Mussolini Speaks

The print viewed was six reels in length and did not have any credits or a soundtrack, although it did have some titles in German. According to the Variety review, Columbia purchased the footage of Benito Mussolini's speech for $10,000 and a percentage of future profits. The reviews were mostly favorable and lauded Mussolini's leadership of Italy. The Motion Picture Herald reviewer commented: "Certain definite credit must be accorded Columbia Pictures, and likewise, Jack Cohn, executive...for having presented, in live and lively form, a pictorial compilation of that which has been wrought in Italy under the hand of that genius of personality and leadership who was born Benito Mussolini...." All of the reviews noted that the film would appeal mostly to Italian Americans, and the Film Daily reviewer asserted: "For the average American audience its appeal must be gauged on the world-wide interest and curiosity concerning Mussolini the man, and the timely slant with our nation passing though an economic crisis similar to that through which the Italian dictator has successfully brought his people." According to modern sources, the original footage of the Mussolini speech consisted of two reels. Harry Foster, a Columbia employee working in the New York office, suggested illustrating the address with footage of the dictator's accomplishments, and the resulting film, which cost $100,000 to complete, grossed $1,000,000. In gratitude for the positive publicity, Mussolini offered to decorate Columbia president Harry Cohn, who traveled to Italy for the honor. Modern sources note that Cohn, who admired Mussolini, was impressed with the dictator's management style and, upon his return to the United States, remodeled his office to resemble Mussolini's. According to the biographic file on Edgar G. Ulmer at the AMPAS Library, Ulmer worked on Mussolini Speaks as a director.