"Nazi film queen" Leni Riefenstahl’s shocking tour of America (1938-39)

Was Leni’s two-month trip to the U. S. the worst press junket of the 20th century? Perhaps. In any event, it certainly makes the shortlist. Her tour starred a pack of pro-Nazi American charlatans here and there, and a cameo appearance by later anti-Nazi whistleblower Emily Hall Tremaine (with details from her once-thought secret deposition unearthed by artdesigncafe).

R. J. Preece
Art Design Publicity at ADC | 27 December 2025 | Updated 15 April 2026

emily hall tremaine leni riefenstahl

Above, Leni Riefenstahl met Emily Hall Tremaine (previously Spreckels and Von Romberg) in California, but likely not as described above as reported in the Daily News (New York) on 28 December 1938. The "one hour meeting" (presumably on 18 December 1938; see article below) as described in 1940 in Emily’s divorce action ("He’s a Nazi, no SHE IS") was a key counter-allegation against Emily. See toward the bottom links to Emily’s unearthed secret deposition by artdesigncafe regarding this matter, with a follow-up meeting indirectly denied by Emily, and a two-part YouTube discussion. Was Emily pro-Nazi, a US patriot-spy, or both?

Leni Riefenstahl, filmmaker and rumored to be Hitler’s girlfriend, arrived in New York from Germany in on 4 November 1938. After Kristallnacht on 9-10 November 1938, the German Consul General to New York, and others, reportedly told her to go back to Germany. But she carried on... and on, across the US to California in what may be the worst press junket of the 20th century.

So why did Emily and Leni meet? We don’t know yet. This is one of the mysteries in the trip. In this regard, see the article and embedded video in the Connecticut Centinal: Why did the Meriden / Madison town art lady Emily Hall Tremaine host the alleged girlfriend of Hitler? (1938-39) (Click through the tweet to the article.)



Spotlighted

leni riefenstahl
See 5 November 1938, Evening Star (Washington, DC) below.


leni riefenstahl
See 5 November 1938, Washington Times entry below.

leni riefenstahl usa trip See 5 November 1938, The Saratogian (Saratoga Springs, NY) below.

Leni Riefenstahl usa tour See 5 November 1938, The Daily Record (Long Branch, NJ) below.

leni riefenstahl usa tour 1938 See 5 November 1938, San Pedro News-Pilot (California) below.

leni riefenstahl usa tour 1938 See 7 November 1938, The Evening News (North Tonawanda, NY) below.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION




NEW YORK (4 - 15 November 1938)

> Accommodation: Hotel Pierre

See events


> USA news reporting: Nov. 4-5+ 1938 summary; wire service reports: angling Leni arrives in New York; "Is Leni Hitler’s girl friend", reported across and deeply into American media; also, a call by a NY congressman for her deportation as a Nazi propagandist (multiple samples in reporting above).

Articles - Nov 2-8

See the articles


Attention please, wire service photos

1938 - wire service photo

(4 November 1938). Photo / caption: "German [film] director Leni Riefenstahl; Leni Riefenstahl, Naziland’s film queen, greets America with a big smile upon arriving on the S.S. Europa." Getty Images. (S02246).

1938 - wire service photo

AFP. (4 November 1938). Photo / caption: "LENI RIEFENSTAHL; German photographer and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl smiles, after her arrival in New York City on the liner Europa." Getty Images. (S02242).

1938 - wire service photo

(4 November 1938). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl; Photo shows German film queen, Leni Riefenstahl, after her arrival in New York City." Getty Images. (S02244).

1938 - wire service photo

(4 November 1938). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl; Picture shows German actress and director, Leni Riefenstahl, waving to the press as she arrives in New York City." Getty Images. (S02240).

1938 - wire service photo

(4 November 1938). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl on Gangplank; Leni Riefenstahl, 27-year-old queen of German cinema and a reported favorite of Adolf Hitler, as she arrived in New York on the S.S. Europa." Getty Images. (S02245).

1938 - wire service photo

(4 November 1938). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl sits on ships railing; Leni Riefenstahl, 27-year-old Queen of German Cinema and a reported favorite of Adolf Hitler, as she arrived in New York, Nov. 4, on the S.S. Europa. Photo shows her posed on the ships railing". Getty Images. (S02241).

1938 - wire service photo

(4 November 1938). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl Waving, Smiling; Fraulein Leni Riefenstahl, former motion picture actress who is a close friend of Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler of Germany is shown as she arrived on the S.S. Europa today for a visit. Fraulein Riefenstahl is now Directress of all the official photography for the Nazi party." Getty Images. (S02243).


Selected newspaper sources


CALIFORNIA

1938 - news brief

AP (Berlin, Nov. 2). (2 November 1938). Hitler girl friend to open film in U. S. [regarding Leni Riefenstahl]. Oakland Tribune (Oakland, CA), p. 2. (S02262).

"… [Leni Riefenstahl] was said by friends today to have left last Saturday for New York to launch her film of the 1936 Olympics…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - news brief

AP (New York). (4 November 1938). Actress denies Hitler romance [about Leni Riefenstahl]. San Pedro News-Pilot (San Pedro, CA), p. 1. (S02261).

"Leni Riefenstahl, 30 year old German movie actress, arrived on the S.S. Europa today with a laughing denial that any romance existed between her and the German chancellor." (Excerpt in full from above.)


1938 - news brief

AP (New York). (4 November 1938). Actress denies Hitler romance [about Leni Riefenstahl]. Santa Ana Journal (Santa Ana, CA), p. 1. (S02260).

1938 - news brief

AP (New York). (5 November 1938). Deportation of film star demanded; Leni Riefenstahl denies she is Hitler’s pal [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Santa Ana Daily Journal (California), p. 1. (S02287).

1938 - article with photo / caption

AP (New York) / AP Wirephoto. (5 November 1938). Congressman asks deportation of film actress friend; Telegram sent to Perkins; Came to America to spread propaganda, charges Somers [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl, shown above; with additional AP news wire brief, underneath, stating Secretary of Labor Perkins received Somers’ communication]. San Pedro News-Pilot (San Pedro, CA), p. 1. (S02285).

1938 - news brief

(New York, Nov. 4). (5 November 1938). Actress denies talk of Hitler romance [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. San Bernardino Daily Sun (California), p. 23. (S02666).

1938 - article

AP (New York, Nov. 5). (6 November 1938). Deportation of Hitler’s "girl friend" requested; Solon asserts Germany’s film star in this country for propaganda purposes [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. San Bernardino Daily Sun (California), p. 1. (S02297).

1938 - news brief

AP (Washington, Nov. 5). (6 November 1938). Leni Riefenstahl visit protested; Labor Department receives complaint from house member [next to article, see context "Nazi persecution threats told by [American] Dies [committee] witnesses" with photo caption "... Bund seeks to overthrow government"]. Los Angeles Times, p. 1. (S02340).

