Title:WELT IM FILM (SPECIAL REPORT) : the Berliners have spoken [Main Title]
Film Number:WIF 419
Other titles:
Summary: An English translation of a report on the West Berlin election, December 1948.
Description: The commentary (with close-ups of newspapers etc) recalls the November 'Opera House Putsch' which split Berlin "square down the middle," and the pledge by communist Mayor, Friedrich Ebert, to seek closer relations with Eastern countries; film of 'Vopos' guarding the Stadthaus. The West prepares for elections (Friedensburg speaks at a meeting) with the Communists calling for a boycott (wall slogan "Waehlt nicht" and handouts). On polling day, there is a massive turn out (polling scenes: Frau Schroeder votes, provisions for hospital patients; vote counting; Schroeder and Reuter look at display of results): 86 per cent poll is claimed. "The Berliners had spoken, and spoken for freedom in Berlin."
