“Does ‘Nuremberg’ Spotlight the Incorrect Psychiatrist?”

Recent discussions surrounding the film “Nuremberg” have raised questions about its portrayal of historical figures, particularly U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley. This has led to a renewed focus on Dr. Leon Goldensohn, the psychiatrist who succeeded Kelley during the Nuremberg war crimes trials.

Leon Goldensohn: The Overlooked Psychiatrist

Goldensohn’s invaluable contributions, documented in his book “The Nuremberg Interviews,” came to light nearly 60 years after Kelley’s own writings. Goldensohn replaced Kelley at the trials and dedicated significant time interacting with Nazi defendants.

In stark contrast to Kelley, Leon Goldensohn provided deeper conversations with prisoners, earning the respect of notable figures like Hermann Goering. Goering once remarked, “I feel freer to talk to you than to some other psychologists.” This respect highlights Goldensohn’s impact during the trials and emphasizes his serious approach to psychiatry.

Tragic Endings

Both psychiatrists faced tragic outcomes. Goldensohn passed away from a heart attack at the age of 50, shortly after celebrating his 50th birthday. Kelley, on the other hand, died by suicide at 45, leaving a lasting impact on the public perception of their work.

Family Perspectives on Goldensohn’s Legacy

Dan Goldensohn, Leon’s son, expressed frustration that Kelley’s portrayal in the film overshadowed his father’s significant contributions. He stated, “When people talk about an Army psychiatrist at Nuremberg, Kelley’s name comes up. Leon’s name hardly does.” The Goldensohn family felt sidelined, wishing that Leon’s work received more acknowledgment.

• Leon Goldensohn’s work has been translated into 16 languages.
• Goldensohn’s book explores key interactions with Nuremberg defendants.
• Both psychiatrists were pivotal in assessing the mental health of Nazi leaders.

Goldensohn’s Book and Its Impact

Goldensohn’s “The Nuremberg Interviews,” published in 2004, is a compilation of interviews conducted with defendants and witnesses during the trials. His brother Eli Goldensohn played a critical role in bringing this book to fruition, dedicating years to transcribing and organizing the materials.

Eli, a respected neurologist, felt a deep personal connection to the project, aiming to memorialize his brother’s experiences and contributions during a dark period in history. Eli remarked that the book deserved to highlight Leon’s decorated military service and compassionate character.

Confronting Historical Narratives

The conversations documented in Goldensohn’s book offer insights into the psyche of notorious figures like Hermann Goering. Through these dialogues, Goering attempted to deflect responsibility for his actions, showcasing the denial present among many war criminals.

Goldensohn’s work has been deemed prescient, considering its exploration of complex moral questions related to evil. His insights predated significant philosophical discussions, illustrating his forward-thinking perspective on the nature of power and complicity.

Conclusion

As the film “Nuremberg” brings attention to historical events, it also highlights the need to reassess who is remembered and celebrated in these narratives. Historians and audiences alike are encouraged to recognize Leon Goldensohn’s essential contributions to understanding the psychological aspects of warfare and the criminal minds behind atrocities.