1938 - article

UP (Nueva York, nov. 5). (6 November 1938). Leni Riefenstahl en Nueva York; dice que no es Novia de Hitler; Piden su Deportación. La Opinion (Los Angeles, CA) (Spanish-language), p. 1. (S02298).


GEORGIA

1938 - news brief

UP (Berlin, Nov. 2). (3 November 1938). Leni Reifenstahl [sic] en route to U. S.; friend of Hitler to show Olympic film. The Atlanta Constitution (Georgia), p. 3. (S02336).

1938 - article

AP (New York, Nov. 4). (5 November 1938). Leni laughs at romance with Hitler; Wedded to movie career, friend of Fuehrer says in gay denial [regarding Leni Riefenstahl, with portrait entitled "’Hitler and me? No, no!" Laughs chic Leni]. The Atlanta Constitution (Georgia), p. 1. (S02334).


ILLINOIS

1938 - article

AP (Berlin, Nov. 2). (3 November 1938). Sails for U. S.; Leni Riefenstahl [with portrait photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 3. (S02306).

"… [Leni] was said by friends today to have left last Saturday for New York to launch her film of the 1936 Olympics …" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - news brief

(New York, Nov. 4, Special) and Associated Press Wirephoto. (5 November 1938). German movie actress denies Hitler romance [regarding Leni Riefenstahl, plus photo / caption on photo page ]. Chicago Daily Tribune, pp. 10, 30. (S02350).

  • Online - fultonhistory.com. (Viewable in US only. Search "Chicago IL Daily Tribune 1938-11-05_97_265_10" and "Chicago IL Daily Tribune 1938-11-05_97_265_30".)


INDIANA

1938 - photo / caption

U. P. (New York, Nov. 5). (5 November 1938). Caption: "Just an acquaintance of Hitler" [regarding Leni Riefenstahl with photo of her]. Indianapolis Times (Indiana), p. 16. (S02330).

1938 - photo / caption

Unspecified photo agency. (8 November 1938). Caption: Hitler "friend" in US [regarding Leni Riefenstahl]. Decatur Daily Democrat (Indiana), p. 4. (S02331).


NEBRASKA

1938 - news brief

AP (New York, Nov. 5). (5 November 1938). Deportation of German actress from U. S. asked [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. The Lincoln Star (Nebraska), p. 3. (S03207).


NEW JERSEY

1938 - article

Presumably UP (New York, Nov. 5). (5 November 1938). Deportation of Nazi beauty sought; Brooklyn Democrat demands "Hitler’s "girl friend" be barred from United States; Rep. Somers contends actress is here to disseminate Nazi propaganda [with portrait photo of Leni Riefenstahl, above]. The Daily Record (Long Branch, NJ), p. 1. (P02003).

  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.


NEW YORK

1938 - news brief

AP (Berlin). (2 November 1938). Leni coming to U. S. The Saratogian (Saratoga Springs, New York), p. 2. (S02344).

1938 - news brief

AP (Berlin). (2 November 1938). Hitler’s girl friend reported U.S.-bound [regarding Leni Riefenstahl, with photo / caption title: "Is Mein Fuehrer There?" with photo of Leni on the telephone]. The Knickerbocker News (Albany, NY), presumably p. 13-B. (S02322).

1938 - news brief

AP (Berlin, Nov. 2). (2 November 1938). Brings Olympic film, Hitler’s actress protegee is said to be on Europe [sic / S. S. Europa] [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. The Sun (New York), p. 23. (S02323).

1938 - article

AP (Berlin, Nov. 2). (2 November 1938). Hitler’s friend sails to show film in U. S.; Leni Riefenstahl unperturbed by fear of hostility [with photo / caption "Nazi actress to visit U. S.]. Buffalo Evening News (New York), p. 8. (S02321).

1938 - news brief

AP (Berlin, Nov. 2). (2 November 1938). Hitler’s pet brings us game film; Leni Riefenstahl off to let U.S. see Olympics film [with portrait photo of Leni]. New York Post, p. 18. (S02324).

1938 - photo / caption

International News Photo agency. (3 November 1938). Fuehrer favored; Leni Riefenstahl... is reported en route to New York... Rochester Times-Union (New York), p. 8. (S02326).

1938 - column mention

Lyons, Leonard. (3 November 1938). The Lyons den [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. New York Post, presumably p. 21. (S02325).

"… Adolf Hitler: This week’s big story— about the visit of Leni Riefenstahl to this country to sell her movies of the 1936 Olympics— is a laugh to the film industry. Her film has been kicking around the U. S. movie officers for over a year— with not a single taker…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - news brief

UP (Berlin, Nov. 3). (3 November 1938). Hitler girl friend bound for Lisbon [regarding Leni Riefenstahl]. New York Post, p. 9. (S02327).

1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (3 November 1938). [On photo page] Photo / caption: "Enroute: [Leni Riefenstahl] is reported on way to U. S. to exhibit her film..." Long Island Daily News (Jamaica, NY), p. 19. (S02341).

1938 - article

Post photo. (4 November 1938). Leni arrives, denies she’s Hitler’s friend; Germany’s movie czarina here for holiday and may visit Hollywood, but not to sell Olympic films [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. New York Post, pp. 1, 17. (S02265).

  • Online - fultonhistory.com. (Viewable in US only. Search "New York NY Evening Post 1938 Grayscale - 6828"; "New York NY Evening Post 1938 Grayscale - 6844".)

1938 - article

Robb, Inez (New York, Nov. 4). (Kings Features Syndicate). (5 November 1938). Not Hitler’s girlfriend; Nor is she Jewish, Leni declares; German film queen arrives in N. Y. for vacation [with Associated Press photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Albany Times-Union (New York), p. 3. (S02342).

1938 - article

AP (New York). (5 November 1938). Hitler’s "friend" in United States; Hitler’s girl friend? No, no! Deportation already sought [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl. shown above]. The Saratogian (Saratoga Springs, New York), p. 1. (S02253).

1938 - news brief

AP (New York). (5 November 1938). Leni denies she is Hitler’s "girl friend" [regarding Leni Riefenstahl]. Malone Evening Telegram (New York), p. 1. (S02345).

1938 - news brief

AP (New York) / International News Photo. (5 November 1938). Deportation demanded for Nazi film star [with regard to Leni Riefenstahl]. Rochester Times-Union (New York), p. 3. (S02349).

1938 - news brief

AP (New York, Nov. 4). (5 November 1938). Untitled news brief [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. Plattsburgh Daily Press (New York), p. 1. (S02286).

"Leni Riefenstahl, 30-year-old German movie actress, arrived on the S. S. Europa today with a laughing denial that any romance existed between her and the German chancellor…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - photo / caption

Associated Press Photo. (5 November 1938). Caption: Adolf’s Leni [Riefenstahl]. The Daily News (Tarrytown, NY), p. 2. (S02346).

