READHIS | ASSIGNMENT NO.

ASSESSING THE TESTIMONY OF ELIZABETH KALHAMMER AS AN

EYEWITNESS TO THE LIFE OF ADOLF HITLER

Hana Elbeitam | FODAR1B

1. In your opinion, is Mrs Elizabeth Kalhammer a credible eyewitness despite her very
advanced age? Explain why you think so.

Despite her old age, I can tell she is in good condition by the way she walks, talks, and
thinks. She seemed to recall everything, in my perspective. I can honestly say that it was
a really open and honest interview. She demonstrated to the interviewer proofs of her
prior life experiences. In the past, she had framed documents signed by Adolf Hitler. Mrs
Elizabeth Kalhammer was very honest about the issue, as evidenced by this.

I hadn't sensed or heard anything that made me think she'd forgotten something. She
also said that she recalled the day she stood in front of Hitler's room as if it had happened
yesterday. I can see she's quite sure of herself when it comes to her responses. She also
handled the interview very well.

2. How would you assess the type of questions and statements that the interviewer made
at the course of the documentary? In your opinion, did she follow the “rules” of a good
historical interview / oral history?

In my own opinion, the interviewer did a good job. She managed everything so well.
She respected the responses of the interviewee. She was very happy and I can see that she
is interested in the life experiences of the interviewee. She was very professional and
patient. She gave time and effort for the interviewee to complete her investigation.

I didn’t noticed anything about her that she tried to show that she disagree with the
interviewee. She didn’t argued and made bad judgements about the past of the
interviewee. I can also see that she understand Mrs Elizabeth’s point of view. I can say
that this is a great example of communication between an interviewee and an interviewer.