The American Spectator

Media Matters

In an effort to change the course of history, the U.S. government sent Mike Wallace back in time to interview Adolf Hitler before the 1938 Munich Conference. The theory was that if the legendary, hard-hitting, pit bull journalist Wallace were to expose the true Hitler in a newsreel to be shown in movie theaters throughout the world, it could tilt the balance of world opinion against appeasement, and save millions of lives. The following are excerpts from the newsreel.

WALLACE: When German Chancellor Adolf Hitler speaks out candidly -- as is his habit -- he scares a lot of people. It has been alleged by some that he is a so-called "anti-Semite," a charge based on various references he has made to Jews as "parasites," "liars," "maggots," "eternal blood suckers," and as "the mortal enemy of humanity." But, as always, the truth is more complex. The son of a customs official and a veteran of the Great War, the Fuhrer is attractive, smart, savvy, charming, self-assured and self-righteous.

(The newsreel cuts to Wallace sitting down next to the Chancellor, who speaks through his official translator.)

p> WALLACE ( raising arm ): Heil Hitler! br> HITLER : Very clearly, I will tell you that I fully oppose the behavior of the British and the Americans. br> WALLACE : And why is that? br>

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