1938 - photo / caption

Associated Press Photo. (5 November 1938). Caption: Adolf’s Leni? No, at least according to Leni Riefenstahl... [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Daily Argus (Mount Vernon, NY), presumably p. 2. (S02305).

1938 - article

INS / AP Photo (New York). (5 November 1938). Visiting Reich film queen denies she’s Hitler’s gal [regarding Leni Riefenstahl]. Democrat Chronicle (Rochester, NY), pp. 1, 2. (S02348).

  • Online - fultonhistory.com. [Viewable in US only. Search "Rochester NY Democrat Chronicle 1938 a (510)" and "Rochester NY Democrat Chronicle 1938 a (511)".]

1938 - photo / caption

NEA photo agency. (5 November 1938). Caption: Hitler’s friend in U. S.; ... The deportation of Fraulein Riefenstahl was demanded today by Rep. Andrew L. Somers, Brooklyn Democrat... [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Elmira Star-Gazette (New York), p. 1. (S02343).

1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agencies. (5 November 1938). Caption: The Daily Bulletin’s review of world news and pictures; "Hitler friend coming" [photo / caption page, including Leni Riefenstahl]. Endicott Daily Bulletin (Endicott, NY), p. 9. (S02288).

"… Hitler friend coming; Fraulien Leni Riefenstahl, Germany’s outstanding film queen, personal friend of Adolf Hitler and photographer directress for the for the Nazi party, is said to be en route to the United States to launch a film she made of the 1936 Olympics games. The film is said to run five hours…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (5 November 1938). Caption: Hitler’s friend in U. S. ... [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Times Record (Troy, NY), p. 1. (S02347).

1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (7 November 1938). Caption: Hitler’s "friend" in United States [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl, with spotlight above]. The Evening News (North Tonawanda, NY), p. 1. (S02361).

"Besieged by reporters and cameramen, the mysterious Leni Riefenstahl, German movie actress and directress, is pictured on arrival at New York from Germany, for a visit. She denied romantic link to Adolf Hitler, terming herself as a ’close friend’." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (7 November 1938). Caption: Says it isn’t so; Leni Riefenstahl... Utica Daily Press (New York), p. 1. (S02351).

1938 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (7 November 1938). On Broadway; Man about town [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Times-Union (Albany, NY), presumably p. 15. (S02355).

"… Leni Reifenstahl [sic], Hitler’s alleged camera-genius, told reporters that her visit was not to peddle those Olympic pix ’as that was already being done here by the Tobis Film company.’ Is that so? That firm folded six months ago…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - news brief

(8 November 1938). Leni in ’SOS Iceberg’ [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Times-Union (Albany, NY), p. 7-A. (S02356).

"… Leni Riefenstahl, the pretty German film head who has taken a number of lessons in the fine points of newspaper interviewing since she arrived in New York last week…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention - a rare statement in support of Riefenstahl

Presumably Roseberry, C. S. (8 November 1938). The melting pot; the descent of man [with 8+ paragraphs on Leni Riefenstahl]. The Knickerbocker News (Albany, NY), p. 8-A. (S02358).

"… so long as she keeps her nose clean, refrains from trying to sell Hitler to us or vice-versa, and thoroughly snubs the German-American Bund— we extend as hearts a welcome as we should to any gal as presentable as the fraulein appears to be…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (8 November 1938). Caption: Hitler’s friend, Leni, arrives [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Geneva Daily Times (New York), p. 6. (S02357).


NORTH CAROLINA

1938 - photo / caption

CP. (7 November 1938). Caption: "’Hitler’s "friend’; Fraulein Leni Riefenstahl, admitted she is a close friend of Adolf Hitler, but not his ’girlfriend’. is pictured on arrival in New York from Germany. The directress of all official Nazi photography is in America for a vacation." Henderson Daily Dispatch (Henderson, NC), p. 1. (S02254).


PENNSYLVANIA

1938 - news brief

AP (Berlin, Nov. 2). (3 November 1938). Leni Riefenstahl on way with film; Hitler friend plans to launch Olympics movie in U. S. [with photo of Leni with photo caption: "Hitler’s friend sails for U. S.".] The Philadelphia Inquirer, p. 5. (S02337).

1938 - article

AP (New York, Nov. 4). (5 November 1938). Actress friend of Hitler in U. S., denies a romance [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Philadelphia Inquirer, p. 30. (S02335).


TEXAS

1938 - article

(New York, Nov. 4). (5 November 1938). Romance with Hitler denied by Nazi actress visiting United States [about Leni Riefenstahl]. The Lampasas Daily Leader (Lampasas, TX), p. 4. (S02328).

1938 - article

International News Service (New York, Nov. 5). (5 November 1938). Leni denies that she is Adolf’s girl (regarding Leni Riefenstahl, with "Reifenstahl" [sic], with portrait photo of her, with caption "Not Hitler’s girl friend"). El Paso Herald-Post (Texas), presumably p. 3. (S02329).


UTAH

1938 - article

Ferris, John (AP) (New York, Nov. 4). (5 November 1938). Actress denies any romance with Hitler [regarding Leni Riefenstahl]. The Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah), presumably p. 28. (S02332).

1938 - news brief

UP (New York, Nov. 5). (6 November 1938). Fraulien denies Hitler friendship [regarding Leni Riefenstahl]. The Ogden Standard-Examiner (Ogden, Utah), p. 8-B. (S02333).


WASHINGTON, DC

1938 - short opinion piece

(3 November 1938). Pro and con: Duce hates her [Sylvia Brema]; Hitler likes her [Leni Riefenstahl] [with portrait photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Washington Times (DC), p. 3. (S02263).

"… Miss Riefenstahl is rumored, in despatches from Berlin, to be aboard the S. S. Europa... to sell [Olympia] in the United States…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - news brief

(Berlin, Nov. 3). (3 November 1938). Leni on way to Lisbon [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. Washington Daily News (DC), p. 2. (S02264).

1938 - article

Associated Press / AP Wirephoto (Nov. 5, New York). (5 November 1938). Reich’s film star’s deportation is demanded by Somers [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl; photo above]. The Evening Star (Washington, DC), p. 1. (S02238).

"… In a telegram to Secretary of Labor Perkins, Somers asked that the shapely German film actress be barred from the United States on the grounds she had come here to disseminate propaganda…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - photo / caption

International News / Acme photos. (5 November 1938). "Why, the very idea!" [with 5 photos of Leni Riefenstahl; spotlighted above]. Washington Times (DC), p. 3. (S02236).

Caption: "Leni Riefenstahl is NOT Der Fuehrer Adolf Hitler’s girl friend! Absolutely not! Take her word for it! Here are a few character studies of the petite German film queen." (Excerpt from above.)



leni riefenstahl
Click to enlarge

1938 - photo / caption

Likely unspecified press agency. (5 November 1938). Photo / caption: "She is unconcerned; Leni Riefenstahl, red-headed German film queen and close friend of Hitler, isn’t upset because Rep. Andrew L. Summer (D., N. Y.) protested against her presence in the United States..." [photo above]. Washington Daily News (DC), p. 1. (S02237).


