Slánský

List of combined prints (PDF – 570 kB)

1-2/1, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part I)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/614 m/19:48, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents:¨The news film with introductory titles, a signature tune and a brief period commentary represents a film montage from the first day of the trial of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský et al., commenced on 20 November 1952 before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague in Pankrác. State Prosecutor JUDr. Josef Urválek is the first to take the floor, presenting the wording of charges. After his introductory sentences, the commentator briefly lists the main charges and then introduces the beginning of the interrogation of Rudolf Slánský. The former General Secretary answers questions from the Presiding Judge JUDr. Jaroslav Novák, whether he feels guilty of crimes, and further testifies to the commencement of his activities in the Communist Party. On the question of the Prosecutor J. Urválek, Slánský testifies on his activities during the First Republic. The Prosecutor then confronts Slánský with police and court documents of the 1920s, which according to him should confirm that already at that time Slánský did not behave as a Communist. Slánský confirms the submitted documents and, at the request of Urválek, elaborates on his “Trotskyist activity” (for example, he mentions cooperation with Evžen Klinger). In this context, the Prosecutor confronts Slánský with his police card (no. 352) of 1928 and the police protocol of 11 October 1927. Slánský identifies the documents and, at the direction of Urválek, clarifies his “opportunistic activity”, for example in the case of the election of Edvard Beneš as President of the Republic, and in the matter of the Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty.
Technical note: Trial, I., Part 1 and 2, Československý státní film [Czechoslovak State Film] stated on the film strip; film is identical with films K35-84 and K35-88.

1-2/2, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part I)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/545 m/18:55, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 20 November 1952. On the question of the Prosecutor J. Urválek, Slánský testifies on deployment of “enemy elements” in the state and economic apparatus. In this context, he mentions these names: Josef Frank, Ludvík Frejka, Otto Fischl, Rudolf Margolius, Evžen Löbl, Eduard Outrata, Josef Goldmann, Karel Šváb, André Simone, Marie Švermová, and others. The Prosecutor confronts Slánský with documents about K. Šváb and J. Frank, which are to prove their criminal behaviour during World War II. Slánský confirms that he knows these documents and was covering the mentioned persons. He also speaks in a similar vein in the case of documents submitted by Urválek, mentioning the names of O. Fischl, A. Simone and O. Šling. According to the title, Rudolf Slánský testifies on “attempts to draw Czechoslovakia into preparation for the Third World War”. In this context, he mentions the activities of Konni Zilliacus, a member of the British Labour Party, and his meeting with Yugoslav politician Moshe Piade. At the request of the Judge, Slánský also testifies on his intentions and methods of his accomplices within the Communist Party.
Technical note: Trial, I., Part 3 and 4, Československý státní film [Czechoslovak State Film] stated on the film strip; film is identical with films K35-87 and K35-63.

1-2/3, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part I)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/338 m/11:46, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 20 November 1952. Asked by Prosecutor J. Urválek, Slánský testifies on sabotage of the reconstruction of the Czechoslovak economy and the development of heavy industry. Further questions of the Prosecutor and testimony by Slánský are focused on cooperation with representatives of the “pre-February reaction” (especially with Edvard Beneš), the activities of the “centre” after February 1948 and the strengthening of his own position within the party. The following title “R. Slánský about attempts to seize power in the state through a conspiratorial centre” announces the content of the final part of the film. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of the testifying witness Josef Vondráček.
Technical note: Trial, I., Part 5, Československý státní film [Czechoslovak State Film] stated on the film strip; film is identical with film K35-85.

1-2/4, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part I)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/605 m/19:29, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: Second day of the trial (21 November 1952) continues with interrogation of Bedřich Geminder, the former Head of International Department of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. Geminder testifies on his relationship with Rudolf Slánský, their common interests, and mutual cooperation within the “conspiratorial centre”. Geminder then lists the names of persons, whom he “pushed through”, with the support of Slánský, into the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and into important positions at representative offices in the West. He also confesses the provision of “spy information” to K. Zilliacus. Geminder testifies on his activities as a “liaison” between Slánský and Western intelligence services; in this context, he mentions cooperation with Konni Zilliacus. He then continues with testimony on the planned removal of the Chairman of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and the President of the Republic Klement Gottwald and his deliberate isolation from state and party affairs. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of the testifying witnesses Pavel Reiman and Evžen Klinger.
Technical note: Trial, I., Part 6 and 7; film is identical with films K35-29, K35-83, and K35-86.

1-2/5, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part I)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/600 m/19:20, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: Second day of the trial (21 November 1952) continues with interrogation of Bedřich Geminder, the former Head of International Department of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. Geminder testifies on his relationship with Rudolf Slánský, their common interests, and mutual cooperation within the “conspiratorial centre”. Geminder then lists the names of persons, whom he “pushed through”, with the support of Slánský, into the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and into important positions at representative offices in the West. He also confesses the provision of “spy information” to K. Zilliacus. Geminder testifies on his activities as a “liaison” between Slánský and Western intelligence services; in this context, he mentions cooperation with Konni Zilliacus. He then continues with testimony on the planned removal of the Chairman of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and the President of the Republic Klement Gottwald and his deliberate isolation from state and party affairs. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of the testifying witnesses Pavel Reiman and Evžen Klinger.
Technical note: Trial, I., Part 6 and 7; film is identical with films K35-15, K35-83, and K35-86.

