Hitler's Food Tasters Inspire New Film, "The Tasters"

A new film, "The Tasters," explores the harrowing experiences of women who were forced to taste Adolf Hitler's food during World War II to ensure it was not poisoned. Inspired by the true story of Margot Wölk, one of Hitler's last food tasters, the movie delves into the lives of these women who faced daily terror while the rest of Europe starved.

From Bestselling Novel to the Big Screen

"The Tasters," directed by Italian filmmaker Silvio Soldini, is adapted from Rosella Postorino's international bestselling novel, "At the Wolf's Table" (originally "Le assaggiatrici"). The novel, published in 2018 and translated into over 30 languages, garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious Campiello Prize. Soldini, known for his romantic comedy "Bread and Tulips," takes a darker turn with this historical drama, marking his German-language debut. The film's screenplay is a collaborative effort by Cristina Comencini, Ilaria Macchia, Giulia Calenda, Doriana Leondeff, and Soldini himself.

The Wolf's Lair: A Setting of Secrecy and Fear

The film is set in November 1943, in Gross-Partsch, East Prussia (present-day Parcz, Poland). Rosa Sauer, played by Elisa Schlott, flees bombed-out Berlin to seek refuge with her in-laws in the countryside while her husband fights in Ukraine. Unbeknownst to her, the seemingly peaceful village hides a dark secret: the "Wolf's Lair," Hitler's heavily fortified Eastern Front military headquarters, lies hidden in the nearby forest. Shortly after her arrival, Rosa is forcibly recruited by the SS, along with other young women from the village, to become one of Hitler's food tasters.

A Deadly Daily Game

The women are driven daily to the Wolf's Lair to sample the Führer's meals, knowing that any dish could be poisoned. Despite the abundance of food, a stark contrast to the widespread starvation across Europe, the tasters live in constant fear, aware that their next bite could be their last. Amidst this tension, Rosa forms a friendship with Elfriede, a discreet woman with her own secrets, and becomes entangled in a forbidden relationship with SS lieutenant Ziegler, portrayed by Max Riemelt.

Margot Wölk: The Inspiration Behind the Story

Postorino's novel and, consequently, Soldini's film draw inspiration from the testimony of Margot Wölk, who remained silent about her wartime experiences until the age of 95. In 2012, she began sharing her story, recounting how she and 14 other young women were forced to taste Hitler's food for two and a half years, beginning in 1942. Wölk's account details the tasters' recruitment and daily routine, providing a chilling glimpse into the paranoia and control that permeated Hitler's inner circle. She revealed that Hitler was a vegetarian during that time and requested young women of "good German stock" for the role, considering it a patriotic service. However, for the women, it was a terrifying ordeal.

Historical Accuracy and Dramatic License

While "The Tasters" is rooted in historical events and personal testimonies, it also incorporates fictional elements for dramatic effect. The film portrays the tasters' fear, their camaraderie, and the complex relationships that developed under extreme circumstances. The love story between Rosa and the SS officer, for instance, is inspired by Wölk's account of a German officer who helped her escape the approaching Red Army in 1944. Wölk later learned that the other tasters were shot by Soviet soldiers.

Questioning the Narrative

Some historians have raised doubts about the accuracy of the food tasters' story. Werner Maser, for example, argues that it would have been illogical to transport food outside the secure zone for tasting. Historian Felix Bohr points out that, from July 1943, Hitler's food was prepared separately by dietician Helene von Exner. Before that, chef Otto Günther cooked for all the Nazi leaders and the approximately 2,000 staff members at the Wolf's Lair. Despite these questions, the story of Hitler's food tasters remains a compelling and disturbing narrative of survival under Nazi rule.

A Timeless Story of Resilience

Silvio Soldini has emphasized the film's relevance to contemporary issues, suggesting parallels between the tasters' experience of political violence and the anxieties of the modern world. Despite the privilege of having food, the tasters lived in constant fear, a feeling that resonates with the unease many people experience today in the face of global instability. "The Tasters" serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of those who endure unimaginable circumstances. The film, starring Elisa Schlott, Max Riemelt, and Alma Hasun, offers a unique perspective on World War II, focusing on the experiences of women who were forced to play a dangerous game of survival in the heart of Nazi Germany.