From Home Movie to Historical Document: Examining the Production and Initial Reception of Eva Braun’s Private Films

Abstract

On November 8, 1946, the United States Forces European Theater (USFET) in Frankfurt on the Main sent a document to the Office of Military Government (U.S. Zone), Financial Branch. The document outlines the request to secure Shipment No. 76, which included assets belonging to Adolf Hitler and his lover, and later wife, Eva Braun. The correspondence also included a brief history of the so-called “Hitler-Eva Property.” In addition to a substantial quantity of silverware, jewelry, and foreign currency, the document notes several items of uncertain material value.