940.53

MAJDANEK 1944  (1986)

Maj

German documentary (in English) about the concentration/extermination camp Majdanek, built in 1941 near Lublin and liberated on July 23, 1944. The film is composed entirely of footage taken between July and December, 1944. It provides background about the camp and includes testimony from survivors and witnesses in 1944—mostly Polish soldiers, German officers and non-Jewish prisoners of war. The film also covers part of the first Majdanek War Crimes trial, November 27-December 3, 1944 in Lublin. Note: This documentary focuses on what happened at Majdanek, but almost totally ignores the testimony of Jewish survivors. Includes graphic personal narratives and footage of dead bodies and a hanging.

B&W. 1 hr. 5 min.  AGE: Adult

940.53

THE MAN IN THE GLASS BOOTH (1975)

Tour de force performance by actor Maximilian Schell who plays Arthur Goldman, a millionaire Jewish entrepreneur in Manhattan. Within the first 15 minutes, viewers will be guessing whether Goldman is brilliant or insane.  He is an idiosyncratic character, passionately moving from topic to topic in the blink of an eye while simultaneously conducting business. Goldman often experiences flashbacks relating to the Holocaust and how his family was murdered. When Goldman claims that he is being watched, those around him assume paranoia. That is, until Israeli agents break into the house, kidnap Goldman and put him on trial in Israel as Adolf Dorf, a notorious Nazi SS Commandant. The character that viewers have come to know as Goldman, transforms before their eyes into a viciously anti-Semitic, sociopathic Nazi – a man who took great pride in the extermination of Jews. Until the very end, viewers will wonder about the true identity of this enigmatic and frightening individual. The intensity of the trial scene is unforgettable, as is Maximilian Schell’s electrifying performance.

1 hr. 57 min.  AGE:  14 to Adult

940.53

THE MAN WHO CAPTURED EICHMANN  (1996)

Man

Dramatization of the capture of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, played by actor Robert Duvall. Eichmann, who was in charge of delivering Jews to extermination camps in World War II, was hiding in Buenos Aires where Israeli Mossad agents tracked him down after a 15 year search. Based on the book The Man Who Captured Eichmann by Mossad agent Peter Malkin.

2 hrs.  AGE: 14 to Adult

F

THE MAN WHO CRIED (2001)

Man

DVD

Beautifully filmed drama which focuses on Susie, a young woman in 1940s Paris (Christina Ricci) and her relationships with a cabaret dancer friend (Cate Blanchett), an opera singer (John Turturro) and a gypsy (Johnny Depp). An initial scene shows a flashback of Susie as a child in 1927 Russia, where she was called Feige. Feige watches as her father leaves for America. When a pogrom strikes her village, Feige’s grandma sends her with a group of people headed to America. Feige takes the wrong boat and ends up in London. There she is given the name of Susie and sent to live with a Christian foster family. She keeps the photograph of her father and is determined to find her way to America. Eventually, “Susie” gets involved with a performing troupe, makes her way to France and befriends a cabaret singer and gypsy. Only the singer knows that she is a Jew. When the Nazis invade France, “Susie’s” life becomes endangered and she faces a difficult decision – to stay in France with the gypsy man she loves or to flee to safety in America and seek her father. A haunting lyrical film by filmmaker Sally Potter. Note: Rated R. Contains some brief sexual content.

1 hr. 40 min.  AGE:  17 to Adult

940.54

MARCH OF THE LIVING  (1988)

Mar

A documentary dealing with the experiences of 1,500 teenagers from around the world who marched from Auschwitz to Birkenau, and who one week later flew to Israel to celebrate its 40th anniversary. With Jonathan Silverman and Colleen Dewhurst. Study guide available.

22 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

940.53

MEMORY OF THE CAMPS  (aired on Frontline in 1989—original film from 1945)

Mem

The actual film record taken by British and American films crews first entering the concentration camps after the Holocaust. This film has been in a museum vault in London since 1945 and has been assembled in the order intended by the filmmakers. Note: Contains very graphic material including scenes of the gas chambers, medical experimentation labs, crematoria and starving survivors.

