April 1, 2000

Anyone who happens to be a member of the Austro-American Bund should certainly enjoy April 1, 2000, now at the Brattle. It is a magnificent propaganda piece, in its way the equal of Potiemkin and Alexander Nievsky, calling for the end of occupation in Austria.

With mixed parts, mock science-fiction, spoof world government and vibrant nationalism, the film blends its "Yank (et al) Go Home" theme with broad comic touches. Most of the laughs are elementary, not far removed from slapstick. But they are so well timed and startling, often coming in the middle of a propaganda speech, that they are quite good.

April 1, 2000 is largely a symposium of Austrian history, art and culture, proving that the country, once having saved the West from the Turks, continued to save it from boredom and spiritual blight. The word "Anschluss" is missing from the historic review. But it is really quite a bit to ask that motion picture history be both entertaining and accurate. In the present case it is fairly amusing.

Although there is no real form to the picture, it certainly does not ramble, being rather hectic in its jumble of gags and tableaux. The almost complete lack of transitions makes the action incomprehensible at times and is reminiscent of the Olson and Johnson Hellzapoppin' technique. But seeing April 1, 2000 is really a duty for those who collect rare movie going experiences.