2-2/1, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part II)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/475 m/16:06, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film with introductory titles and a signature tune represents a film montage from the second day of the trial of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský et al., commenced on 20 November 1952 before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague. The trial continues with interrogation of Vladimír Clementis, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 21 November 1952. Among other things, he testifies on the pre-war publishing of the DAV magazine and political activities in Slovakia. At the request of the Prosecutor, Clementis then explains the beginnings of his connection with foreign espionage services. At the end of the film, Jan Drda, chairman of the Union of Czechoslovak Writers, is captured on a camera shot of the benches for public present in the courtroom. Clementis testifies on his “spy connection” with British Ambassador Philip Nichols (followed by Pierson Dixon) and US Ambassador Laurence Steinhardt. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of the testifying witnesses Jaroslav Jirčík, Laco Novomeský, and Ivan Horváth.
Technical note: Trial, I., Part 1 and 2; film is identical with films K35-59 and K35-74.

2-2/2, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part II)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/534 m/18:37, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of Artur London, the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. London mainly testifies on his “spy connection” to the American diplomat Noel Field. Another part of his interrogation is focused on activities in the so-called Commission of Three, which should have been a tool for advancing of cadres to middle and lower positions in diplomatic service abroad. In this context, London mentions e.g. Eduard Goldstücker, Karel Dufek, and other diplomats. The news film continues with interrogation of André Simone, the former editor of Rudé právo [Red Justice] daily, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. Simone testifies on the beginnings of his “Trotskyist” activity in Germany and his acquaintance with the “Trotskyists” Erwin Piscator and Willi Münzenberg. He is then asked by the Prosecutor to explain under what circumstances he was won by French Minister Georges Mandel. Simone also testifies on his contacts with the British Secret Service (in this context, he mentions the name of the Intelligence Service agent Paul Willert).
Technical note: Trial, I., Part 3 and 4; film is identical with films K35-66 and K35-67.

 2-2/3, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part II)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/205 m/7:07, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of Vavro Hajdů, the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Hajdů explains the circumstances of the beginning of his “conspiratorial and enemy activities”, such as how he had befriended Vladimír Clementis in Paris in 1939, etc. Subsequently, the former Deputy Minister testifies on his activities in exile in England during World War II. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shot of the testifying witness Karel Dufek.
Technical note: Trial, II., Part 5; film is identical with films K35-2 and K35-68.

 2-2/4, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part II)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/205 m/7:09, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of Vavro Hajdů, the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Hajdů explains the circumstances of the beginning of his “conspiratorial and enemy activities”, such as how he had befriended Vladimír Clementis in Paris in 1939, etc. Subsequently, the former Deputy Minister testifies on his activities in exile in England during World War II. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shot of the testifying witness Karel Dufek.
Technical note: Trial, II., Part 5; film is identical with films K35-28 and K35-68.

 2-2/5, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part II)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/405 m/13:32, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of Artur London, the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. London testifies on the deployment of “enemy elements and members of the conspiracy” at Czechoslovak representative offices. The Prosecutor confronts London with the text of a letter of 31 March 1949 addressed Lang, envoy in Switzerland, in which the former Deputy Minister was to recommend Jiří Brotan. Subsequently, London explains the activities of the “centre” after the arrest of Marie Švermová and Karel Šváb. In conclusion, London is asked by the Presiding Judge of the State Court, J. Novák, to explain what he allegedly kept secret at the beginning of the investigation – involvement in the conspiracy. The news film continues with interrogation of André Simone, the former editor of Rudé právo [Red Justice], before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on the same day. Simone first testifies on the US Bureau of Psychological Warfare, and then explains his post-war arrival in Czechoslovakia with the help of Hubert Ripka, the former Minister of Foreign Trade. In this context, he mentions acquitting Rudolf Slánský. Following further questions from the Presiding Judge and the Prosecutor, André Simone is already dissociating himself from his “Trotskyist” past, mentioning his Jewish origin, subjecting himself to severe self-criticism, and asking to become a warning to others. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shot of the testifying witness Josef Just.
Technical note: Trial, II., Part 6 and 7; film is identical with films K35-69 and K35-65.

 2-2/6, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part II)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/466 m/15:53, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of André Simone, the former editor of Rudé právo [Red Justice] daily, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. Simone testifies on the beginnings of his “Trotskyist” activity in Germany and his acquaintance with the “Trotskyists” Erwin Piscator and Willi Münzenberg. He is then asked by the Prosecutor to explain under what circumstances he was won by French Minister Georges Mandel. Simone also testifies on his contacts with the British Secret Service (in this context, he mentions the name of the Intelligence Service agent Paul Willert) and on the US Bureau of Psychological Warfare, further explains his post-war arrival in Czechoslovakia with the help of Hubert Ripka, the former Minister of Foreign Trade. In this context, he mentions acquitting Rudolf Slánský. Following further questions from the Presiding Judge and the Prosecutor, André Simone is already dissociating himself from his “Trotskyist” past, mentioning his Jewish origin, subjecting himself to severe self-criticism, and asking to become a warning to others. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shot of the testifying witness Josef Just.
Technical note: Trial, II., Part 6 and 7; film is identical with films K35-67, K35-65 and K35-13 (second half).

3-2/1, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/520 m/17:42, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film with introductory titles and a signature tune represents a film montage from the third day of the trial of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský et al., commenced on 20 November 1952 before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague. The trial continues on 22 November with the interrogation of Ludvík Frejka, former head of the National Economy Department of the Office of the President of the Republic. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Frejka answers the question of the Presiding Judge J. Novák, what were his relations with Konni Zilliacus and Noel Field. In the next part of the testimony, the former head of the department testifies on obstructing the construction of socialism by sabotage, and so on. Frejka testifies in detail on delivering of confidential information to K. Zilliacus. In this context, he mentions the results of the implementation of the Two-Year Plan, as well as a report on Czechoslovak foreign trade. Frejka also mentions the course of the meeting between Zilliacus and Rudolf Slánský in the autumn of 1947, where he was supposed to be an interpreter.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 1 and 2; film is identical with films K35-22, K35-76, and K35-80.