1 hr.  AGE: Adult

940.53

MENDEL  (1997)

Men

Norwegian drama about a German Jewish family who survived the Holocaust and are beginning a new life in Norway in 1954. The film is told from the viewpoint of nine-year-old Mendel, who was born after the war and wonders why his parents are so secretive about what happened. It is no surprise that Mendel is confused about religion as his father rejects religious belief, his neighbors are observant Jews, evangelist Christians try to convert the family, and Mendel’s classmates are Christians who have never met a Jew before. The film creates a realistic picture of the aftereffects of the Holocaust on survivors—as well as the struggle for uprooted survivors to attempt to build new lives. Note: Parts of the film may be offensive to some viewers, as Mendel’s father (a survivor) constantly tells Holocaust jokes.

In Norwegian with subtitles. 1 hr. 35 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

940.53

MIRACLE AT MIDNIGHT  (1997)

Mir

Disney-produced drama about a family in Denmark who risked their lives to save their Jewish countrymen. The Koster family decide to hide their Jewish friends in their home until they can be shipped to safety in Sweden. Dr. Koster, a chief of surgery, convinces his hospital to hide many Jews as well, pretending that they are patients. Koster’s son is secretly involved in the Danish students’ resistance which is also depicted through the drama. The film personalizes the rescue of Danish Jews by focusing on the courage of one particular family and the trials they faced. Stars Sam Waterston and Mia Farrow. Note: A note appears at the film’s beginning which says, “Inspired by true events.” There is no indication, however, whether the story of the Koster family was based on an actual family or whether it was a family created as a composite, based on true stories. A well-produced and acted film which is one of the few Holocaust dramas suitable for a younger audience.

1 hr. 29 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

940.54

MIRACLE AT MOREAUX  (1985)

Mir

Three Jewish children take refuge in a Catholic school in France while fleeing from the Nazis in 1943. The students are initially frightened by the danger to themselves of concealing Jews from the Nazis, but later are willing to risk their lives for them. Based on the children's book Twenty and Ten. Study guide available. Note: This is a suitable Holocaust film for younger students.

58 min.  AGE: 9 to Adult

F

MISS ROSE WHITE  (1991)

Mis

Young career woman Rose White and her father learn that Rose’s sister, who they haven't seen for 15 years, has survived Auschwitz and will be joining them in America. When the sister, Luisa, arrives, she carries with her the anguish of the Holocaust and a bitterness towards her father for not getting her out of Europe in time. An additional theme deals with American assimilation, as Rose has changed her name from Rayzel Weiss and hides her Judaism from her friends and co-workers. An Emmy Award-winning film starring Maximilian Schell, Amanda Plummer and Kyra Sedgwick. Based on the play “A Shayna Maidel” by Barbara Lebow. Note: Can be used to relate to Holocaust units as well as to the Americanization of Jewish immigrants.

1 hr. 35 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

940.54

MORE THAN BROKEN GLASS: MEMORIES OF KRISTALLNACHT  (1988)

Mor

Presents a portrait of the times and events leading to the November 1938 “Night of Broken Glass” when German synagogues were looted and burned along with Jewish homes and businesses. Combines photos, news footage and interviews with a number of people who have either studied or witnessed Kristallnacht. Includes a description of the political climate in 1930’s Germany. Among those interviewed are Raul Hilberg, Peter Gay and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. (Additional copy of the video is available under 940.54 Kri.)

1 hr.  AGE: 12 to Adult

F

MR. KLEIN  (1977)

Mr

French mystery/thriller set in 1942 France. Robert Klein, a Catholic art dealer, discovers that another man with the same name is using his identity. The problem is that the other Robert Klein is a Jew—and the Catholic Robert Klein must continually try to convince the police that he is not Jewish and not the man they are looking for. The irony is that the Catholic Klein was notorious for cheating the desperate Jews when they came to sell their masterpieces of art to him. Now the tables have turned, and he becomes a watched and hunted individual. Klein becomes obsessed with finding his Jewish “double”—and in his compulsion, he falls into a deadly trap.

