Storyville Screening: Hitler, Stalin & Mr Jones

In the 1930’s Welsh journalist and foreign correspondent Gareth Jones’ greatest scoop was to reveal the starvation to death of millions in Ukraine, caused by Stalin’s policies. In the political reality of those days of competing ideologies there was a fine line between journalism and spying. Hitler, Stalin & Mr. Jones explores to what extent Jones’ own dual role may have contributed to his early death.

Filmmaker George Carey follows Jones’ footsteps through the former Soviet-Union, Wales, China and finally inner Mongolia. A portrait emerges of a fiercely bright young man who preferred a journalist’s life of courage and danger over that of an academic in his homeland.

Hitler, Stalin & Mr. Jones is a fascinating investigation of Jones’ life through his own elaborate notes, letters to his parents cleverly formulated as not to rase suspicion among the Soviet sensors, and recently released secret police files.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director George Carey moderated by Nick Fraser, editor of BBC’s documentary strand Storyville. 

Director: George Carey
Duration: 80′ 
Year: 2012