3-2/2, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/520 m/18:09, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film with introductory titles and a signature tune represents a film montage from the third day of the trial of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský et al., commenced on 20 November 1952 before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague. The trial continues on 22 November with the interrogation of Ludvík Frejka, former head of the National Economy Department of the Office of the President of the Republic. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Frejka answers the question of the Presiding Judge J. Novák, what were his relations with Konni Zilliacus and Noel Field. In the next part of the testimony, the former head of the department testifies on obstructing the construction of socialism by sabotage, and so on. Frejka testifies in detail on delivering of confidential information to K. Zilliacus. In this context, he mentions the results of the implementation of the Two-Year Plan, as well as a report on Czechoslovak foreign trade. Frejka also mentions the course of the meeting between Zilliacus and Rudolf Slánský in the autumn of 1947, where he was supposed to be an interpreter.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 1 and 2; film is in the middle incorrectly edited (9:12–9:35), e.g. a title is repeated; film is identical with films K35-11, K35-76, and K35-80.

3-2/3, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/601 m/20:20, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of Ludvík Frejka, former head of the National Economy Department of the Office of the President of the Republic, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. According to the opening title, the defendant Frejka testifies on sabotage in planning. At the request of the judge, he speaks in detail about the course and conclusions of an all-day meeting in autumn 1947 in Slánský’s villa in Veselíkov, where the inside-the-party draft of the Five-Year Plan was discussed. He also explains the process of approving proposals for “acts of sabotage” in the economy in cooperation with other members of the “centre”. According to a title, the defendant Frejka testifies on sabotage of heavy industry development. In his testimony, he gives concrete examples of “sabotage”, such as the replacement of the production of heavy products in the metal industry and iron and steel works by the production of light products. According to Frejka, the “centre” should hinder the use of Soviet planning experiences.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 3 and 4; film is identical with films K35-34, K35-81, and K35-72.

3-2/4, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/601 m/20:18, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of Ludvík Frejka, former head of the National Economy Department of the Office of the President of the Republic, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. According to the opening title, the defendant Frejka testifies on sabotage in planning. At the request of the judge, he speaks in detail about the course and conclusions of an all-day meeting in autumn 1947 in Slánský’s villa in Veselíkov, where the inside-the-party draft of the Five-Year Plan was discussed. He also explains the process of approving proposals for “acts of sabotage” in the economy in cooperation with other members of the “centre”. According to a title, the defendant Frejka testifies on sabotage of heavy industry development. In his testimony, he gives concrete examples of “sabotage”, such as the replacement of the production of heavy products in the metal industry and iron and steel works by the production of light products. According to Frejka, the “centre” should hinder the use of Soviet planning experiences.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 3 and 4; film is identical with films K35-12, K35-81, and K35-72.

3-2/5, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III) THIRD AND FOURTH DAY OF THE TRIAL

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/466 m/15:49, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of Ludvík Frejka, former head of the National Economy Department of the Office of the President of the Republic, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 22 November 1952. On the instruction of the Prosecutor, Frejka testifies on “sabotage” in the field of energy industry. In this context he mentions e.g. Ing. Bárta-Braunstein, whom Rudolf Slánský was supposed to push through to the leading position in the energy industry. Frejka describes the Director General of the Czechoslovak Metal and Machinery Works Fabinger as another “conspirator”. Further, he testifies on various forms of “sabotage” in the field of capital construction; as an example he mentions the construction of a large nitrogen plant in Martinov in the Ostrava region, which had to be stopped and transferred to Lovosice. Frejka also told the Court that the complete renovation and construction of the Stalin plant was not intentionally included in the plan. At the end of the interrogation, the Presiding Judge J. Novák asks the co-defendants whether any of them have a supplementary question to Frejka (Rudolf Slánský rises up). At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of the testifying witnesses Ivan Holý, Bedřich Hájek, and Vojtěch Jančík from the following day of the trial (23 November 1952).
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 5 and 6; film is identical with films K35-71 and K35-92.

3-2/6, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/621 m/21:22, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Josef Frank, former Deputy General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 23 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Frank testifies on his social background and “opportunistic development”; as an example he mentions his arrest in 1930 for dissemination of illegal anti-war printed materials, when he allegedly subsequently cooperated with the investigating authorities and testified against the participants of the dissemination of leaflets. In this context, the Prosecutor confronts Frank with the contents of protocols of the then defendants. The former deputy of Rudolf Slánský also mentions his involuntary stay in concentration camps between 1939 and 1945. At the Judge’s request, Frank testifies on his alleged crimes in the Buchenwald concentration camp, and in this context subsequently admits that he was on the list of war criminals. The Prosecutor confronts Frank with the list of wanted war criminals no. 42 of August 1946. Another part of the testimony is devoted to “deployment and maintaining enemies” in the economic field. At the instruction of the Judge, Frank gives the names of some persons (Ing. Fabinger, Ing. Jičínský, Ing. Eisler, Ing. Kárný-Karpeles, Dr. Holý, Dr. Fischl, Löbl, Dr. Outrata).
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 7 and 8; film is identical with films K35-24, K35-70, and K35-82.

 3-2/7, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/621 m/21:30, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Josef Frank, former Deputy General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 23 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Frank testifies on his social background and “opportunistic development”; as an example he mentions his arrest in 1930 for dissemination of illegal anti-war printed materials, when he allegedly subsequently cooperated with the investigating authorities and testified against the participants of the dissemination of leaflets. In this context, the Prosecutor confronts Frank with the contents of protocols of the then defendants. The former deputy of Rudolf Slánský also mentions his involuntary stay in concentration camps between 1939 and 1945. At the Judge’s request, Frank testifies on his alleged crimes in the Buchenwald concentration camp, and in this context subsequently admits that he was on the list of war criminals. The Prosecutor confronts Frank with the list of wanted war criminals no. 42 of August 1946. Another part of the testimony is devoted to “deployment and maintaining enemies” in the economic field. At the instruction of the Judge, Frank gives the names of some persons (Ing. Fabinger, Ing. Jičínský, Ing. Eisler, Ing. Kárný-Karpeles, Dr. Holý, Dr. Fischl, Löbl, Dr. Outrata).
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 7 and 8; film is identical with films K35-16, K35-70, and K35-82.

