Now Playing at the Packard Campus Theater (Nov. 9, 2017)

The following is a guest post by Jenny Paxson of the Packard Campus.

Thursday, November 9 (7:30 p.m.)
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (20^th Century-Fox, 1951)
Based on the book by Desmond Young, this biographical film about German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel focuses on the period between his retreat from North Africa and his government-decreed death. An exceptional tactician, Rommel earns the respect not only of his own men but of the enemy. Directed by Henry Hathaway and starring James Mason in the title role, the film and book have been accused of playing a significant role in the creation of the Rommel myth, a view that Rommel was an apolitical, brilliant commander, opposed Nazi policies and was a victim of the Third Reich due to his (now disputed) participation in the 20 July 1944 plot against Adolf Hitler, while omitting Rommel’s early association with the dictator. It is being shown in remembrance of the 75^th anniversary of the Second Battle of El Alamein in Egypt (23 October–11 November 1942), a decisive battle of the Second World War won by the Allies. Rommel was in charge of the Panzer Army Africa composed of German and Italian infantry and mechanized units (tanks) during the battle.

 For more information on our programs, please visit the website at: www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.