Josef Kramer

Actor

Born: November 10, 1906 in Munich, German Empire Died: December 13, 1945 Active: 1945 (documentary footage only)

About Josef Kramer

Josef Kramer was not a cinema actor but rather a Nazi SS officer who appeared in documentary footage and newsreels in 1945. He served as the commandant of several concentration camps including Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen-Belsen, where he was known as the 'Beast of Belsen' for his extreme cruelty. After the liberation of Bergen-Belsen by British forces in April 1945, Kramer was captured and became one of the defendants in the Belsen Trial. His appearance in documentary footage showing the liberation of concentration camps and his subsequent war crimes trial represents his only 'film' appearances. Kramer was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity and was executed by hanging at Hamelin Prison on December 13, 1945. His inclusion in historical documentaries serves as a record of Nazi atrocities rather than any acting career.

The Craft

Milestones

Commandant of Auschwitz-Birkenau (1944)
Commandant of Bergen-Belsen (1944-1945)
Defendant in the Belsen Trial (1945)
Appeared in documentary footage of concentration camp liberation

Best Known For

Must-See Films

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Josef Kramer's appearance in documentary footage serves as historical documentation of Nazi war crimes rather than any contribution to cinema. His image in newsreels and documentaries has become an iconic representation of Nazi brutality and the perpetrators of the Holocaust. These recordings have been used extensively in educational materials and Holocaust documentaries to ensure that the atrocities of concentration camps are never forgotten.

Lasting Legacy

Kramer's legacy is that of a convicted war criminal whose trial and execution helped establish precedents for international law regarding crimes against humanity. His documented appearances in historical footage serve as evidence of Nazi crimes rather than any cinematic achievement. The footage of his trial has been preserved as part of the historical record of the Nuremberg and subsequent war crimes trials.

Off Screen

Josef Kramer was a member of the Nazi Party and SS, rising through the ranks to become a senior concentration camp commandant. He was married to Maria Kraus, who also served as an SS guard at Ravensbrück concentration camp. His life was entirely devoted to the Nazi regime and its system of persecution and genocide.

Education

Limited formal education, joined the Nazi Party in 1931 and SS in 1932

Family

Maria Kraus (married 1930s-1945)

Did You Know?

Known as the 'Beast of Belsen' for his extreme cruelty
Was one of the first SS officers to be tried and executed by British authorities
His trial was one of the first to be extensively filmed and photographed
Appeared in newsreel footage that was shown worldwide after WWII
His testimony during trial was documented and preserved as historical evidence
Was responsible for the deaths of thousands of prisoners at Bergen-Belsen alone
His image has been used in numerous Holocaust documentaries and educational materials

In Their Own Words

I did not know what was happening in the camp (during trial testimony)

I was only following orders (common defense statement during war crimes trials)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Josef Kramer?

Josef Kramer was a Nazi SS officer and commandant of concentration camps, not a cinema actor. He was known as the 'Beast of Belsen' and was executed for war crimes in 1945.

What films is Josef Kramer best known for?

Kramer appeared only in documentary footage and newsreels showing the liberation of concentration camps and his subsequent war crimes trial in 1945. These were historical recordings, not entertainment films.

When was Josef Kramer born and when did he die?

Josef Kramer was born on November 10, 1906, in Munich, Germany, and was executed by hanging on December 13, 1945, at Hamelin Prison for war crimes.

What awards did Josef Kramer win?

Josef Kramer received no awards. He was a convicted war criminal who was executed for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

What was Josef Kramer's acting style?

Josef Kramer was not an actor and had no acting style. His appearances were limited to documentary footage as a historical figure and war criminal.