 3-2/8, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/601 m/20:51, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Josef Frank, former Deputy General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 23 November 1952. The Prosecutor asks Frank how it was with the compensation for the nationalization to the “great-capitalist” Rotschild. After his testimony, the Presiding Judge J. Novák interrupts the hearing for 10 minutes. Interrogation continues with Frank’s testimony on sabotage of the heavy industry construction, which in the film is announced by a title. Former deputy of Rudolf Slánský mentions in this context, for example, the reconstruction of the ironworks of V. M. Molotov in Třinec. Further content of the film is preceded by a title: The accused J. Frank testifies on attempts to isolate the President of the Republic. In this context, the former Deputy General Secretary mentions Rudolf Slánský and specific examples of his alleged efforts to isolate and remove Klement Gottwald. The film continues with the testimony of witness Marie Švermová, who describes Frank as the “right hand” of Slánský, and at the same time Bedřich Geminder as his “left hand”.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 9 and 10; film is identical with films K35-23, K35-73, and K35-90.

 3-2/9, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/601 m/20:54, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Josef Frank, former Deputy General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 23 November 1952. The Prosecutor asks Frank how it was with the compensation for the nationalization to the “great-capitalist” Rotschild. After his testimony, the Presiding Judge J. Novák interrupts the hearing for 10 minutes. Interrogation continues with Frank’s testimony on sabotage of the heavy industry construction, which in the film is announced by a title. Former deputy of Rudolf Slánský mentions in this context, for example, the reconstruction of the ironworks of V. M. Molotov in Třinec. Further content of the film is preceded by a title: The accused J. Frank testifies on attempts to isolate the President of the Republic. In this context, the former Deputy General Secretary mentions Rudolf Slánský and specific examples of his alleged efforts to isolate and remove Klement Gottwald. The film continues with the testimony of witness Marie Švermová, who describes Frank as the “right hand” of Slánský, and at the same time Bedřich Geminder as his “left hand”.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 9 and 10; film is identical with films K35-14, K35-73, and K35-90.

 3-2/10, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/205 m/7:04, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Evžen Löbl, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 23 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Löbl speaks about his participation in the sabotage of Czechoslovak foreign trade in cooperation with his accomplices, especially Ludvík Frejka and Rudolf Margolius. Following the interrogation of Löbl, Frejka confirms his words, in particular those parts of the testimony in which Löbl mentions Frejka’s involvement in his “sabotage activities”. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shot of the testifying witness Dagmar Kacerovská.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 11; film is identical with films K35-1 and K35-77.

 3-2/11, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/205 m/7:08, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Evžen Löbl, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 23 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Löbl speaks about his participation in the sabotage of Czechoslovak foreign trade in cooperation with his accomplices, especially Ludvík Frejka and Rudolf Margolius. Following the interrogation of Löbl, Frejka confirms his words, in particular those parts of the testimony in which Löbl mentions Frejka’s involvement in his “sabotage activities”. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shot of the testifying witness Dagmar Kacerovská.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 11; film is identical with films K35-19 and K35-77.

3-2/12, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/411 m/14:01, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Rudolf Margolius, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 24 November 1952. According to the introductory film title, Margolius testifies “on his anti-state conspiratorial activities”. The former Deputy Minister explains the Court espionage cooperation with Western agents and handover of information about the Czechoslovak national economy and foreign trade. In this context, he often mentions the co-defendant Evžen Löbl, with whom he had close contacts, and Straboldi and Brenner as foreign allies of the “centre”. In his testimony, Margolius mentions Otto Wilhelm Winter from Sweden, to whom he was to reveal the state of Czechoslovakia’s negotiations with the Rothschilds regarding the Freja mine, which was owned by the Vítkovice Ironworks. The former Deputy Minister also gives examples of “damaging the Czechoslovak economy” during negotiations with Winter, and therefore Sweden. The Prosecutor is also interested in specific sabotage in the field of foreign trade. In this context, Margolius mentions his earlier collaboration with co-defendant Löbl, with whom he was to continue in the “enemy line of the Beneš and Ripka clique”.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 12 and 13; film is identical with films K35-3, K35-91, and K35-89.

 3-2/13, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/411 m/13:51, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Rudolf Margolius, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 24 November 1952. According to the introductory film title, Margolius testifies “on his anti-state conspiratorial activities”. The former Deputy Minister explains the Court espionage cooperation with Western agents and handover of information about the Czechoslovak national economy and foreign trade. In this context, he often mentions the co-defendant Evžen Löbl, with whom he had close contacts, and Straboldi and Brenner as foreign allies of the “centre”. In his testimony, Margolius mentions Otto Wilhelm Winter from Sweden, to whom he was to reveal the state of Czechoslovakia’s negotiations with the Rothschilds regarding the Freja mine, which was owned by the Vítkovice Ironworks. The former Deputy Minister also gives examples of “damaging the Czechoslovak economy” during negotiations with Winter, and therefore Sweden. The Prosecutor is also interested in specific sabotage in the field of foreign trade. In this context, Margolius mentions his earlier collaboration with co-defendant Löbl, with whom he was to continue in the “enemy line of the Beneš and Ripka clique”.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 12 and 13; film is identical with films K35-20, K35-91, and K35-89.

