Hermann Göring & The Plunder of Paris

The Ritz in Paris has seen many famous guests, but in WWII was visited over 20 times by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, who lived in the largest and most expensive suite. Göring was in Paris for one primary reason: to mastermind the plundering of Paris of some of its most valuable treasures, largely to enrich himself. Find out the fascinating story of the Ritz's least welcome resident and his unbelievable crime.

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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.

Sources:
- Liberating France Hemingway's way / Following author's 1944 reclaiming of the Ritz Hotel, Michael Taylor, SFGate, Aug. 22, 2004
- A Legend as Big as the Ritz, Vanity Fair, July 2012

Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv, The Ritz Paris; Celette; Arthur Weidmann; Thomas Wolf

[chrisschultz]

I found it fascinating that Ernest Hemingway participated in the liberation of Paris, champagne glass by champagne glass. I had never heard that story. Once again, Mark Felton teaches me something I never knew before.

[kearnsey]

What would we all do without Dr. Felton’s videos? So amazing! I’ve been a WW2 history buff for 40 years and I see photos, old film and intimate details here that I’ve never seen in my 300 plus library!

[wayneantoniazzi]

Has anyone besides me noticed that Goering seems to have had a much more luxurious lifestyle than Hitler did? Hermann's Carinhall makes Adolf's Berghof look positively austere!
Another great one Doctor Felton! Thanks for posting!

[williamwhite]

The video goes from a Hemingway pub crawl to Hermann Goering and his art collection. Only in a Mark Felton video can you see this.

[ifirekirby]

Storming a hotel, armed and ready to fight to the death, only to be met by a receptionist who wants to treat you to a drinking party is one of those stories that’s stranger than fiction.

[mitchmatthews]

Thank you for covering Hemingway's military trek into Paris. Cheers, Mark!

[dougearnest]

"Good news, Karl. You've been assigned to Goring's staff and you'll be staying at the Ritz. The bad news is, he thinks you're cute and has signed you up for dance lessons."

[notthatdonald]

This American baby boomer became interested in WW2 when checking my calendar in regard to my daughters' birthday (June 7), and I noticed the day before was D Day. I decided to learn more about that day, and WW2. YouTube eventually brought me to your channel Dr Felton. Your content is the best of the best!

[andyroo]

"A large crater in the mattress." I did chuckle at that. May we all enjoy that side note.

[joegordon]

Only Mark could give us a fascinating slice of history that manages to connect Herman Goering, Ernrest Hemmingway and Princess Diana!

[christyhart]

Learn something new everyday and you’ll never grow old! Dr. Felton is keeping us all young!!!

[danielchamier]

Stayed at the Ritz many times for work in the 90s. At the Hemingway bar you could see everyone: Johnny Dep, Claudia Schiffer, Jamie Lee Curtis, Joan Collins, it was a special place especially during Fashion Week. My American clients used to like staying at the Meurice because they enjoyed seeing the bullet holes in the building where the Gestapo held out!

[clavichord]

These videos aren't the least bit Göring. They are riveting to the end!

[countgerarddereyneval]

Your content is so good, Mark. I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos! I also love that your opening is just a solo picture of you "on holiday". You're a true history hero!

[perttilindroos]

As usual Dr Felton..thanks for your excellent work. Never miss an upload from you. You are no. 1

[RandyVictory]

Mark, sir, please keep up the great work. Your expertise is something I've appreciated for many years!

[the-citadel]

How can anyone compete with Mark Felton! He is simply the best.

[Continuouz]

Mark Felton, you are the historian. At least of Youtube, for me. Of the 21st century, you have a great voice. Keep going, youre already in the history books. ❤️

[kerryrwalton]

Thank you once again for this fascinating video. I believe that Robert Capa is in the first photo with Hemingway on the left. An old family story was that my uncle had a war buddy friend who invited him to a ship he was on that came to NY not long after the war and told him to pick out 2 paintings that were part of Goering's collection. I still remember seeing them as a kid. They were French and landscapes with small figures. One won a prize. He had 1 cut down to fit a frame and pointed out the Reich marks on the back. After he died the paintings went to his wife's relatives. I wish I knew what happened to them. With those marks they should be unsaleable.

[mcnuggetjones]

I save all mark felton videos so I can mow my lawn and listen at the same time in the summer. Here in upstate New York we still have some time. I’ll see you soon Mr Felton