The Psychological Assessment of Political Leaderscivilian clothes in front and five or six behind accompanied him.
Armed patrols would cover the flanks.
Although the entertainment section addresses the full spectrum of
music, dancing, theater, vaudeville, and the circus, it is Hitler's fas-
cination with music, in particular Wagner, and the circus that cap-
tures the most attention. The effect of music on Hitler is described
as follows: "Tristan acts as a dope to him. If he is facing an unpleas-
ant situation, he likes to have Meistersinger played to him. Some-
times he would recite entire passages from the Lohengrin text."
Hitler was fascinated by American football marches, which he
"adored"; the "Seig Heil!" used in political rallies was copied from
the technique used by American cheerleaders. He also loved the cir-
cus and was particularly enthralled with tightrope acts and trapeze
artists, people who risked their lives. After his release from prison, he
said to his physician's wife, "Now we'll have to try all over again, but
this time you can be certain that I won't fall from the tightrope!"
Religion
Hitler was profoundly influenced by the Catholic Church, which, in
his view, according to the author, "knows how to build up a mental
world, by a constant repetition throughout the Church year of cer-
tain passages in the Scriptures," which "leads to these chapters
assuming a slogan-like concentration in the brains of the hearers."
Hitler eloquently used this method in developing his mass influence
upon the Hitler youth.After this detailed description of Hitler and his proclivities, the
study moves again into a biographic mode, first treating the Lands-
berg Prison experience.Metamorphosis in Landsberg
Hitler was released from Landsberg Prison in 1924 after serving a
term for political agitation. His time in prison was a powerful shap-
ing experience according to the author of the study. While in prison,
Hitler was deeply influenced by Rudolph Hess. After his release in
1926, despite having developed a personal relationship while in
prison, Hess always referred to Hitler as "Mein Fuhrer." The author