- Original release
- Previous episode S2011E08 - The Night Watch
- Number S2011E09
- Genre Drama
-
External links
TheTVDB page
-
Last update
3 avril 2026 - 01:15
on 11 databases
The Man Who Crossed Hitler
Remarkable factual drama based on a true story, starring Ian Hart, Ed Stoppard and Bill Paterson.
In the summer of 1931, with Germany on the brink of economic collapse, and the city of Berlin turning into a paramilitary war-zone, audacious young prosecutor Hans Litten (Stoppard) chose to summon a star witness to a trial of Nazi thugs. In spite of the risk to his own safety and against the advice of those who love him, Litten forced rising political star Adolf Hitler (Hart) to make a sensational appearance in the witness stand of Berlin's central criminal court.
Litten aimed to expose the true character of Hitler and his politics to the German public, to reveal his hypocrisy and his violent ambitions, and in doing so, halt the electoral success of the Nazi Party.
In a humiliating and hostile cross-examination, Hitler was forced to account for his political beliefs, his contempt for the law and his desire to destroy German democracy. For a brief moment, Hitler's political future was genuinely in the balance.
Hitler survived the ordeal, but it was a close encounter which he never forgave and for which Litten paid a heavy price.
If you are a fan of thought-provoking narratives and high-quality dramatic performances, then Screen Two, a seminal British television anthology series, deserves a spot on your watchlist. Airing from 1985 to 1998 on BBC2, this series brought forth an array of standalone dramas that captured the essence of human experiences through its innovative storytelling. As a spiritual successor to the beloved Play for Today, Screen Two marked a significant shift in how stories were told on British television. Each episode is crafted as a cinematic gem, filmed entirely on location rather than confined to studio sets, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in each narrative.
One of the standout features of Screen Two is its commitment to quality over quantity. With 15 seasons comprising 168 episodes, each installment offers a distinct tale that reflects varied aspects of life in Britain during its time. The first episode sets the tone for what’s to come: depicting a gritty encounter between British soldiers and civilians at the Northern Irish border—an intense opening that resonates with historical context and social commentary. This approach not only engages viewers but also encourages them to reflect upon societal issues through the lens of drama.
The anthology format means that you can jump into any episode without needing prior context about previous installments. This accessibility makes Screen Two perfect for binge-watching or casual viewing alike; whether you have an hour or an evening free, there’s something here for everyone. Fans of other acclaimed shows like BBC Drama, On the Edge (2018), or even theater-inspired pieces like Great British Theatre will find comfort in familiar themes while discovering new dimensions in storytelling through this series.
