clear enough to acquiesce, then we will seek no further action against the German Union, out of want to spare the poor, addled masses.

But Turkey we view as an irredeemable enemy. They have gone to great efforts to deny the peace offered to them. They must be driven out of Bulgaria.

We extend this last word of urging to the world, and particularly the king of Romania and the Russian Tsar: if you seek to restore the rule of peace and decency in Europe, join our enterprise.

I will not lie to you. The enemy we face is cunning and dangerous. When Germany sought to repair France's society, they were tainted and fell in turn to socialism. But true to their essence, it is now the mark of Cain that looms over them. We must hold fast and not falter. The Devourer will go no further!

 

[J.K. Stockholme]

The Ruhr thinks the Trieste Pact are really stretching the implications of the German police action in Austria and Bohemia. We saved that country from gang warfare, civil war and collapse.

Again the Ruhr strongly advises countries consult the relevant powers before committing to public statements that they will regret.

Note: This is not an official German Union statement, and jeez Trieste, we have paperwork we gotta go through before responding to y'all as a bloc.

 

[gay_Aleks]

THE MUNICH VANGUARD
4th April, 1934​

​

VOLKSFILMFESTIVAL LINEUP 1934
Odeon Hall, Munich
Leni Riefenstahl
Editor




[TAB]It's clear to all of us: the First Annual Volksfilmfestival didn't manage to accomplish what was originally intended - that is, to foster the German film industry and to make it stand out of the shadow of Parisian film studios. The reason for that has been argued ad nauseam for the last twelve months. Ridiculous conspiracies by talentless hacks about how French studio executives sabotaged honest Bavarians' work, or how they stole ideas and so on. And of course, the farcical interview nearly six months ago in the Neu, where some poor third-class artist made a sickening spectacle, getting all teary and telling everyone how the original idea for The Advocate was his. Just shows what a rag the Neu is!

[TAB]But that's the past. Let us not dwell upon it, for that the future's here to come. The Munich Vanguard is here to show exclusively, to you, and all of Bavaria, the new and exciting artistic projects that the are awaiting you in the Volksfilmfestival. No other newspaper could give you such an insight into the art world; certainly not the Neu! We've managed to extract tids and bits on some of the more curious and interesting works that would be released. But know well: the Volksfilmfestival always has more to offer!

[TAB]The Fall of Dragons

[TAB]Coming back from his long visit in the Han Republic, one of the rising stars of Bavarian talkie cinema, is Bruno Mueller. We meet him in his home in one of the quieter quarters, provided with an excellent view of the river Isar. He greets us with a friendly "Nīhao!", and it seemed that it took him some time to realise that he's back in Bavaria. The fact he was dressed in a Zhuten-style officer uniform much reminiscent of those wore by the staff of the Han Republic embassy in Munich only reinforces this fact. His house interior is also an interesting mix between traditional Bavarian style, and gifts brought abroad from China, of which the most interesting is a Qing officer sabre, of which he's most proud.

[TAB]But let us move on to the actual movie pitch. From our brief interview, it seems that The Fall of Dragons was intended to be a single-piece epic about the crusade of the Han Republic against the oppressive Qing monarchy, showing the inevitability of the collapse of old and ancient institutions. The two hour-and-a-half long story itself is filled with betrayal, love, treachery, mass-murder, and "the like", as Mr. Mueller said. It is following the story of a Han soldier, a Bavarian reporter are thrust into events of the Chinese Civil War. They experience many adversaries on their way, but just as many friends.

[TAB]A rumour circulating around the hallowed halls of the seventh art was that most of the extras, plus the some of the main leading characters are, in fact, Chinese. Mr. Miller said that this is something forced upon them due to the budget constraints, as many Chinese were more than willing to act as extras in exchange for food. As humanitarian as this might sound, a band of Catholic protesters, as well as many adherents of the French School have gathered frequently in front of his house as soon as those rumours began arising. Oddly enough, instead of discouraging people, it seems that interest has began rising after the protests. A survey we've conducted shows well, that before this whole ruckus, nobody was even remotely aware of the existence of Fall of the Dragons.

[TAB]When we asked him what he means by that he intended it originally to be a "single-piece epic", he said that the recent events and happenings inspired him to turn it into a trilogy, instead. He also mentioned that once the Volksfilmfestival is over, he is immediately going back to China with his entire film crew, although we found out that he's flat broke. According to our sources, even if the release in Volksfilmfestival is a monstrous success, it would make a minimal profit. The amount of effort, actors, equipment (which was prone to breaking easily in China, and replacements had to be shipped all the way from French Indochina) and so on would be where most of the money would go.

[TAB]If the government doesn't intervene somehow, it is doubtful this trilogy would be ever finished.

[TAB]They Were Young

[TAB]They Were Young comes from Martin Bletcher. It is a harrowing tale of a division of young volunteers, as they head out into South Brazil to aid the on-going civil war there. Martin Bletcher, being previously known for silent movies, has quickly adapted to the oncoming talkies. Unlike Fall of the Dragon, however, Bletcher has never visited Brazil, nor fought in the currently brewing war.

[TAB]We meet Martin in his home. It's a ways off north of the centre. And unlike Mr. Mueller, it isn't isolation sought seeking beauty in nature; rather, it's an attempt to find a refugee far away from society and people. The house itself isn't something showy. None of the large and visible from afar. Strangely rustic, for a film-maker - most of them build huge mansions once they hit it big. I feel as if I've walked back 200 years back. Either Mr. Bletcher doesn't want people to notice him, or he's putting up the whole 'hermit' disguise. Who knows.

