The City Without Jews is a silent Austrian film released in 1924, based on the novel by Hugo Bettauer. The film was directed by Hans Karl Breslauer and starred actors such as Hilde Wagener, Johannes Riemann, and Karl Tema. The film is a socio-political satire that deals with issues such as anti-Semitism, economic crisis, and fascism in the early 20th century.
The story is set in the fictional Republic of Utopia, which is facing a severe economic crisis. The government, led by Chancellor Dr. Kante, blames the Jews for the nation's problems and passes a law that requires all Jews to be expelled from the country within a month.
Leo Strakosch, played by Johannes Riemann, is engaged to the daughter of the Chancellor's Counselor Linder, but he is also a Jew. He decides to enter the country illegally to uncover the lies and deception of the government and to prove that the Jews are not the cause of the nation's problems.
While in hiding, Leo observes how the country has changed since the expulsion of the Jews. The once lively and prosperous city has become dull and lifeless, and the government is struggling to keep the economy afloat. In a desperate attempt to find a solution, the government offers rewards for the return of any Jewish citizens who left the country. This leads to a series of mistaken identities and hilarious situations.
In the end, Leo is caught by the government but is rescued by a group of citizens who have come to realize their mistake in blaming the Jews for the country's problems. The government is overthrown, and Leo and his fiancé are reunited.
The City Without Jews was a timely warning against the rise of fascism and an admonition to avoid the perils of scapegoating minorities. The film has gained historical significance since it was released and was recently restored and screened at numerous film festivals around the world.
