Fascinating, in a morbid sort of way.

New computer software that can read lips at almost any angle has helped make sense of one of the Second World War’s lingering mysteries —Hitler’s home movies.

The technology allows the dialogue to be dubbed on to the silent films, many of them made by Eva Braun at Hitler’s mountain retreat, the Berghof. With the new soundtrack, Hitler can be heard encouraging young children towards a life in the military, criticising even his closest henchmen and flirting with Braun. . . .

The film shows very different Hitler from the strident orator who led Germany into war. At ease among his guests, he cracks jokes and talks animatedly about his love for cinema — his tastes included Mickey Mouse.

He is also seen teasing Braun about a screening in his cinema at the Berghof. “I understand you didn’t like the movie last night,” he says. “I know what you want. You want Gone with the Wind.”

Much of the footage is taken on a terrace at the Bavarian retreat, with Hitler and his guests relaxing in the sunlight. He finds time to flirt with Braun, saying: “What are you filming an old man for? I should be filming you.”

But the war was never far away. “You talk about a dress that does not fit … imagine my problems,” he says with exasperation to his lover.

This is especially chilling:

Among Hitler’s staff shown at the Berghof are Heinrich Himmler, Albert Speer, Joachim Von Ribbentrop, Reinhard Heidrich, Joseph Goebbels and Karl Wolff.

Himmler is seen telling Heidrich and Wolff: “I’m very busy with this project and that project.” A disturbing statement from the man in charge of the Final Solution.

Disturbing indeed.