CANADA - BRITISH COLUMBIA

1938 - news brief

AP (New York). (5 November 1938). Would deport Leni Riefenstahl; U. S. congressman charges friend of Hitler is propaganda agent. Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, BC, Canada), p. 1. (S02338).


CANADA - ONTARIO

1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (8 November 1938). Untitled; "The deportation of Leni Riefenstahl, German film actress, and reported to be Chancellor Hitler’s ’girl friend’, was demanded almost as soon as she set foot on U.S. soil... " The Ontario Intelligencer (Belleville, ON, Canada), p. 6. (S02339).



1938 - spotlighted column mention - a rare statement in support of Riefenstahl, a day before Kristallnacht

Presumably Roseberry, C. S. (8 November 1938). The melting pot; the descent of man [with 8+ paragraphs on Leni Riefenstahl]. The Knickerbocker News (Albany, NY), p. 8-A. (S02358).

"… so long as she keeps her nose clean, refrains from trying to sell Hitler to us or vice-versa, and thoroughly snubs the German-American Bund— we extend as hearts a welcome as we should to any gal as presentable as the fraulein appears to be…" (Excerpt from above.)



leni riefenstahl kristallnacht See 10 November 1938, Elmira Star Gazette (New York) below.



Important American and German contexts to note in terms of Riefenstahl’s visit and timing, some overlooked in historical accounts:

US / DE contexts of Leni visit

See the contexts


leni riefenstahl usa trip 1938
Click to enlarge

> USA: c. Nov 5 1938; wire service reports regarding ongoing Dies Committee testimonies: see sample reporting above in article listing: AP (Washington, Nov. 5). (6 November 1938). Leni Riefenstahl visit protested; Labor Department receives complaint from house member [next to article, see context "Nazi persecution threats told by [American] Dies [committee] witnesses" with photo caption "... Bund seeks to overthrow government"]. Los Angeles Times, p. 1, plus photo above (click to enlarge).

> USA: 1938: Increasing concern and congressinal inquiry into the spying and thuggery activities associated with the German consulate in San Francisco, headed by former assassin Manfred von Killinger. He is brought back to Germany in early December 1938.

> GERMANY: Kristallnacht, Nov. 9-10 1938; note while surely an influence on reaction to Nazi Germany and Leni Riefenstahl as a symbol, so far, no reporting seen mentioning this directly in relation to Riefenstahl’s visit.



Articles - Nov 9-15

See the articles


CALIFORNIA

1938 - photo / caption

Unspecified photo agency. (9 November 1938). Caption: "Hitler’s ’friend’ in U. S. ... [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Calexico Daily Chronicle (Calexico, CA), p. 1. (S02256).

1938 - photo / caption

Unspecified photo agency. (10 November 1938). Caption: Amiga de Hitler [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl arriving in New York]. La Opinion (Los Angeles, CA; Spanish-language), p. 8. (S02296).

1938 - editorial mention

Presumably Visalia Times-Delta Editor. (12 November 1938). Hitler, who could have everything, misses prize package [with focus on Hitler and Leni Riefenstahl]. Visalia Times-Delta (Visalia, CA), p. 8. (S02295).

1938 - news brief

AP Feature Service. (13 November 1938). The world this week; Leni’s love [about Riefenstahl]. Oakland Tribune (California), presumably p. 2-C. (S02299).

"Leni Riefenstahl, German film queen, now in America, denies she is Der Fuehrer’s girl friend: ’I love my work too much to get married’" (Excerpt in full from above.)



CONNECTICUT

1938 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (9 November 1938). On Broadway; New York heartbeat [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Waterbury Democrat (Connecticut), p. 1. (S02294).

"… In the Havana-Madrid someone remarked that [Leni] Riefenstahl, Hitler’s Small-Fry-day, was not a bad looker… La Riefenstahl didn’t bring any German Olympic games movies with her, because they’ve been gathering dust in the Heinie embassy right along... Sounds in the night: ’I just saw that Leni Riefenstahl who is Hitler’s friend. She’s as pretty as a Swastika’... " (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (11 November 1938). On Broadway [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Waterbury Democrat (Connecticut), p. 13. (S02314).

"Memos of a columnist’s girl friday; Dear Mr. W: Leni Riefenstahl of Berlin, Munich and Bertesgartem (ahem!) who got into the U. S. the other day without any trouble at all (just because of officials fear starting an International Incident) might have made the headlines just like Strachey and Lady Cathcart did..." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (14 November 1938). On Broadway; Man about town [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl The Waterbury Democrat (Connecticut), p. 9. (S02316).

"… Morris Gilbert’s World Telly piece on Leni Riefenstahl was a masterpiece of ribbing. Wonder if she knew it…" (Excerpt from above.)



NEW YORK

1938 - photo / caption

AP Wirephoto. (10 November 1938). Caption: Say it ain’t so [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Poughkeepsie Eagle-News (New York), p. 5. (S02365).

1938 - article

NEA Service / CP photo. (10 November 1938). Leni holds interest of Der Fuehrer [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl; headline across front page: "Synagogues burned by Nazi mobs ", spotlighted above]. Elmira Star Gazette (New York), p. 10. (S02360).

  • Online - fultonhistory.com. (Viewable in US only. Search "Elmira NY Star Gazette 1938 - 5561" and "Elmira NY Star Gazette 1938 - 5550".)

1938 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (10 November 1938). On Broadway [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Ogdenburg Advance-News (New York), p. 4. (S02289).

"… In the Havana-Madrid someone remarked that [Leni] Riefenstahl, Hitler’s Small-Fry-day, was not a bad looker… La Riefenstahl didn’t bring any German Olympic games movies with her, because they’ve been gathering dust in the Heinie embassy right along..." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - article

AP Feature Service. (11 November 1938). Here’s Leni; Hitler’s film director is visiting United States [with photos of Leni Riefenstahl]. Rome Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY), p. 6. (S02367).

1938 - news brief, with reporting on Kristallnacht on the page

JTA (New York). (11 November 1938). Oppose showing of picture by actress [about Leni Riefenstahl]. The Jewish Ledger (Rochester, NY), p. 1. (S02290).

"The Non-Sectarian Anti-Nazi League and the Joint Boycott Council have organized a campaign against the showing of the German film, "Olympics," made by Leni Riefenstahl, Chancellor Hitler’s favorite actress, who has arrived here to introduce the piacture…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention

Lyons, Leonard. (11 November 1938). The Lyons den [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. New York Post, presumably p. 19. (S02354).

"… Leni Reifenstahl [sic] went to El Morocco this week accompanied by Conky Whitehead [Coca-Cola heir?] ... Jerome Zerbe, the camera man at El Morocco, photographed Miss Reifenstahl [sic]… After the flashlight bulb had gone off, Leni asked: ’Finished?’ ... Zerbe nodded... Only then did Hitler’s camera woman bring her hands in her face as a shield..." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (13 November 1938). On Broadway [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Ogdenburg Advance-News (New York), pp. 5, 9. (S02291).