[TAB]The house interior is...old. Unchanged. Maybe this is an inherited house? It sure does feel like one. Out of some corner, Mr. Bletcher greets me. He isn't very used to visitors, and he hasn't offered me anything to drink. I'm frankly amazed he even invited me in first place!

[TAB]They Were Young, as we already mentioned, isn't written from a first person experience. Mr. Bletcher mentions that it's based upon a real events, with real people. The 213th Volunteer Trencher Brigade, who attached themselves to the Prussian forces, and set off to fight a brutal war.

[TAB]From what I understood (and what I was given), there's no romanticisation of war. You didn't have dashing heroes. No. This is a depressing tale about what war is. About its mindlessness. There is no imperative of assured victory. There's mud, blood and dying men. They wanted to see war. And they saw it, all in its terrifying visage. They did what they had to. Their duty. They died when nobody asked them for it.

[TAB]The film begins with "Out of 2000 men in the 213th Volunteer Trencher Division, only 500 returned. Here are the stories of the dead and the survivors."

[TAB]I believe there's nothing more to add.

[TAB]Dinner For The Fishes

[TAB]It's a new comedy, by none the other but Marx Kirchner! Famous for his incendiary comedies like A Dual Lunch (which, according to critics, is either a political message about the impossible union between Austria and Bohemia, or a cautionary tale about overeating), Kebab For Dinner (on the supposed humanitarian "mission" of many nations when it invading to Turkey, and their true colours. Or why you shouldn't talk while eating.), and, of course, the Avian Breakfast (A tale of a raven, hawk and an eagle eating away at each other for a single grain, until they're reduced to mere feathers. It is assumed it's either a parable about UK, Russia and USA, eating away this world but also themselves. Or perhaps the more general message of greed.).

[TAB]In any case, this is yet another eating-themed comedy. It's plot is about a storm that ravages a wooden ship, leaving all but 3 people alive. They crash upon an island. As they try going out, they see hostile natives, so they hide in the ship. Something mysterious is happening, however. Each day, from the board of the ship, a board disappears. The three men slowly begin suspicious of each other. They see things that aren't there. In the end, a fight breaks out, and the ship slides down into the seas, killing the three men.

[TAB]It's not quite clear of what this is a satire. Is it a pamphlet, urging us to cooperate with each other? Maybe it's a satire of how the petty infightings in politics can sink a nation down, and lead it down to the seas? Who knows, my dear readers. Who knows.

[TAB]That is all, today. But expect more. And soon. For that this is not all that we, at The Munich Vanguard have to offer for you. Although, even this is more than what the Neu can give you, even at it's best day!

 

[Ahigin]

They Were Young

They Were Young comes from Martin Bletcher. It is a harrowing tale of a division of young volunteers, as they head out into South Brazil to aid the on-going civil war there. Martin Bletcher, being previously known for silent movies, has quickly adapted to the oncoming talkies. Unlike Fall of the Dragon, however, Bletcher has never visited Brazil, nor fought in the currently brewing war.

We meet Martin in his home. It's a ways off north of the centre. And unlike Mr. Mueller, it isn't isolation sought seeking beauty in nature; rather, it's an attempt to find a refugee far away from society and people. The house itself isn't something showy. None of the large and visible from afar. Strangely rustic, for a film-maker - most of them build huge mansions once they hit it big. I feel as if I've walked back 200 years back. Either Mr. Bletcher doesn't want people to notice him, or he's putting up the whole 'hermit' disguise. Who knows.

The house interior is...old. Unchanged. Maybe this is an inherited house? It sure does feel like one. Out of some corner, Mr. Bletcher greets me. He isn't very used to visitors, and he hasn't offered me anything to drink. I'm frankly amazed he even invited me in first place!

They Were Young, as we already mentioned, isn't written from a first person experience. Mr. Bletcher mentions that it's based upon a real events, with real people. The 213th Volunteer Trencher Brigade, who attached themselves to the Prussian forces, and set off to fight a brutal war.

From what I understood (and what I was given), there's no romanticisation of war. You didn't have dashing heroes. No. This is a depressing tale about what war is. About its mindlessness. There is no imperative of assured victory. There's mud, blood and dying men. They wanted to see war. And they saw it, all in its terrifying visage. They did what they had to. Their duty. They died when nobody asked them for it.

The film begins with "Out of 2000 men in the 213th Volunteer Trencher Division, only 500 returned. Here are the stories of the dead and the survivors."

I believe there's nothing more to add.

The Press Secretariat of the German Federalist Alliance hurries to officially state that the above described piece of kino art is an entirely fictional story that was based on imagination of Herr Bletcher who himself admits to never have fought in the war nor visited South Brazil. The Press Secretariat is not qualified to judge the artistic value of the film, but wants to remind the audience, that not a single Feldinfanterie division or brigade (referred to in the film as "volunteer trencher brigade") was ever deployed overseas. A few volunteers from Germany could have indeed traveled to South Brazil on their personal account, where they could be formed into German-speaking volunteer units by the local military authority. Yet, any statement that such units were "attached <...> to Prussian forces" is ultimately a misrepresentation of real facts.