BLITZKRIEG
Escape From Stalag 69
Synopsis
In Germany 1945, there exists an infamous prisoner of war camp run by a ruthless Commandant by the name of Helmet Schultz. The camp houses various American, Russian and British prisoners, but the paranoid, megalomaniac Schultz has decided to use the prisoners for a series of unorthodox experiments which satiate his twisted psycho sexual mind more so than advance science. When he isn’t busy experimenting on people, then he’s torturing them mercilessly in an attempt to extract information that they couldn’t possibly know. Helmet’s sidekick, Wolfgang, loves to inflict cruel and unusual punishment on prisoners, and delights at the broad powers he has been handed by the Third Reich, as does Helmet’s sister Frieda. An American GI, Jack Jones, is convinced that if he and his men quietly await liberation, they will be slaughtered senselessly, hence Jack must rally the British and Russian prisoners together, and due to internal conflicts, this is not an easy task. Furthermore, the Gestapo has gotten word of Helmet’s abuses and have every intention of shutting him down before word can escape regarding his conduct toward the prisoners. And then there’s a female Russian front fighter who despite the endless torture inflicted upon her, has ideas regarding an overthrow all her own...
Production
Blitzkrieg : Escape From Stalag 69 is a horror/war film hybrid written, produced and directed by Keith J. Crocker. Based on an idea originally conceived in 1995, the re-written screenplay was completed in Spring 2005 and the casting followed suit. Charles Esser and Steve Montague, two New York based actors, were chosen immediately to fill the lead roles of Helmet and Wolfgang. Both men have extensive acting credits on both stage and screen, and were dedicated to the production throughout its tough year and a half production schedule. Rounding out this fantastic cast of characters is Edward Yankus as GI Jack Jones. Yankus was a former Chippendale’s heartthrob dancer who would make his big screen debut in Tango and Cash. Tatyana Kot, a Russian born emigree, plays the role of Natasha, a front fighter whose motives go beyond freedom. Gordana Jenell, a model and television star from Montenegro, plays Helmet’s sister Frieda. A fantastic supporting cast includes Marjie Kelley as Marjie, Tammy Dalton as Candice, Brenda Cooney as Lucille, Natasa Warasch as Helga, and Stephanie Van Vlack as the diabolical Dr. Zuber. Others in the cast include Francis Leik, Wayne Chang, Jonathan Brown, David Meyers, Brandon Slagle, Russ Russo and over 50 WWII war reenactors. Director of Photography is Jim Knusch, a film historian and camera man. Costumes and production design by Keith Matturro, a WWII historian and the brains behind Shriek Cinema. Keith also contributed additional material to the screenplay. Special Effects make-up by John T. Farley. Jim Michaud, armorer and re-enactor coordinator. Steven Gocinski editor. The film is released on DVD 2/2/09 via WildEye Releasing. Check out the official Blitzkrieg website: Blitzkrieg The Movie.
