1 aprile 2000

This is a bizarre little movie! It's not of great quality but so sweet in some way and also an important piece of history; a „science-fiction` film as much as a document of a rather short period of Austrian history, namely the ten years from 1945 to 1955 where the four occupying powers were here. The film takes a look into the future year 2000 where some things changed radically but most things are just the same as they were. The Big Four are still in the country and the new president, played by Josef Meinrad, suddenly claims that Austria is independent. The occupying powers immediately call the „World Protection Commission` that should decide whether Austria is endangering the world peace or not. If so, they will destroy the country or at least evacuate (!) the population into sparsely populated regions of the world.

To politically interested people this will seem familiar. Funny, how relevant this movie is to the current situation. Only two months before 2000 April 1st, the European Union sanctioned Austria, however for other reasons. And the sanctions were not as drastic as those in the film.

I found it very sweet but it could also be seen as an unpleasant element that the film is full of patriotism. Every Austrian loves Austria! Hans Moser, instructed by the president, composes a song and the whole nation (really the WHOLE nation) sings it. Isn't that beautiful?

A reason for the film's most exaggerated, even childish ideas and developments is that it was made on behalf of the Austrian government, not as some world-class piece of art, but in order to make publicity for their negotiations according the state treaty they wanted to get. Nothing of the plot is supposed to be taken seriously; but the film as a whole is really amusing and original.

This film with such a strange title is a German language comedy and satire of sorts about occupied Austria after World War II. It was made in 1952 - nearly seven years after the end of the war, with an end to the occupation by the four powers yet nowhere in sight. That would happen in 1955. But, in the meantime, the makers of "1. April 2000" decided to satirize Austria's poor post-war plight, and the movie projects the occupation going on until 2000.

The film is so-so, but not a particularly funny comedy. What's most amusing is the mode of travel by the air transport vehicles that look more like bloated capsules than anything real that might fly. Indeed, at first sight they give the impression that this might be a sci-fi film. And, while this film has a world court and world leader, it's not too far off what has been taking shape with the UN and the European Union - as those higher authorities over time, began to assume and claim more and more authority in world matters.

Those who understand German may appreciate this film more than others, but the humor doesn't ever rise above the level of a few chuckles. The subject is obviously dated, and only those with knowledge of history and WW II and post-war film buffs are likely to catch on or be able to understand what it's about - when seeing it in 2000 and beyond.

This film is a rarity for many reasons. First of all, it is Austrian Science Fiction (albeit only as a framing story - it's a pure comedy with a few Sci Fi elements). Secondly, it brings together all the great talents in Austrian film at the time. But thirdly and most importantly, it is state - commissioned, and it shows. Badly. Intended as a propaganda piece, this film loses no time in using the kitschiest possible imagery (and music!) to convince the viewer. The framing story is ridiculously badly written and deeply misogynist to boot - the Union's strong - willed President is even asked if she "really is a woman"! The historical reenactments meant to demonstrate to the delegates - and the viewer - how peaceful Austria is, are elaborate and well - made (the costumes are gorgeous), but extremely obvious propaganda. Yet still, this piece has its own quirky, kitschy charm. In a naive way, it is very honest - it makes no effort at all to hide that its first and only intention is to make a point. It is unabashedly political, and it uses all the clichés of early fifties comedy to reach its goal. Recommended to anyone interested in Austria's postwar history, as it shows the atmosphere in occupied Austria very well - how anxious everyone was to gain independence and yet how improbable it seemed that it would be granted anytime soon.

1. April 2000 is a 1952 political satire film, made during the Allied Occupation of Austria (1945–55). The script was reportedly commissioned at the request of the Austrian government, and is a political satire depicting a harmless, potentially congenial future Austria still subject to needless and stifling oversight by the four Allied powers, as established following the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The film was entered into the 1953 Cannes Film Festival. And of course if failed. Miserably. 1. April 2000 is propaganda in its purest form. And should be seen as nothing else: government-funded whitewashing. Why do I give the film 8/10? Because it's well-made government-funded whitewashing.

1. April 2000 is a political science-fiction comedy, which was made to show the situation of Austria in the early fifties. At that time Austria was occupied by the four powers, USA, Great Britain, France and the Soviet-Union but had an own government. For 7 years this government had tried to become fully independent again. The film shows the situation of Austria and the world nearly 50 years later in a very humorous way. At our time its really funny how they thought at that time the world would be. The four powers were still ruling over Austria and the prime minister proclaimed independence. So the court was siting together over the whole country and the prime minister showed the history of the last thousand years. The actors playing in the film were the who is who of Austrian actors.

Austria got a state-contract two years later, so situation changed. Today the film is not only a film over the history of Austria it is a part of this history itself. Maybe something for April, 1st 2000