Title:DER GIGANT : ein Film von der Me 321, 322 und 323 [Main Title]
Film Number:GWY 1381
Other titles:THE GIGANT : a film on the Me 321, 322 and 323 [Translation]
Summary: The construction and capabilities of the Gigant aircraft.
Description: (Reel 1) The film opens with the design team studying a plan and workers lining up for food. Me 321s in various states of completion are seen about the site. The assembly stages are shown. First, the main wing section is built up around its main frame.
(Reel 2) The main wheels and skids are assembled and attached to the fuselage frame which is moved into a hangar for fabric covering. The wing and cockpit are hoisted into place.
(Reel 3) The outer wing sections and the tail unit are assembled, attached and tested. The inside of the cockpit (single seat version) with controls is shown. A braking parachute is packed and attached.
(Reel 4) Walter rocket units are prepared and fixed to the wings, the towing lines from three Bf 110s attached and the Gigant takes off. After dropping the rockets it lands. A second take-off with a Ju 90 as tug is shown. The loading capacity is then demonstrated - two PzKpfw 38(t) or one PzKpfw IV(E) - on an incomplete Gigant. The latter drives out through the unopened doors of a mock-up. Loading ramps are shown under construction. Luftwaffe officers with a Messerschmitt representative inspect a 15.0cm sFH 18 (heavy field howitzer) and a number of 2500kg bombs laid out in front of a Gigant mock-up. (The commentary gives examples of loads the Gigant is capable of accommodating).
(Reel 5) Other possible loads are demonstrated - an 8.8cm Flak 18 with attendant troops and equipment, a squad of troops with bicycles and 3.7cm anti-tank guns.
(Reel 6) Finally 18 or so mules with men and equipment are loaded into a mock-up. The powered version, the Me 323, is then shown, with shots of the 4-engined V1 prototype (briefly) and of the 6-engined V2 and D-0. The Me 323 taxies about and there are close-ups of the gun turrets, controls and control surfaces, navigation and W/T equipment. The crew board and the aircraft takes off and circles.
Alternative Title:THE GIGANT : a film on the Me 321, 322 and 323 [Translation]
Production Details: Messerschmitt (Production sponsor)
Generalluftzeugmeister (Production sponsor)
Beltzig, E K (Production individual)
Beltzig, E K (Production individual)
Zahn, Ludwig (Production individual)
Storgmeier, Maria (Production individual)
Furbringer, Ernst Fritz (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: German Air Force, [field troops] (regiment/service)
Messerschmitt (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, German - glider: Messerschmitt Me 321 Gigant (object name)
aircraft, German - transport: Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant (object name)
aircraft, German - transport: Junkers Ju 90 (object name)
aircraft, German - combat: Messerschmitt Bf 110 (object name)
animals, mammals: mule (object name)
equipment, German air - propulsion: Walter rocket unit (object name)
armour, German - tank: Pzkpfw 38(t) (object name)
armour, German - tank: Pzkpfw IV Ausf E (object name)
weapons, German - gun: 8.8cm Flak 18 (object name)
weapons, German - gun: 3.7cm Pak (object name)
weapons, German - gun: 15.0cm sFH 18 (object name)
transport, German military - 2/3 wheel: bicycle (object name)
industry, German - aircraft (object name)
society, German - sustenance (object name)
Germany & Leipheim (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound (part silent)
Soundtrack language: German
Title language: German
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 6
Footage: 5965 ft; Running time: 66 mins
