der Stern von Afrika

Genre:.....................WWII Drama
Language:.................German - no subs
Picture:...................B&W
Runtime:..................1Hr40Mins
Size:........................1.29Gb

Released in 1957, Der Stern von Afrika is a fictionalized account of the life of Hans-Joachim Marseille, who is generally regarded as the leading Luftwaffe ace prior to his death in 1942. It depicts his notorious lack of discipline, his carefree lifestyle, and the rock star-like status he attained during his lifetime. Not surprisingly, given the era in which the film was made, political discussion is largely limited to the tragedy of war. Only swastikas on uniforms and planes serve as stark reminders of National Socialism.
He is noted for his aerial battles during the North African Campaign and his bohemian lifestyle. Arguably one of the best fighter pilots of World War II, he was nicknamed the "Star of Africa". Marseille claimed all but seven of his "official" 158 victories against the British Commonwealth's Desert Air Force over North Africa, flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter for his entire combat career. No other pilot claimed as many Western Allied aircraft as Marseille.