 3-2/14, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/311 m/10:46, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Rudolf Margolius, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 24 November 1952. The part of the interrogation captured by the film camera is devoted to the interventions of “Western imperialists” in the Czechoslovak economy by exceeding credit limits. Margolius pleads guilty of pursuing this “criminal policy” and confesses to the damage caused. In his testimony, he also mentions the Swiss company Sulzer, which he was supposed to involve in trade relations between Czechoslovakia and Poland. Margolius also testifies on the sabotage of trade between Czechoslovakia, the USSR, and the people’s democratic countries. The Prosecutor supplements his testimony with percentage data from an expert opinion.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 14; film is identical with film K35-78.

 3-2/15, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/518 m/17:07, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Otto Fischl, former Deputy Minister of Finance, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 24 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Fischl answers the question of the Presiding Judge Jaroslav Novák, why he had a hostile attitude against people’s democratic Czechoslovakia. The former Deputy Minister refers to his “petty-bourgeois origins” and activities in the interwar period. In connection with the occupation, he confesses to cooperation with the Nazis, specifically with a judge Dr. Zechner and an officer Peterson. The Prosecutor then confronts Fischl with a publication by the Ministry of the Interior from July 1945 entitled “Zločin Lidice a Ležáky” [The Crime of Lidice and Ležáky], in which the aforementioned Dr. Zechner is stated in a list of war criminals. At the instruction of the Prosecutor, Fischl also testifies on his involvement in the “centre” and his relationship to R. Slánský, on his “sabotage activities” in Správa majetkových podstat [National Administration of Property], confronted by the Prosecutor with the opinion of forensic experts, who quantified damages worth 10 billion crowns. Furthermore, the interrogation is devoted to Fischl’s work at the Ministry of Finance, where he was to be appointed by Rudolf Slánský. Fischl speaks of his aid to the “Jewish bourgeoisie” in exporting property, in connection with its mass emigration to Israel and other capitalist states. The Prosecutor then asks Fischl about the names of the accomplices in the matter. The film ends with the former Deputy Minister’s answer to the Prosecutor’s next question, how he should have agreed with Slánský and Geminder in case their support for the Zionists and the export of property were revealed.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 15 and 16; film is identical with films K35-17, K35-79, and K35-75.

 3-2/16, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part III)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/518 m/17:09, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Otto Fischl, former Deputy Minister of Finance, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 24 November 1952. After the initial plea of guilty to all charges, Fischl answers the question of the Presiding Judge Jaroslav Novák, why he had a hostile attitude against people’s democratic Czechoslovakia. The former Deputy Minister refers to his “petty-bourgeois origins” and activities in the interwar period. In connection with the occupation, he confesses to cooperation with the Nazis, specifically with a judge Dr. Zechner and an officer Peterson. The Prosecutor then confronts Fischl with a publication by the Ministry of the Interior from July 1945 entitled “Zločin Lidice a Ležáky” [The Crime of Lidice and Ležáky], in which the aforementioned Dr. Zechner is stated in a list of war criminals. At the instruction of the Prosecutor, Fischl also testifies on his involvement in the “centre” and his relationship to R. Slánský, on his “sabotage activities” in Správa majetkových podstat [National Administration of Property], confronted by the Prosecutor with the opinion of forensic experts, who quantified damages worth 10 billion crowns. Furthermore, the interrogation is devoted to Fischl’s work at the Ministry of Finance, where he was to be appointed by Rudolf Slánský. Fischl speaks of his aid to the “Jewish bourgeoisie” in exporting property, in connection with its mass emigration to Israel and other capitalist states. The Prosecutor then asks Fischl about the names of the accomplices in the matter. The film ends with the former Deputy Minister’s answer to the Prosecutor’s next question, how he should have agreed with Slánský and Geminder in case their support for the Zionists and the export of property were revealed.
Technical note: Trial, III., Part 15 and 16; film is identical with films K35-10, K35-79, and K35-75.

 4-2/1, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/553 m/18:57, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film with introductory titles and a signature tune represents a film montage from the fifth day of the trial of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský et al., commenced on 20 November 1952 before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague. The trial continues on 24 November with the interrogation of Otto Šling, former Secretary of the Regional Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Brno, who at the beginning of his testimony pleads guilty to all charges and gives concrete examples of his activities before and after 1945. Šling mentions, for example, his stay in England during World War II, his cooperation with Edvard Beneš, “espionage contact” with officials of the British Committee (later the Trust Fund), etc. Further, Šling speaks about his work as the leading Regional Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Brno and about the deployment of cadres in cooperation with Rudolf Slánský. He lists Vladimír Lenc, Růžena Dubová, Jaroslav Kvis and others, whom he was to install in party structures. In answer to Prosecutor’s question, what was his “enemy activity” in the field of industry, Šling mentions the “collaborator” Ing. Ryšánek, who was to be promoted to the position of corporate director of Pozemní stavby [Building Constructions] in Brno, or Ing. Sázavský, whom he was to appoint as director of the sugar factory in Slavkov. Šling also speaks about the conference of factory owners and wholesalers just after the nationalization of their companies, which he was to organize in March 1948 with the knowledge of Slánský et al.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 1 and 2; film is identical with films K35-36, K35-52, and K35-195.

 4-2/2, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/553 m/19:02, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film with introductory titles and a signature tune represents a film montage from the fifth day of the trial of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský et al., commenced on 20 November 1952 before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague. The trial continues on 24 November with the interrogation of Otto Šling, former Secretary of the Regional Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Brno, who at the beginning of his testimony pleads guilty to all charges and gives concrete examples of his activities before and after 1945. Šling mentions, for example, his stay in England during World War II, his cooperation with Edvard Beneš, “espionage contact” with officials of the British Committee (later the Trust Fund), etc. Further, Šling speaks about his work as the leading Regional Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Brno and about the deployment of cadres in cooperation with Rudolf Slánský. He lists Vladimír Lenc, Růžena Dubová, Jaroslav Kvis and others, whom he was to install in party structures. In answer to Prosecutor’s question, what was his “enemy activity” in the field of industry, Šling mentions the “collaborator” Ing. Ryšánek, who was to be promoted to the position of corporate director of Pozemní stavby [Building Constructions] in Brno, or Ing. Sázavský, whom he was to appoint as director of the sugar factory in Slavkov. Šling also speaks about the conference of factory owners and wholesalers just after the nationalization of their companies, which he was to organize in March 1948 with the knowledge of Slánský et al.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 1 and 2; film is identical with films K35-5, K35-52, and K35-195.

