Grand Theft Otto - Skorzeny & 'The Spider' Network

Otto Skorzeny was Hitler's commando extraordinaire - a man who pulled off some of the most daring raids of WWII. His life postwar was equally intriguing, becoming an international arms dealer and military advisor. However, many don't know that he founded a shadowy organisation called 'Die Spinne' or 'The Spider' in 1948 devoted to helping SS men to escape from justice. It was financed by a huge amount of cash that Skorzeny had received at war's due to an SS raid on the Reichsbank in embattled Berlin.

Incidentally, can't take the credit for the fantastic title - that goes to 'MrCrumpets368' from 3 years ago!

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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Stefano Rosone; Crazyfrog58; Alessandro Ramberti; Gianni Careddu; Sailko
Sources:
- 'Nazi Gold' by Ian Sayer & Douglas Botting, (Granada Publishing: 1984)
- 'The Last Nazis: The Hunt for Hitler's Henchmen' by Mark Felton, (Pen & Sword: 2011)
- 'Skorzeny: "The Most Dangerous Man in Europe"' by Charles Whiting, (Da Capo: 1998)

[NickAndriadze]

Grand Theft Otto is a top tier pun I must say.
Also, it astounds me how you constantly keep finding the best historical footage for your videos, amazing stuff.

[Lockbar]

My father was a guest at a party in Spain in the early 1950's hosted by a German business man. Otto Skorzeny showed up in full SS uniform wearing is decorations. My father was heavily involved in the Danish resistance during the war and had the oppertunity to chat with Skorzeny for a while. It's a weird world.

[doberski]

Skorzeny is just one of those larger then life individuals of history, who I never get bored hearing about. Thank you Dr. Felton for another excellent historical video!

[kingofsnakes]

I'm not going to lie, if Skorzeny's life became a film, I'd be first in line to watch it.

[herschelmayo]

A hundred Hollywood writers couldn't write a plot more exciting or unbelievable as the truth.

[andidollinger]

Hands down one of the most fascinating ww2 charcters.

[pspboy]

Amazing how complex that WW2 was. Never seems to be an end to all the stories that can be told.

[janhaanstra]

Just the title alone is brilliant, and then I haven't watched the video yet. A deep bow for dr. Felton!

[MatthewPetersheim]

Your videos help me get through severe depression and loneliness. Thank you sir 💯

[chartreux]

I work as German Historian for the IFZ in Munich and my paternal Grandfather met Otto Skorzeny during a few "Veteran Meetups" back in the Mid-60s. Got some great Photos of him with my Grandfather and Grandmother.
Definitely a controversial Figure, with lots of Myths surrounding him but also a lot of amazing Accomplishments.
I definitely recommend reading his Book but of course take it with a Grain of Salt like you should with every Book written by any War Veteran (no matter the Country).
Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps

[josephperreault]

You are the FedEx of history. You always deliver !

[ClassicCinemaSerialsMovies]

My Uncle worked on his Farm in Ireland, described him as a gentleman and good employer. He was something of a celeb

[claytonmiller]

'Stiff Arm Syndrome' got me!

[johnw.peterson]

Mark you are a pure historic genius. The best.

[TexasTeaHTX]

Skorzeny is like a bond villain who happens to be the protagonist in the story.

[BTR-xwof]

Otto Skorzany was one of Hitler's most innovative and ruthlessly effective senior Officers. The raid by glider to 'free' Benito M was historically epic. The 'Fallschirmjager soldiers pre dated the US 101/Airborne parachutists - they were a brilliant and skilled fanatical, professional and efficiently effective unit. Today's Fallschirmjager' German units still retain the original beret insignia, only the Swastika has been replaced with the German Flag at the bottom of their beret badge. Skorzeny was also HUGE in terms of getting thousands of German and Waffen SS soldiers 'out' of a defeated Germany via HIAG and other NGO's, and this also included to some extent the Vatican. Like the iconic legend Joseph 'Sepp' Dietrich his funeral was attended not only by his former comrades - but by allied Officers, he was deeply respected and highly regarded. A genuine innovator who served his country magnificently. Yes, he 'remains' controversial. But a legend.

[Davivd]

The man certainly didn't live a boring life. He started his own mercenary group which if it wasn't the first of it's kind, was one of the first. The blue print for Blackwater mercs of today. He's the closest thing that the world has known to a real life Bond villain.

[Pipermillen]

Although he was the enemy you just can't help admiring him. A myth and a legend.

[minxythemerciless]

He was also an incredible egotist. When he rescued Mussolini He insisted on flying out with him as a photo-op dangerously overloading the aircraft and risking killing Mussolini.

[BecauseWhyNot]

Always the best, Mark Felton Productions! I love your work!