The Raider Emden

Date1928

Object number00046579

NamePoster

MediumLithograph on paper

DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 1275 × 930 mm G Fini

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Description1928 film poster advertising the North American cinematic release of a German film 'Kreuzer Emden' (Cruiser Emden). The film title was changed to 'The Raider Emden' for American audiences. It was first produced in 1926 by Austrian Louis Ralph. A version was remade in Australia and footage from HMAS SYDNEY conducting firing exercises was added for Australian audiences. HistoryKreuzer Emden (Cruiser Emden) was written in 1926 by Louis Ralph. This black and white silent film was released in Germany in 1926, in Japan in 1927 and in America on 28 April 1928. It had a running time of 65 minutes. This poster was produced specifically for the American market and the title of the film changed to The Raider Emden. The film was produced by Emelka, one of the largest German film companies of the period. The company's full name was Muenchener Lichtspielkunst A G and the Emelka name comes from the pronunciation of its initials MLK. Alfred Hitchcock shot his first feature film - The Pleasure Garden - at Emelka Studios in 1925. Starting in 1919 the company continued in business until 1932 when it was renamed Bavaria Film AG. Louis Ralph was born in Graz, Austria- Hungary in 1884 and starred in more than 80 movies between 1911 and 1950. He also directed 19 movies between 1914 and 1933; and wrote three in 1926, 1928 and 1929 with Kreuzer Emden being the first. He starred as Captain von Muller in the movie, which also starred Renee Stobrawa and Werner Fuetterer. Ralph died in Berlin in 1952. While escorting the first ANZAC convoy from Australia to the Middle East during World War I, HMAS SYDNEY I was detached on 9 November 1914 to investigate reports of a strange warship off Direction Island in the Cocos Archipelago. The vessel was in fact the German Dresden class cruiser SMS EMDEN, which had just detached a shore party to destroy the British cable and wireless station. EMDEN stood out to meet SYDNEY, opening fire on the Australian cruiser at 9.40 am. The German cruiser, hopelessly outgunned by the modern, more powerful and faster SYDNEY, was pounded almost beyond recognition before being driven ashore on North Keeling Island. SYDNEY's casualties numbered four men killed and twelve wounded. EMDEN lost 131 killed, with 65 wounded and 110, including the captain, von Muller, taken prisoner.SignificanceThis poster is a rare and colourful reminder of the importance of EMDEN to the German public - the ship was a successful wartime raider and was gallantly defeated by an Australian crew.