"... Dear Mr. W: Leni Riefenstahl of Berlin, Munich and Bertesgartem (ahem!) who got into the U. S. the other day without any trouble at all..." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - editorial

Presumably The Journal-News Editorial Board. (15 November 1938). Nazi-ism [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Journal-News (Rockland County, NY), presumably p. 6. (S02320).

"… we suppose she is a Nazi. That that alone is a sufficient legal reason to ship her home again, unless it actually is established that she is here to do some propagandizing, isn’t so certain…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention

Lyons, Leonard. (15 November 1938). The Lyons den [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. New York Post, presumably p. 13. (S02353).

"... Leni Riefenstahl, Hitler’s camera woman, got int an international wrangle at El Morocco last week end. She arrived with France’s Marquis Melchior de Polignac and danced Britain’s Lambeth Walk…" (Excerpt from above.)



NORTH CAROLINA

1938 - column topic

Stewart, Charles P. (Central Press Columnist) (Washington, Nov. 15). (15 November 1938). Launch drive for ousting Hitler’s lady [regarding Leni Riefenstahl with portrait of her]. Henderson Daily Dispatch (North Carolina), p. 1. (S02318).


TEXAS

1938 - article

NEA Service. (9 November 1938). Visiting in U. S.— A closeup of Adolf Hitler’s girl friend [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Abilene Reporter-News (Texas), p. 3. (S02359).

1938 - photo / caption

CP photo agency. (10 November 1938). Caption: Hitler’s "friend" [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Cuero Record (Cuero, TX), p. 6. (S02362).

1938 - photo / caption

NEA photo agency. (10 November 1938). Caption: Hitler’s friend, Leni, arrives [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Shamrock Texan (Shamrock, TX), p. 5. (S02363).

1938 - news brief

AP Feature Service. (13 November 1938). Leni’s love [about Leni Riefenstahl]. The Abilene Reporter-News (Texas), presumably presumably p. 6. (S02364).

"Leni’s Riefenstahl, German film queen, now in America, denies she is Der Fuehrer’s girl friend: ’I love my work too much to get married." (Excerpt from above.)



CANADA - BRITISH COLUMBIA

1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (15 November 1938). Untitled photo of Leni Riefenstahl. Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, BC, Canada), p. 7. (S02352).

"One of the few women whose names are linked romantically— and regularly— with that of Adolf Hitler, Leni Riefenstahl, screen actress and directress, who arrived in the United States recently to show Americans her film of the 1936 Olympics." (Excerpt in full.)





WASHINGTON, DC (15-16 November 1938)

> Accommodation:

See events

Documentation - DC

See the articles


Selected newspaper sources




CHICAGO / DETROIT (16 - 22+ November 1940)

> Accommodation: Drake Hotel

See events


Sunday, Nov. 20
> Engineers’ club, private screening, Olympia

Documentation - CHI

See the articles


Regarding Chicago leg of trip

1938 - article

Ward, Arch. (22 November 1938). Column: In the wake of the news [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Chicago Daily Tribune. p. . (S02255).

"… Leni Riefenstahl, friend of Adolf Hitler, is in Chicago with the official Olympic games pictures recently produced in Germany... Miss Riefenstahl made a personal appearance with the film at a private showing before several prominent Chicagoans of German extaction and former Olympic athletes in the Engineers’ club Sunday night…" (Excerpt from above.)




Continuation of general discussion on Leni Riefenstahl in America


CALIFORNIA

1938 - editorial mention

Presumbly Salinas Index Journal. (17 November 1938). Hitler’s opportunity [with mention of Riefenstahl in detail, and the second half of the text wss repeated from the 12 November 1938 Visalia Times-Delta above]. Salinas Index Journal (California), p. 4. (S02300).

1938 - news brief

(18 November 1938). Affairs in America; Hitler’s friend "Leni" [Riefenstahl]. Emanu-el and the Jewish News (San Francisco, CA), p. 3. (S02301).

"Leni Riefenstahl... denied curtly all queries from newspapepmen in New York as to the truth of her Jewish blood…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention

Biron, Phineas J. / Syndicated column. (18 November 1938). Strictly confidential [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Emanu-el and the Jewish News (San Francisco, CA), p. 7. (S02302).

"...Leni Riefenstahl is going to get the frigid treatment if she carries out her intention of visiting Hollywood." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - editorial mention

(18 November 1938). Hitler’s opportunity [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl; reprint in 18 Nov. 1938 Salinas Journal-Index shown above]. Salinas Morning Post (California), p. 4. (S02303).

1938 - column feature

Stewart, Charles P. / Syndicated column (Central Press). (19 November 1938). Stewart says— Campaign to chase Hitler’s Leni home already under way [with mention and portrait photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Red Bluff Daily News (California), p. 4. (S02294).

"… I like Catholics and Jews, I’m not afraid of Communists and Fascists, but I do dislike Nazis. Still, even against them, I wouldn’t overdo things. I’m not especially excited over Fraulein Riefenstahl." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - photo / caption

UFS photo agency. (19 November 1938). Caption: [Leni Riefenstahl] Laughs at romance with Hitler; Denies Hitler romance... Wilmington Press (Wilmington Press Magazine and Feature Page) (California), p. 4. (S02315).

1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (19 November 1938). Caption: A closeup of that Hitler "girl friend" [Leni Riefenstahl]. Visalia Times Delta (Visalia, CA), p. 1. (S02316).


TEXAS

1938 - article

NEA Service (17 November 1938). A closeup of that Hitler "girl friend" [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl; see: 10 November 1938, "Leni holds interest of Der Fuehrer", Elmira Star Gazette (New York), p. 10, listed above for same article attributed the NEA Service.] The Fort Worth Press (Fort Worth, TX), presumably p. 9. (S02369).

1938 - photo / caption

UFS photo agency. (17 November 1938). Caption: Denies Hitler romance [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Denison Press (Denison, TX), p. 3. (S02368).

1938 - photo / caption

CP. (18 November 1938). Hitler’s "friend" [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl]. Texas City Sun (Texas), p. 9. (S02370).




LOS ANGELES / SoCAL) ( 24 November - c. 27 December 1938)

> Accommodation: Beverly Hills Hotel

See events



Articles - LA/SB/PS

See the articles


Main angle: HANL full-page advert: "there is no room in Hollywood for Leni Riefenstahl"

Attention please, wire service photos

1938 - wire service photo

(24 December 1938). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl at dude ranch; The German director, Leni Riefenstahl, sits on a fence at a dude ranch near Santa Barbara, wearing a cowboy hat and boots, near Santa Barbara, California." Getty Images. (S02249).