 4-2/3, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/291 m/8:19, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Otto Šling, former Secretary of the Regional Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Brno, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 24 November 1952. Šling testifies on his close cooperation with Rudolf Slánský since April 1945. In this context, he mentions Marie Švermová, who was to be a “possible intercessor” for his person with Slánský. Šling also speaks about being asked by Slánský to find a doctor for the Chairman of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Klement Gottwald. According to Šling, this was to happen in the person of MUDr. Ladislav Haas. At the end of his testimony, the former Regional Secretary evaluates the crimes of which he is accused. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of the testifying witnesses Václav Patzák and Hanuš Lomský.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 3; film is identical with films K35-4 and K35-50.

 4-2/4, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/291 m/8:20, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Otto Šling, former Secretary of the Regional Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Brno, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 24 November 1952. Šling testifies on his close cooperation with Rudolf Slánský since April 1945. In this context, he mentions Marie Švermová, who was to be a “possible intercessor” for his person with Slánský. Šling also speaks about being asked by Slánský to find a doctor for the Chairman of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Klement Gottwald. According to Šling, this was to happen in the person of MUDr. Ladislav Haas. At the end of his testimony, the former Regional Secretary evaluates the crimes of which he is accused. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of the testifying witnesses Václav Patzák and Hanuš Lomský.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 3; film is identical with films K35-37 and K35-50.

4-2/5, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/188 m, 312 m/16:57, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Karel Šváb, former Deputy Minister of National Security, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. After initial plea of guilty to charges, Šváb testifies on his behaviour and cooperation with the Nazis during his imprisonment in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where he was to perform the function of a table leader and later a vorarbeiter [foreman]. At the instruction of the Prosecutor, Šváb confesses to the abuse and robbery of his fellow prisoners on food. The former Deputy Minister also speaks about his post-war return to Czechoslovakia, when he was – burdened by war crimes – to commit himself to cooperation with Rudolf Slánský and to engage in “enemy activities of the anti-state centre” (He mentions a letter from August 1945, which was to be written by his fellow prisoner Jaroslav Heřman. According to a title, Šváb testifies on “covering up the enemy activities of members of the conspiracy centre”, such as a group of “Slovak bourgeois nationalists” led by Vlado Clementis (in this context he speaks of Věra Hložková’s testimony in 1948, which was to expose the group). The Prosecutor also asks Šváb about Bedřich Reicin’s activities in the army; during his testimony, he presents him with selected “incriminating” documents about Reicin for inspection. In another part of the interrogation, the former Deputy Minister testifies at the instruction of the Prosecutor on the case of the son of the former Chief of the General Staff Bohumil Boček. At the end of the film, Karel Šváb is interrogated about the activities of Bedřich Geminder. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of three testifying witnesses Osvald Závodský, Věra Hložková, and Oskar Valášek.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 4 and 5; film is identical with films K35-6, K35-47, and K35-48.

4-2/6, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/500 m/17:03, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Karel Šváb, former Deputy Minister of National Security, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. After initial plea of guilty to charges, Šváb testifies on his behaviour and cooperation with the Nazis during his imprisonment in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where he was to perform the function of a table leader and later a vorarbeiter [foreman]. At the instruction of the Prosecutor, Šváb confesses to the abuse and robbery of his fellow prisoners on food. The former Deputy Minister also speaks about his post-war return to Czechoslovakia, when he was – burdened by war crimes – to commit himself to cooperation with Rudolf Slánský and to engage in “enemy activities of the anti-state centre” (He mentions a letter from August 1945, which was to be written by his fellow prisoner Jaroslav Heřman. According to a title, Šváb testifies on “covering up the enemy activities of members of the conspiracy centre”, such as a group of “Slovak bourgeois nationalists” led by Vlado Clementis (in this context he speaks of Věra Hložková’s testimony in 1948, which was to expose the group). The Prosecutor also asks Šváb about Bedřich Reicin’s activities in the army; during his testimony, he presents him with selected “incriminating” documents about Reicin for inspection. In another part of the interrogation, the former Deputy Minister testifies at the instruction of the Prosecutor on the case of the son of the former Chief of the General Staff Bohumil Boček. At the end of the film, Karel Šváb is interrogated about the activities of Bedřich Geminder. At the end, the film is complemented by short silent shots of three testifying witnesses Osvald Závodský, Věra Hložková, and Oskar Valášek.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 4 and 5; film is identical with films K35-35, K35-47, and K35-48.

4-2/7, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/304 m, 290 m/20:16, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Bedřich Reicin, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. After initial plea of guilty to charges, Reicin testifies on his earlier life, “bourgeois and religious” upbringing, and entry into the Komsomol in 1926. The former Deputy Minister confesses to cooperation with the Nazis during the occupation, including the giving of Julius Fučík and his fellow workers from the editorial staff of Rudé právo [Red Justice] newspaper away to the Gestapo. In the next part of the testimony, Reicin speaks about his activities in the army before and after 1945. In this context, he mentions his connection with the “Beneš bourgeois clique” and Rudolf Slánský, which was supposed to lead to the sabotage of the Košice Government Programme. At the end of the film, Reicin confesses to the extensive espionage he was to carry out with accomplices in command of the Czechoslovak army for the benefit of the West. In the next part of the film, Reicin testifies on cooperation with the Gestapo and the tasks from Superintendant Elbers, which he was entrusted with. In this context, the Prosecutor submits to the Court a photocopy of the Gestapo report, “convicting” Reicin – after looking at the document, he confirms the contents to the Court. In the next part of the testimony, Reicin names the persons, Communists in illegality, whom he had been reporting to the Gestapo (Oldřich Hlas, Stanislav Brunclík); he also speaks in detail about his contacts with Julius Fučík, through whom he was to connect with the party’s illegal central leadership (e.g. functionary Václav Křen). The Prosecutor is also interested in Reicin’s departure for the USSR, which was to be allowed by the “German fascists”. The former Deputy Minister speaks about his meeting with Rudolf Slánský in Moscow in the beginning of 1941, he also mentions his internment by the Soviet authorities (on 25 June 1941) and the establishment of contact in the Oranki camp with “anti-Soviet elements” from the military group of Col. Ludvík Svoboda.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 6 and 7; film is identical with films K35-26, K35-53, and K35-46.

