| Die Entscheidung des Dr. Ahrendt | |
| Director: | Frank Vogel |
| Producer: | Werner Dau |
| Starring: | Johannes Arpe |
| Cinematography: | Walter Fehdmer |
| Editing: | Friedel Welsandt |
| Distributor: | Progress Film |
| Runtime: | 81 minutes |
| Country: | East Germany |
| Language: | German |
Dr. Ahrendt's Decision (German: '''Die Entscheidung des Dr. Ahrendt''')[1] is an East German black-and-white film, directed by Frank Vogel. It was released in 1960.
Dr. Ahrendt has developed a new type of iron smelter. When his invention fails to produce the required results, he begins to doubt himself, and is even considered as a liar by some. However, the workers in the factory are determined to achieve the goals set forth, and together with the scientist they manage to prove that the machine can be used as planned.
The film was one of the so-called "mission films", commissioned in great number by the East German government during the late 1950s and the early 1960s, that were intended to promote distinct political aims.[2] Dr. Ahrendt's Decision was meant to set an ideal model for behavior and attitude for the industrial workers.[3]
Heinz Kersten wrote that the film resembled Socialist Realist pictures, and was intended to promote the economical aspirations of East Germany, by motivating the populace to work harder.[4]
Marianne Lange noted that Dr. Ahrendt's Decision portrayed the transformation of simple workers to ambitious, skilled labor.[5] The West German film service regarded it as "boring propaganda".[6]