The 1934 Nuremberg Rally

The Rally of Power (5th-10th September)

This rally focused on party consolidation following the Night of the Long Knives and the death of President Hindenburg.

The 1934 rally was the first to run for a full week.
However, the timetable details available for this rally are, compared to other years, somewhat vague in that they do not record the timing of events.

Leni Reifenstal filmed "Triumph of the Will" (see Propaganda Films) at this rally.
She finally agreed to direct the film after gaining Hitler's personal assurance that there would be no interference from any Party agencies.

New innovations in film making included aerial photography, moving camera, telephoto lenses and a wide variety of dramatic camera angles.

Mixing music and film set new standards of cinematography.

Examples of high & low angles and the creative use of light & shadow

Cameramen and lighting rigs in front of the Zeppelin Field grandstand

The rubbish left in the Zeppelin Field after the 1934 rally........the roped off areas give some idea of how the massed ranks of SA/SS were organised
The camera & lighting rigs can be seen in this picture

The organisers produced detailed instructions for participants........travel, accommodation and guidance on behaviour as shown below.

An instruction leaflet with translation - click the image for a larger version (opens in a new window)

Although participants and spectators praised the organisation, typical problems associated with large-scale events gave cause for complaint.
Perennial issues included overcrowded public transport, dirty accommodation, a lack of washroom facilities and also excessive alcohol consumption.

Rinsing beer tankards 1934

The 1934 rally was the first occasion when the High Command of the armed services attended as guests of honour.
Amongst those present were General Blomberg and Admiral Canaris.

This would appear to be the afternoon display as Hitler (who appears to be taking the salute) was not present for the morning performance