4-2/8, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/594 m/20:14, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Bedřich Reicin, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. After initial plea of guilty to charges, Reicin testifies on his earlier life, “bourgeois and religious” upbringing, and entry into the Komsomol in 1926. The former Deputy Minister confesses to cooperation with the Nazis during the occupation, including the giving of Julius Fučík and his fellow workers from the editorial staff of Rudé právo [Red Justice] newspaper away to the Gestapo. In the next part of the testimony, Reicin speaks about his activities in the army before and after 1945. In this context, he mentions his connection with the “Beneš bourgeois clique” and Rudolf Slánský, which was supposed to lead to the sabotage of the Košice Government Programme. At the end of the film, Reicin confesses to the extensive espionage he was to carry out with accomplices in command of the Czechoslovak army for the benefit of the West. In the next part of the film, Reicin testifies on cooperation with the Gestapo and the tasks from Superintendant Elbers, which he was entrusted with. In this context, the Prosecutor submits to the Court a photocopy of the Gestapo report, “convicting” Reicin – after looking at the document, he confirms the contents to the Court. In the next part of the testimony, Reicin names the persons, Communists in illegality, whom he had been reporting to the Gestapo (Oldřich Hlas, Stanislav Brunclík); he also speaks in detail about his contacts with Julius Fučík, through whom he was to connect with the party’s illegal central leadership (e.g. functionary Václav Křen). The Prosecutor is also interested in Reicin’s departure for the USSR, which was to be allowed by the “German fascists”. The former Deputy Minister speaks about his meeting with Rudolf Slánský in Moscow in the beginning of 1941, he also mentions his internment by the Soviet authorities (on 25 June 1941) and the establishment of contact in the Oranki camp with “anti-Soviet elements” from the military group of Col. Ludvík Svoboda.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 6 and 7; film is identical with films K35-7, K35-53, and K35-46.

4-2/9, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/600 m/19:20, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Bedřich Reicin, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. Reicin testifies on his activities with the Czechoslovak military unit in Buzuluk and about the person of Col. Ludvík Svoboda. He confesses to popularizing Edvard Beneš in his book Sokolovo. At the instruction of the Prosecutor, Reicin subsequently testifies on his “crimes” after 1945 in the position of Chief of Military Defence Intelligence, when he was to become at the same time an American-English spy. In this context, he was to provide information to Western diplomats and “spies” in Czechoslovakia, namely Woldik, Koenig and Mullens. Reicin testifies on his “espionage activities”, namely permitting the entry of foreign nationals into Czechoslovak industrial enterprises, and in this context mentions Generals Boček and Hanus, at whose request and with his consent similar visits were organized and accompanied. According to Reicin, the situation was similar in the case of visits by representatives of Western capitalist armies to Czechoslovak military training schools and special military units, based on the invitation of, among others, Minister Ludvík Svoboda. According to his former deputy, he was to invite an English signals specialist to the Czechoslovak Republic, accompanied by General Josef Marko in the liaison departments. In the next part of the interrogation, Reicin testifies on espionage missions by “Western imperialists” in the territory of the Czechoslovak Republic.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 8 and 9; film is identical with films K35-42, K35-196, and K35-54.

4-2/10, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/292 m, 308 m/19:24, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Bedřich Reicin, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. Reicin testifies on his activities with the Czechoslovak military unit in Buzuluk and about the person of Col. Ludvík Svoboda. He confesses to popularizing Edvard Beneš in his book Sokolovo. At the instruction of the Prosecutor, Reicin subsequently testifies on his “crimes” after 1945 in the position of Chief of Military Defence Intelligence, when he was to become at the same time an American-English spy. In this context, he was to provide information to Western diplomats and “spies” in Czechoslovakia, namely Woldik, Koenig and Mullens. Reicin testifies on his “espionage activities”, namely permitting the entry of foreign nationals into Czechoslovak industrial enterprises, and in this context mentions Generals Boček and Hanus, at whose request and with his consent similar visits were organized and accompanied. According to Reicin, the situation was similar in the case of visits by representatives of Western capitalist armies to Czechoslovak military training schools and special military units, based on the invitation of, among others, Minister Ludvík Svoboda. According to his former deputy, he was to invite an English signals specialist to the Czechoslovak Republic, accompanied by General Josef Marko in the liaison departments. In the next part of the interrogation, Reicin testifies on espionage missions by “Western imperialists” in the territory of the Czechoslovak Republic.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 8 and 9; film is identical with films K35-8, K35-196, and K35-54.

