Das russische Wunder (The Russian Miracle) (1963) is a two-part East German documentary directed by Annelie and Andrew Thorndike. The documentary chronicles Russia’s dramatic transformation from the Tsarist Empire to the Soviet Union, covering key historical moments including the 1917 October...
An East German documentary film using archival footage to attempt a connection between Imperial Germany, the government of the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich to the government of West Germany at the time (1950s). Hence banned in West Germany for many years.
Urlaub auf Sylt (Vacation in Sylt) (1957) is an East German documentary directed by Annelie and Andrew Thorndike. The film investigates the past of Heinz Reinefarth, a former SS general involved in the suppression of the Warsaw Uprising, who later became the mayor of Westerland on the island of...
Unternehmen Teutonenschwert (Operation Teutonic Sword) (1958) is an East German documentary directed by Andrew and Annelie Thorndike. The film investigates the alleged involvement of NATO General Hans Speidel in the 1934 assassination of Yugoslav King Alexander I and French Foreign Minister Louis...
The economic and cultural improvements of the Soviet Occupied Sector are documented with scenes from the years 1945 to 1950. The film deals with the land reform, the founding of the Socialist Unity Party, the expropriation of war criminals, the founding of the GDR and the first Five Year Plan in...
Film report on the VII District Children's and Youth Spartakiade in Quedlinburg, combined with a presentation of sports education in the GDR in kindergarten, at school and in the company sports communities (without speaker and commentary).
Film about the third 'Weltfestspiele der Jugend und Studenten für den Frieden' in East Berlin, 1951. West Germany is represented as a degenerate country which has been occupied by the Americans and is still inclined to fascism. We see the construction of the stadium, the departure and arrival of...
Mein ganzes Leben lang (My Whole Life Long) (1971) is an East German documentary directed by Annelie and Andrew Thorndike. The film chronicles the life of Hermann Dünow, who reflects on his personal experiences and memories. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary explores themes...
Basing his work on documentary material, Andrew Thorndike tells the life story of Wilhelm Pieck: from young worker to fighter for the German working class, and from enemy of national-socialism to the first president of the German Democratic Republic.
Diary of a German Woman (also known as You are Mine - A German Diary) is the most personal of the Thorndikes’ projects. Based on Annelie’s diary entries, her story was to be the starting point for a kind of all-German ‘Heimatfilm’ that praises the utopian power of the GDR and sharply...
Von Hamburg bis Stralsund (From Hamburg to Stralsund) (1950) is an East German documentary directed by Andrew Thorndike. Running at approximately 35 minutes, the film contrasts the rebuilding of shipyards in East Germany with the dismantling of shipbuilding industries in West Germany. It highlights...
Die alte neue Welt (The Old New World) (1977) is an East German documentary directed by Annelie and Andrew Thorndike. The film explores the evolution of human history over millions of years, tracing the development of societal formations from primitive society to socialism and communism. Through a...
Die Konzessionen des Mister Urquhart (The Concessions of Mr. Urquhart) (1961) is an East German documentary directed by Andrew Thorndike, Annelie Thorndike, and Joachim Hadaschik. Produced by DEFA, the film explores political and economic themes through the lens of Mr. Urquhart’s dealings, likely...
Sportivnyy prazdnik molodyozhi (Youth Sports Festival) (1951) is an East German sports documentary co-directed by Andrew Thorndike and Dmitri Vasilyev. The film documents the athletic competitions held during the 3rd World Festival of Youth and Students in Berlin, showcasing a variety of sports and...
Die Herrin des Hofes (1942) is a German short documentary directed by Andrew Thorndike in his directorial debut. Produced by Ufa-Filmkunst GmbH, the film portrays the daily responsibilities and influence of a farmer’s wife, played by Lotte Brackebusch. Initially banned due to censorship, it was...
Tito in Deutschland (Tito in Germany) (1965) is an East German short documentary directed by Manfred Krause and Andrew Thorndike. The film explores the visit of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito to Germany, examining his political influence and interactions within the country. Utilizing archival...
Wladimir Iljitsch Uljanow Lenin (1970) is an East German documentary directed by Annelie and Andrew Thorndike. The film explores the life and legacy of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and the founding head of government in Soviet Russia. Through a blend of archival...
Der Fall Harzmann und andere (The Harzmann Case and Others) (1957) is a 31-minute East German documentary directed by Andrew and Annelie Thorndike. Produced by DEFA, the film explores notable legal and judicial cases, likely examining political or social injustices within post-war Germany. Through...
Die Novemberrevolution 1918 (The November Revolution 1918) (1956) is a short East German documentary directed by Andrew and Annelie Thorndike. Produced by DEFA, the 6-minute film explores the pivotal events of the November Revolution, which led to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the...
