Film Summary
PRISONER OF PARADISE is the startling true story of Kurt Gerron, a well known and beloved German-Jewish actor, director and cabaret star in Berlin in the 1920's and '30's. Among his greatest accomplishments, he co-starred with the legendary Marlene Dietrich in the film classic The Blue Angel. Gerron also sang "Mack the Knife" in the original production of "The Threepenny Opera." Ultimately, he was captured and sent to a concentration camp, where he was ordered to write and direct a pro-Nazi propaganda film. PRISONER OF PARADISE follows Kurt Gerron's career and remarkable odyssey, offering a unique prospective on this extraordinary period. "A fascinating documentary." -- Frank Scheck, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER   "Chilling and provocative." -- Wesley Morris, BOSTON GLOBE   "It's a powerful story of delusion and dissolution." -- Elvis Mitchell, NEW YORK TIMES   "A fascinating and painful account of an entertainer trapped not only by his Jewishness but by his overwhelming need to make theater." -- J. Hoberman, VILLAGE VOICE   "Such a man, and such a tale." -- Rick Groen, GLOBE AND MAIL