The Hitler Chronicles (Who Was Hitler) tells Hitler's life story in a fifty-year period that provides the basis for understanding the person - if this is at all possible. Using no narrator or talking heads, and sparse additional information, writer and director Hermann Pölking retraces the life of Hitler - from his birth in 1889 in upper Austria to his suicide in Berlin 1945 - entirely from statements made by companions, enemies, victims and observers. Pölking catalogued 120 archives in 14 countries and reviewed 850 hours of footage in an effort to create a unique, up-close portrayal of the evolution of the 20th century's most infamous historical figure. The hundreds of quotes recorded by 125 speakers on Hitler's actions, rise to power and criminal acts were based on his personal background and the social circumstances. The film makes no attempt at a speculative psychological interpretation of Adolf Hitler.