4-2/11, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/308 m/10:31, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Bedřich Reicin, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. The film begins with a Prosecutor’s question, what instructions the “enemy command” of the army received from Dr. Edvard Beneš. Reicin testifies in detail on his participation in a secret military meeting in 1947 with Dr. Beneš at the Castle, with the participation of Minister Ludvík Svoboda and General Boček. According to Reicin, the President of the Republic, “himself an agent of Western imperialists”, was to speak out at this meeting against proceeding against “reactionary pro-Western officers.” The former Deputy Minister also discusses Beneš’s alleged statements at this meeting, which, according to the Prosecutor in agreement with Reicin, testified to his efforts to prepare the conditions for the creation of a fifth column in the army. In connection with Beneš, Reicin also mentions “western-oriented” generals: H. Píka, A. Hasal, A. Liška and K. Janoušek.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 10; film is identical with films K35-9 and K35-58.

4-2/12, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/308 m/10:42, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the defendant Bedřich Reicin, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. The film begins with a Prosecutor’s question, what instructions the “enemy command” of the army received from Dr. Edvard Beneš. Reicin testifies in detail on his participation in a secret military meeting in 1947 with Dr. Beneš at the Castle, with the participation of Minister Ludvík Svoboda and General Boček. According to Reicin, the President of the Republic, “himself an agent of Western imperialists”, was to speak out at this meeting against proceeding against “reactionary pro-Western officers.” The former Deputy Minister also discusses Beneš’s alleged statements at this meeting, which, according to the Prosecutor in agreement with Reicin, testified to his efforts to prepare the conditions for the creation of a fifth column in the army. In connection with Beneš, Reicin also mentions “western-oriented” generals: H. Píka, A. Hasal, A. Liška and K. Janoušek.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 10; film is identical with films K35-38 and K35-58.

4-2/13, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV) SIXTH AND SEVENTH DAY OF THE TRIAL

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/290 m, 293 m/20:07, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with interrogation of the witness Vilém Nový, former Communist Party functionary and editor-in-chief of Rudé právo [Red Justice], before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 25 November 1952. Nový testifies on a meeting with Rudolf Slánský from the time of his work as the Regional Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Moravská Ostrava. Slánský was to blame him for his poor attitude towards Czechoslovak Social Democracy, leading to its disintegration and the transition of membership in the Ostrava region to the ranks of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. According to Nový, Slánský acted as an “advocate” for the social democratic politicians B. Laušman and B. Vilím. Nový’s testimony and, together with it, the accompanying proceedings is ended in the film by the voice of the commentator, followed by the closing speech by the Chief Prosecutor Dr. Josef Urválek on 26 November 1952. At the end of the film, the writer and poet Vítězslav Nezval is captured on a camera shot of the benches for public present in the courtroom.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 11 and 12; film is identical with films K35-62 and K35-57.

4-2/14, rial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/279 m/9:46, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with the final part of the closing speech of the Chief Prosecutor Dr. Josef Urválek before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 26 November 1952. The Prosecutor proposes punishments for defendants: “Citizens-judges, in the name of our nations, against whose freedom and happiness the criminals have risen, in the name of the peace against which they have shamefully conspired, I demand the death penalty for all defendants. May your judgment fall like an iron fist without the slightest mercy.”
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 13; film is identical with film K35-49.

4-2/15, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/289 m, 229 m/17:46, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with final word of the accused former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 26 November 1952. Slánský comments on the closing speech of the State Prosecutor and his draft sentence, which he considers to be “the most just”. He claims to have the main responsibility for his crimes, but also for the crimes of his co-defendants. The former Secretary General also evaluates his activities in accordance with the charges, he confesses, among other things, to the culpability of Jan Šverma’s death, the plot against President Klement Gottwald’s life, and espionage in favour of “American imperialists”. Slánský also mentions his investigation by security authorities, whose behaviour he considers to be “absolutely correct”. At the end of his speech, he declares that he does not deserve an end other than the one proposed by the Prosecutor. The following are the last words of the defendants Bedřich Geminder and Ludvík Frejka, who, in the same way as Rudolf Slánský, plead guilty and show remorse. Frejka asks the Court to take into account that he has been truthfully testifying since the day of his arrest.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 14 and 15; film is identical with films K35-64 and K35-45.

4-2/16, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/386 m, 312 m/24:16, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film continues with final words of the defendants Josef Frank and Vladimír Clementis before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 26 November 1952. Both Frank and Clementis regret their past actions and demand the harshest sentences for themselves. Clementis wishes his case to be a cautionary warning of the endings of a formal, registry membership in the Communist Party associated with volatility, betrayal of allegiance to the Party, and to the Soviet Union. The film continues with final words of Rudolf Margolius, Otto Fischl, Otto Šling, and André Simone before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague on 26 November 1952. All defendants plead guilty of serious crimes and demand the highest and harshest sentences for themselves.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 16 and 17; film is identical with films K35-51 and K35-56.

4-2/17, Trial of the Leadership of the Anti-State Conspiracy Centre (Part IV)

Production: Studio zpravodajských filmů, Praha [News Film Studio, Prague] / Year of production: 1952 / Document type: combined print / Format/length/duration: 35 mm/324 m/11:12, Image: B&W / Sound track/version: COMOPT/Czech / Collaboration on the film: P. Freimann, J. Janáček, J. Robek, K. Veselý, J. Franěk, M. Schmiedberger, O. Skalski

Film contents: The news film with introductory and closing signature tune and a brief period commentary represents a film montage from the eighth and last day of the trial of the former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Rudolf Slánský et al., held from 20 to 27 November 1952 before the Chamber of the State Court in Prague. The camera captured the entry of members of the Chamber to the courtroom in Prague in Pankrác. The Presiding Judge Dr. Jaroslav Novák gives a court verdict against R. Slánský and other defendants. Following the verdict, all defendants step forward before the Court and declare one by one that they accept the sentence and waive their remedies. State Prosecutor J. Urválek reserved the statutory deadline to express his opinion. Subsequently, the Presiding Judge Novák declares the trial closed. The film ends with a period propaganda commentary and a camera shot of the convicts leaving the courtroom.
Technical note: Trial, IV., Part 18; film is identical with film K35-55.