Man Hunt is a 1941 movie directed by Fritz Lang. Its story, setting and hints of revisionist history could have inspired Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds.
Man Hunt tells the story of Alan Thorndike, a British big game hunter and adventurist. Thorndike is vacationing in Bavaria when he stumbles upon Adolf Hitler. Thorndike has Hitler in his sights, but doesn’t shoot. He’s then captured by the Nazis. After escaping back to Britain, Thorndike has his identity stolen and is pursued by Gestapo forces.
There are some interesting parallels between Man Hunt and Inglorious Basterds. While the movie isn’t a direct influence on Tarantino’s work, Man Hunt attempts to place a fictional character into the historical space of World War II. Thorndike is swept up into a web of spies – similar to Basterds’ Archie Hickox – as he is pursued by Nazi agent Quive-Smith. The Nazis want Thorndike to sign a confession admitting that he tried to kill Hitler – as this action would draw Britain into the war and validate Germany’s invasion of Europe.
Walter Pidgeon plays Thorndike and is well-suited for the role. He’s a striking 1940’s leading man and possesses a kind of necessary gentle charm. In explaining his actions to Quive-Smith, Thorndike admits to tracking Hitler – but states that it would be cruelty to kill what was such an easy target. There’s little malice in Thorndike’s character – he’s likely a bored adventurer arising from a wealthy and connected background.
Continue reading “The Tarantino Influences: Man Hunt”