Igo Sym

Seventy years ago today in Warsaw, Igo Sym, a prominent film star who had worked with Marlene Dietrich, was executed by Poland’s underground army for collaboration with the Nazis.

Sym, who was born in the Austrian city of Innsbruck, had served in the Polish infantry in 1921 and had a Polish wife. He took his first movie role in 1925. The film was called Vampires of Warsaw (no known print remains).

Sym, who was known for his debonair looks, chiefly played aristocrats and officers. However, with the fall of silent cinema, he focused more on the theatrical world.

During the bombardment of Warsaw in September 1939, the actor served in the Citizens Guard. Shortly after the invasion, he signed the Volksliste (which gave Polish citizens claiming German descent privileged status).

The occupying regime made Sym director of the City Theatre, and he also organised cinematic affairs for the Germans, co-operating in finding actors for anti-Polish propaganda films such as Heimkehr (The Return to the Fatherland).

A confidante of the Gestapo, he was linked with  the arrest several figures from artistic circles, including  the patriotic singer Hanka Ordonowna.

At 7.10 am March 7 1941, two Polish agents masquerading as postmen knocked on the door of Sym’s apartment. Having confirmed his identity, the actor was shot dead.

In reprisal, 120 figures connected with the arts were arrested by the Germans. 21 were shot near the village of Palmiry, a regular site of execution used by the Nazis.

It has been claimed that Sym was already collaborating with Berlin prior to 1939. (nh)

Source: PAP