The Broken Jug compared to other Nazi Films

In order to view “The Broken Jug” as a Nazi film I would look especially close at the role of Adam. Adam represents many characteristics that the Nazi party looked to oust through their euthanasia program and treatment of the mentally challenged. As seen in clips from the “Architecture of Doom,” Goebbels sought to rid the German world of the mentally challenged because of their lack of productivity and costliness to the state. He threatened the viewers by projecting false statistics about the increasing population of the mentally challenged and overtly implied ridding them of the world. Goebbel’s interpretation of the mentally challenged, as well as the portrayal of Adam, are recognized as lazy, gluttons, useless, corrupt, and disorderly. Also, the mentally challenged were murdered in order to create a better society, much like Adam was run out of town for the same reasons.

In “The Broken Jug,” Adam noticeably does not live up to his role as the judge in his county. He is seen drinking at many points, he refers to drinking often, and he is presumably drunk during the incident of breaking the jug. This leads to his clumsiness, disruptive behavior, and disregard for the law. The Communists in “Hitler Youth Quex” demonstrate these same characteristics and are the villains of society. When Adam is run out of town, order is restored and justice seemingly prevails. In conclusion, “The Broken Jug” holds many similar themes to the other Nazi films we’ve viewed and discussed.