the film was scheduled for release on march 24, 1933, at the ufa-palast am zoo, the same theater that hosted the original premiere of "dr. mabuse the gambler" in 1922. adolf hitler came to power at the end of january 1933, and on march 14 he established the new ministry of public enlightenment and propaganda headed by joseph goebbels. lang had not finished editing the film, and would not have a print for goebbels to view until march 23. after a screening for goebbels, he declared that the premiere would be delayed for technical reasons. goebbels hosted a meeting at his home between himself, lang and several other german filmmakers on discussions on what films would be permitted by nazi censorship. goebbels referred to lang's films as the style that hitler wanted for nazi germany.