Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/05/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]marc j small wrote: Only the Fully Illuminated are cleared for the story of MS Monroe and Heinz Kuppenbender and the donkey. Speak to me of the Rising Hodge and of Jubelum and I may fill you in on what actually happened in Munich on 27th June 1958. It is not for worldly ears. The political topic DID touch me. I am of the heartfelt opinion that worldly success tempts us all and that the capers of such peripheral characters as Speer or Riefenstahl or Von Karajan are excusable however foul the regime they worked for. Of course, as a pure anarchist I find little moral distinction between any variant of Hegelian thought, be it our own system or the Canadian or a pure Marxist regime. Once one has conceded to the State the power to tax or to imprison or to kill, then one has conceded all. Thus, I don't find Riefenstahl's work any more reprehensible on a grand scheme than I do Carl Myrdan's. Art should be judged as art. We all have our price -- if I, as an anarchist, can have served successfully as an Army officer for twenty years, currently hold a license to practice law, and am active both in my local community and in politics, who am I to judge Riefenstahl or any other artist? As to your Kilfitt lens, thanks for giving me the background on Zorkendorffer -- I had not known of his Kilfitt link. Marc Hello Marc, We are celebrating "Victoria Day" today, as is only right for a former part of the Empire, eh? Finally got Riefenstahl's Memoirs in my public library and find it fascinating reading, if not great literature. The connections and tensions between Marlene-Lola and her Svengali (von?) Sternberg and Leni at Berlin's UFA are interesting, particularly in view of Eisenstaedt's photographic triumfeminat of Anna Mae Wong, Dietrich and Riefenstahl. I believe R. was politically desinterested, as are many creative artists, she is not just an apologist either. BTW. have you heard of Peter Stackpoole's passing at 83 recently, last of the Life glory aera ? Thanx for the tip, Marc. Auf Wiederhoeren -otto-