1938 - wire service photo

ullstein bild. (c. 24 December 1938). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl watching a lasso performance near Santa Barbara" (NOT in Hollywood. Getty Images. (S02248).


Selected newspaper sources

1938 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (28 November 1938). On Broadway; Man about town [with mention of Riefenstahl]. The Waterbury Democrat (Connecticut), p. 11. (S02319).

"… La Riefenstahl went to E. Arden’s to have her hair dressed, but the chap assigned to do it couldn’t— his brother’s in a concentration camp! …" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - article

AP (Hollywood). (29 November 1938). "Just ru-mores," declares Leni, reported Hitler’s hearth throb [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl; two AP reports here, second the "Just ru-mores", first, HANL full-page advert: "there is no room in Hollywood for Leni Riefenstahl".]. Santa Ana Journal (Santa Ana, CA), p. 1. (S02257).

1938 - article

AP (Hollywood, Nov. 29). (30 November 1938). Boycott faces Hitler’s Leni [Riefenstahl]; Hollywood anti-Nazis denounce actress. Sacramento Union (California), p. 1. (S02313).

1938 - article

AP (Hollywood, Nov. 29). (29 November 1938). Just "ru-more" says Hitler girl friend [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. The Elizabethton Star (Elizabethton, Tennessee), p. 2. (P02004).

"... I have several friends here I have not met in a long time..." (Excerpt from above.)


  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.


Leni Riefenstahl California

1938 - article

United Press. (30 November 1938). "Girlfriend of Hitler" is snubbed by Hollywood [with portrait of Leni Riefenstahl; photo above]. Washington Daily News (DC), p. 2. (S02235).

1938 - news brief

AP (Hollywood, Nov. 30). (1 December 1938). Day in brief [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. Plattsburgh Daily Press (NY), p. 1. (S02293).

"… The Hollywood Daily Variety, film trade paper, printed a report that she had ’found studio gates locked against her entry’ …" (Excerpt from above.)



Apparently in Santa Barbara area

1938 - news brief

AP (Hollywood, Nov. 30). (1 December 1938). Hollywood studio gates are closed to Hitler’s "girl friend", paper says. Reading Times (Reading, PA), p. 13, cols. 6-7. (P01928).

"Controversy continued today over the visit here of Leni Riefenstahl… The Hollywood Daily Variety, film trade paper, printed a report that she had ’found studio gates locked against her entry’ … the actress has gone to the mountains near Santa Barbara with friends… " (Excerpt from above.)


  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - article

Unknown wire service agency (Hollywood, Dec. 1). (1 December 1938). Hollywood snubs German actress; Leni Riefenstahl denies coming to study industry; here “only for scenery” [no photo]. Edwardsville Intelligencer (Edwardsville, IL), p. 2, col. 5. (P02008).

  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - news brief - Leni, Santa Barbara

(3 December 1938). Hitler "friend" unwanted [no photo]. Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, California), presumably p. 10, col. 1. (P01929).

"… [Leni] is said to be visiting now with friends in the hills of Santa Barbara…" (Excerpt from above.)


  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - photo / caption – Leni, Los Angeles

Associated Press Wirephoto (Los Angeles, Cal., December 7. (8 December 1938). News highlights... Are you a refugee, Leni? [with photo including Leni, Art Goebel, and Werner Klingenben]. St. Louis Globe Democrat, p. 8C. (P02011).

  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - article - Leni vs. Hollywood stars

UP (Hollywood, Dec. 8 or 9). (9 December 1938). Movie stars campaign to boycott Germany; draw up a declaration calling for a breaking off of economic connections [no photo]. Dunkirk Evening Observer, p. 1, col. 6. (P02012).

"Movie stars started a campaign today to boycott Nazi Germany… undertaken at a meeting last night in the home of Edward G. Robinson. Melvyn Douglas… original 56… Fred Astaire, Gale Sondergaard, Joan Bennett, Bette Davis, Robert Montgomery, Claudette Colbert, Paul Muni, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Miriam Hopkins, Groucho Marx, Gloria Stuart, Claude Rains, George Cukor, Rosemary Lane, Anatole Litvak, Aline McMahon, John Ford, Fay Bainter, and Helen Cahagan". (Excerpt from above.)


  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - article

Catton, Bruce. (9 December 1938). Column: Bruce Catton says; Hollywood sends regards to Adolf, Benito [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Imperial Valley Press (El Centro, CA), presumably p. 6. (S02259).

"… Hollywood warmed up to [Riefenstahl] no more than it did to Vittorio [Mussolini]…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - article mention

Syndicated / Freed, BND [sic? presumably "Bud"]. (15 December 1938). Hollywood Merry-Go-Round column [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Jewish Post (Paterson, NJ), presumably p. 10. (S02239).

"CONCERNING HITLER’S GIRLFRIEND; So many inquires have been received on the nature of the advertisement against Leni Riefenstahl run in a local trade paper...the ad is herewith reprinted in full... TODAY... LENI RIEFENSTAHL, Head of the NAZI FILM INDUSTRY, has arrived in Hollywood. THERE IS NO ROOM IN HOLLYWOOD FOR LENI RIEFENSTAHL… Let the world know THERE IS NO ROOM IN HOLLYWOOD FOR NAZI AGENTS..." (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - column mention

Zigmond, Helen. (16 December 1938). Our film folk [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Jewish Ledger (Rochester, NY), p. 14. (S02292).

"… Leni Riefenstahl, Nazi film head, who arrived in Movietown to visit and to study American film-making, did not gain admitttance to Hollywood studios... was informed that ’since American films are barred in Germany, we have nothing to show Miss Riefenstahl that would interest her’ …" (Excerpt from above.)



In Santa Barbara area

1938 - article mention - Leni and Emily have tea at her villa

Hayes, Elinor. (19 December 1938). Leni here, she’s not Hitler’s girl friend [with mention of Emily hosting Leni for tea at her villa]. Santa Barbara News-Press, pp. 1, 2. (N00043).

"’It is all a mistake’, yes… insisted last evening at El Paseo [in Santa Barbara] when she dined there in conclusion of a busy day seeing Santa Barbara county…

Santa Barbara pleased Miss Riefenstahl especially for her own home in Berlin is in Spanish architecture so it made her feel at home… the star spent the day horseback riding at Marshalia, where her first western horse ran away and had to be caught by a heroic cowboy; visiting the ‘Juan y Lolita’ ranch, the Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara missions and having tea with the Baroness Emily von Romberg at her home in Montecito. In her party, were Hubert Stowitt[s] of Los Angeles, once ballet partner of Pavlowa and Tony Gains of Coronado, Dr. and Mrs. Renata Loganbardi, owners of Marshalls, accompanied her to Santa Barbara, where Hubert Voight, county publicity agent, was her civic host." (Excerpts from above.)


  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - article – Leni, Lompoc, Santa Barbara area

(22 December 1938). Leni Riefenstahl shops for horse; spill fails to check ambitions of Nazi film actress [with presumably no photo]. Los Angeles Times, p. A8. (P02031).

