"The Nazis' Only Cinematic Attack on Degenerate Art"
A statue unearthed in a field causes a sensation when experts proclaim it authentically ancient. However, it was created by Peter Brake, a young sculptor who buried it in order to expose the eminent “experts” who authenticate it. When Brake announces that he is the statue’s creator, a trial ensues, and it is discovered that Brake is a member of the NSDAP. Jud Süss and Der ewige Jude are anti-Semitic films that came out in 1940. Venus on Trial (Venus vor Gericht, 1941) is a comedy and much milder than those. Director Hans Zerlett had made an earlier anti-Semitic film, Robert and Bertram (1939), likewise a comedy. Venus was part of the Nazi degenerate-art campaign launched in 1937. Peter Brake’s targets are the Jewish-dominated art dealers who swindle Germany by selling worthless art for prodigious sums. Were it not for the anti-Semitic content, the picture’s reputation might be enviable for it is quite hilarious to watch the “experts” getting their comeuppance! Venus on Trial enjoyed a long run, made a lot of money, and made a lot of people laugh. It hasn’t been seen since.