The enduring symbol of German East Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, served as the backdrop for the life of Carl Peters, a 19th-century colonial adventurer who is the subject of a vivid and vigorous, albeit fictionalized, biography. This period of history was marked by the predominance of the British Empire, which ruled most of the world before World War I.

Herbert Selpin, known for his works "Heiratsschwindler" and "Titanic," directed this biopic, which features the dynamic Hans Albers, a beloved actor of the era, in the leading role. Peters was sent by the Deutscher Kolonialverein to East Africa to acquire colonies, following the British example of seizing territories. He famously declared, "I want to open the world to the Germans. The English have enough. Now we can get our share as well." With the support of Kaiser Wilhelm I and Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Peters established a German empire in the region.

Although the 1941 film Carl Peters is a thrilling action movie with lavish production values, it also promotes a mild form of political propaganda, advocating for "Lebensraum," or the expansion of German territories due to the growing population. Despite his accomplishments, Peters was infamous for his brutal treatment of indigenous populations, leading to his moniker as "Hangman-Peters." Whether he was a national disgrace or a hero is still debated. Selpin's skillful direction and Albers's charismatic performance elevate Carl Peters to one of the most enjoyable adventure films produced during the Third Reich