"The incident occurred in Marshalia Rancho where the actress was trying out stock horses and saddles for the first time. The horse’s name is Monarch…

Undeterred by the spill, Miss Riefenstahl visited the John J. Mitchell and Dwight Murphy ranches…" (Excerpts from above.)


  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - photo / caption

Associated Press Wirephoto. (23 December 1938). Caption: "Leni learns ropes; In great open spaces; Snubbed by Hollywood, Leni Riefenstahl, Nazi film actress and ’girl friend’ of Adolf Hitler, enjoys a lesson in spinning the rope from Cowboy Gene Coffie, on visit to dude ranch at Marshalia, near Santa Barbara, Cal." [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl at Lompoc ranch]. Daily News (New York), p. 24. (P02030).

  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1938 - article mention

Biron, Phineas. (23 December 1938). Hitler in— Christianity out; About people sub-section [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Emanu-el and The Jewish News (San Francisco, CA), p. 7. (P02009).

"… Why did Leni Riefenstahl pick a non-Aryan publicity agent in her effort to make America like her?... Needless to report, the press agent did not choose to be chosen by Hitler’s girl friend even though she offered $500 a week…" (Excerpt from above.)



In Palm Springs area


emily hall tremaine leni riefenstahl

1938 - article mention

Special (Palm Springs, Dec. 27). (28 December 1938). Leni turns up in Palm Springs [portrait photos of Leni and Emily; spotlighted at top of article page and above]. Daily News (New York), p. 4. (P00844).

"Leni Reinfenstahl [sic], who came to Hollywood billed as Adolf Hitler’s moving-picture girl friend only to run smack into the film colony’s coldest shoulder, turned up here today for a visit to last until she goes back to a New Year’s party at the hacienda of the very social Baroness Maximilian von Romberg.

Leni— she always denies that Hitler rumor, by the way— will find herself surrounded by many of the same people who showed a distinct lack of enthusiasm for her company early this month.

This desert resort is a playground for picture people, including most of the members of Hollywood’s Anti-Nazi League, which told Leni, in a trade paper display advertisement, that there ’was no room for her in Hollywood’ when she arrived (Excerpt in full from above.)

See the unearthed secret deposition of Emily Hall Tremaine (then Spreckels) by artdesigncafe. Emily is briefly asked about Riefenstahl, says that she met her for one-hour, and indirectly denies above.


  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.



2025 - article

Preece, R. J. (14 September 2025). Why did the Meriden / Madison town art lady Emily Hall Tremaine host the alleged girlfriend of Hitler? (1938-39). Connecticut Centinal.



San Francisco (30 December 1938)

> Accommodation:

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Articles - SF

See the articles


leni riefenstahl california See 14 January 1939, Washington Times below.



LOS ANGELES (? - 13 January 1939)

> Accommodation:

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DATE: Event

Articles - LA

See the articles


Main angle: Olympics film not to be available to Americans; Leni to leave USA

Attention please, wire service photos

1939 - wire service photo

(c. 7 January 1939). Photo / caption: "German actress feted at tea; Leni Riefenstahl, often termed as ’Hitler’s Girl Friend’, was feted yesterday afternoon at tea at the home of of Dr. George Gyssling, German Consul. Photo shows Dr. George Gyssling and actress Leni Riefenstahl at tea in which almost 100 guests attended." Getty Images. (S02247).


Selected newspaper sources

1939 - article

AP (Los Angeles). (7 January 1939). Leni Riefenstahl bars pictures of Olympic Games to America. The Knickerbocker News (Albany, NY), presumably p. 2. (S02308).

1939 - news brief

AP (Los Angeles). (7 January 1939). Olympic films refused U. S. [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, BC, Canada), p. 1. (S02309).

"… Miss Riefenstahl packed her bags today for the return trip to Berlin…" (Excerpt from above.)


1939 - article

AP (Los Angeles, Jun. 7). (7 January 1939). Nazis to bar films of Olympic Games from U. S., says Leni [Riefenstahl]; Movie industry here controlled by enemies of Germany, actress explains. Binghampton Press (New York), p. 15. (S02310).

"… Miss Riefenstahl was guest last night at a farewell reception tendered by Dr. Georg Gyssling, German consul, which attracted 200 civic leaders, consuls and Olympic officials." (Excerpt from above.)


1939 - news brief

Associated Press. (7 January 1939). Overnight news in brief form [with two-paragraph news brief focused on Leni Riefenstahl, "... American public will not see pictures of this victory..."]. The Leader-Republican (Gloversville and Johnstown, NY), p. 12. (S02311).


In Palm Springs; leaves for New York, 13 January 1939

1939 - article mention

(13 January 1939). Swiss citizen is guest at El Mirador [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA), p. 9. (S02267).

"… ’Life’ photographers, Truman Vencill and Paul Dorsey, busily photographed Leni Riefenstahl as she rode horseback, played tennis, swam in El Mirador’s pool and bronzed in the glorious desert sun …" (Excerpt from above.)


1939 - news brief

AP (Hollywood, Jan. 13). (14 January 1939). Leni Riefenstahl leaves for New York. San Bernardino Daily Sun (CA), p. 12. (S02268).

1939 - news brief

AP (Hollywood, Jan. 13). (14 January 1939). Leni Riefenstahl leaves Hollywood for N. Y. Philadelphia Inquirer, p. 1. (S02312).

"… [Leni Riefenstahl] left here today by train for New York…" (Excerpt from above.)


1938 - article

(Hollywood, Jan. 14). (14 January 1939). Hollywood’s snubs force Leni to leave; German actress flees silent treatment [with photo of Leni Riefenstahl; with photo above]. Washington Times (DC), p. 3. (S02252).

1939 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (16 January 1939). Column: On Broadway [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Waterbury Democrat (Connecticut), p. . (S02273).

"… Tip to the Weather Dep’t: Another cold wave is coming from the West Coast. Her name is Leni Riefenstahl…" (Excerpt from above.)

NEW YORK (- 18 January 1939)

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leni riefenstahl usa tour 1938-39 See 29 January 1939, San Bernardino Daily Sun (California) below.



Articles - NY

See the articles


Attention please, wire service photos

1939 - wire service photo

(18 January 1939). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl on the Liner Hansa; Leni Riefenstahl, German film queen and friend of Adolf Hitler, who received the cold shoulder in Hollywood, is pictured on the Liner Hansa as she sailed for home." Getty Images. (S02251).

1939 - wire service photo

(18 January 1939). Photo / caption: "Leni Riefenstahl on the Liner Hansa; Photo shows German film actress and director, Leni Riefenstahl, who received the cold shoulder in Hollywood, pictured on the Liner Hansa sailing home." Getty Images. (S02250).


Selected newspaper sources


CALIFORNIA

1939 - syndicated poem

Orr, R. M. (Exclusive Features, presumably syndicated). (17 January 1939). Headline parade: "... Riefenstahl, of Nazi screen, Says Olympics won’t be seen[,] In our movies, since we choose[,] Not to swallow Nazi views." San Pedro News Pilot, presumably p. 4. (S02258).

1939 - news brief

AP (New York, Jan. 19). (19 January 1939). Hitler friend sails; resents boycott [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. Oakland Tribune (CA), p. 2. (S02277).

1939 - news brief

(New York, Jan. 18). (19 January 1939). German star sails; raps Hollywood [about Leni Riefenstahl sailing out of New York on the day; with photo of separate page]. Los Angeles Times, p. 10 & 8. (S02269).

  • Online - fultonhistory.com. (Viewable in US only. Search "Los Angeles CA Times 1939-01-19_58_10"; "Los Angeles CA Times 1939-01-19_58_8".)

1939 - presumed column focus

Freed, Bud. (20 January 1939). Column: Hollywood expose! [With focus on Leni Riefenstahl]. Emanu-el and the Jewish Journal (San Francisco, CA), p. 7. (S02279).

"… The statement is either the garbled droolings which dribble after a wallflower’s pipe dream, or Miss Reifenstahl [sic] mistook a mob for an admirer." (Excerpt from above.)


1939 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (24 January 1939). Caption: Kind words for America... [on Leni Riefenstahl]. Wilmington Press (Wilmington, CA), p. 8. (S02281).

1938 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (24 January 1939). Caption: Leni’s gone; Leni Riefenstahl, German film star friend of Adolf Hitler whose welcome to Hollywood was something less than overwhelming, waves good-bye as she sails for home from New York." Santa Barbara News-Press, p. 7. (N00044).

  • Search worldcat.org or contact area library.

1939 - photos / captions

AP. (29 January 1939). Four photos with captions: Hitler’s movie friend came and saw but her sales visit proved a flop... [with focus on Leni Riefenstahl, spotlighted above]. San Bernardino Daily Sun (CA), presumably p. 16. (S02283).


GEORGIA

1939 - article mention

(20 January 1939). Ethel Waters reaches new heights in current drama; critic raves over her art at the empire [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Atlanta Daily World (Georgia), p. 2. (S02278).


ILLINOIS

1939 - column mention

Sullivan, Ed (Hollywood, Jan. 16). (17 January 1939). Looking at Hollywood; Awards that the academy will forget [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 13. (S02272).

"… An iron cross to Leni Riefenstahl for daffiest junket of the year, her tactless trip to Hollywood…" (Excerpt from above.)



NEW YORK

1939 - column mention

Winchell, Walter. (18 January 1939). Column: On Broadway [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Ogdensburg Advance-News (Ogdensburg, NY), p. 4. (S002270).

"… Tip to the Weather Dep’t: Another cold wave is coming from the West Coast. Her name is Leni Riefenstahl…" (Excerpt from above.)


1939 - news brief

AP (New York, Jan. 19). (19 January 1939). Actress returns home [about Leni Riefenstahl]. The Glen Falls Times (Glen Falls, NY), p. . (S02275).

1939 - news brief

TP. (19 January 1939). Leni goes home [about Leni Riefenstahl]. Endicott Bulletin (Endicott, NY), p. 1. (S02274).

1939 - photo / caption

Unknown photo agency. (21 January 1939). Caption: Leni leaves us; Leni Riefenstahl, German film star friend of Adolf Hitler whose welcome in Hollywood was something less than overwhelming, waves good-bye as she sails for home from New York." Plattsburgh Daily Press (New York), p. 6. (S02280).

1939 - Column mention

Zigmond, Helen. (3 February 1939; presumed 2-week delayed publication). Our film folk [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Jewish Ledger (Rochester, NY), p. 11. (S02282).

"… Leni Riefenstahl was farewelled in the German Consul’s home this week with not a cinemalite among the 200 guests…" (Excerpt from above.)



WASHINGTON, DC

1939 - column mention

Sullivan, Ed. (Hollywood, Jan. 18). (18 January 1939). Hollywood; Awards that the academy will forget [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. Washington Times (DC), p. 13. (S02271).

"… An iron cross to Leni Riefenstahl for daffiest junket of the year, her tactless trip to Hollywood…" (Excerpt from above.)


1939 - news brief

I. N. S. (New York, Jan. 19). (19 January 1939). Leni Riefenstahl sails for Germany. The Washington Times (DC), p. 1. (S02276).




FRANCE - BERLIN, GERMANY ()

Articles - FR/BLN

See the articles


1939 - news brief mention

(Possible wire service). (28 January 1939). People in the news [with mention of Leni Riefenstahl]. The Tacoma Times (Washington), p. 18. (S02284).

"… Leni Riefenstahl, German motion picture expert, arrived in Cherbourg, France, from a visit in the United States. She praised American hospitality, ’with the exception of the Hollywood cinema industry, directed by Jews or members of anti-German leagues, where I was given a hostile reception’ …" (Excerpt from above.)




Two-part audio discusses the "one hour visit" by Leni Riefenstahl with original "It Girl" Emily Hall Tremaine (then Von Romberg at that time, later Spreckels), mentioned as a piece of evidence of Emily’s alleged pro-Nazism in the 1940-41 "He’s a Nazi, no SHE IS" divorce action.


LENI MENTIONS, "He’s a Nazi, no SHE IS" Spreckels divorce action (1940-41)


Documentation

See the articles


Selected sources

See the media coverage 10+ December 1940, the counter-allegations against Emily Hall Tremaine (then Spreckels). A key allegation was that Emily met / hosted Leni Riefenstahl in 1938/39.

See the unearthed secret deposition of Emily Hall Tremaine (then Spreckels) by artdesigncafe. Emily is briefly asked about Riefenstahl.



Hear mention of Leni Riefenstahl in the string of counter-allegations in the Spreckels’ divorce action, "I’m not the Nazi, SHE IS", in this 2024 podcast: Emily Hall Tremaine: the pro-Nazi allegations, and her defense (in brief).




SELECTED COVERAGE of LENI US TOUR (1941 - present)


Documentation

See the articles


1986 - book mentions

Graham, Cooper C. (1986). Leni Riefernstahl and Olympia (Filmmakers, no 13.), pp. 213+. The Scarecrow Press: Metuchen, N. J. and London.

2006 - article

Graham, Cooper C. (15 September 2006). "Olympia" in America, 1938: Leni Riefenstahl, Hollywood, and the Kristallnacht. Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, pp. 433-50. (P02023).

2025 - article

Preece, R. J. (14 September 2025). Why did the Meriden / Madison town art lady Emily Hall Tremaine host the alleged girlfriend of Hitler? (1938-39). Connecticut Centinal.

2026 - article

Preece, R. J. (21 February 2026). Why did the Meriden / Madison town art lady Emily Hall Tremaine host the alleged girlfriend of Hitler? (1938-39). US Nazi History News.