In French with subtitles. 2 hrs. 4 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

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MURDERERS AMONG US: THE SIMON WIESENTHAL STORY  (1989)

Mur

Powerful dramatization starring Ben Kingsley as Nazi-hunter Simon Wiesenthal, focusing on his efforts to gather evidence against Nazis—particularly Adolf Eichmann and Franz Murer (the “Butcher of Vilna”). The film opens with Wiesenthal being liberated from a concentration camp in 1945 and handing the Americans hidden drawings he had made of specific Nazis tormenting Jews. The American War Crimes Unit used Wiesenthal to help identify Nazis and to interview other survivors to document evidence for war crime trials. Flashbacks show Wiesenthal’s experiences in the camps. Wiesenthal later moved to Vienna where he continued his work tracking down Nazi war criminals—for Wiesenthal felt that before a witness leaves this world he “has an obligation to say something”. Note: Includes nudity and some extremely graphic and violent scenes.

2 hrs. 37 min.  AGE: 16 to Adult

F

THE MUSIC BOX  (1989)

Mus

A Chicago attorney agrees to defend her beloved Hungarian immigrant father who is accused of committing heinous war crimes as a Nazi. During the trial, she has trouble—both legally and personally—trying to prove his innocence. Starring Jessica Lange.

2 hrs. 6 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

940.53

MY KNEES WERE JUMPING: REMEMBERING THE KINDERTRANSPORTS  (1997)

My

Documentary about the Kindertransport—the movement to evacuate Jewish children to safety in England from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland between December 1938 and August 1939. A group of Jews and Quakers started this movement, saving the lives of thousands of Jewish children—most of whom never saw their parents again. Filmmaker Melissa Hacker created the film because her mother was on the Kindertransport, and she follows her mother to a 50-year Kindertransport Reunion where Hacker interviews several survivors. The film provides a fascinating look at these now-grown children who share the trauma of being uprooted from secure homes and separated from their parents, telling how the experience has affected their lives. Includes documentary footage of the Kindertransport.

Color/B&W. 1 hr. 16 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

940.53

MY MOTHER’S COURAGE (1995)

Powerful dramatization based on the true story of a Jewish housewife who was arrested by the Hungarian police in 1944. The film is based on the autobiographical play and novel by Hungarian author George Tabori, about events in the life of his mother. Pauline Collins gives a stellar performance as Elsa Tabori, a good natured and likable Hungarian woman who is arrested while shopping and is forced onto a train with thousands of other Jews for deportation. When Elsa realizes the truth of her situation, she takes a courageous stand which results in saving her life. The film includes both humor and satire, and some very dark scenes. Directed by Michael Verhoeven (director of The Nasty Girl and The White Rose). Note: Tabori appears in the film as the narrator, himself. 

In German with subtitles. 1 hr. 28 min.  AGE:  17 to Adult

F

THE NASTY GIRL  (1990)

Nas

Based on a true incident, this film tells the story of Sonja, a young German student who is determined to write an essay entitled “My Town During the Third Reich” for her school project. As Sonja begins to investigate her town’s past, she meets with resistance and outrage from her neighbors, and she realizes that the town holds many secrets. After marriage to her childhood schoolteacher, she again embarks on her search for the truth. The closer she gets, the more violent the townspeople’s threats become, and the more roadblocks she finds in her way. A black comedy which examines the part of “ordinary Germans” in the war from a unique perspective.

In German with subtitles. 1 hr. 34 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

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THE NAZIS: A WARNING FROM HISTORY  (1997)

Naz

BBC-produced video set which provides an overview of how Hitler came into power and how the Nazi government operated, with numerous interviews and in-depth studies of perpetrators, victims and bystanders. Includes new evidence from the USSR which suggests that responsibility for the Holocaust spreads wider than is commonly understood. This series was created in conjunction with historical consultant Professor Ian Kershaw. Much documentary film footage and many eyewitness accounts and testimonies are also provided.

Color/B&W. 6 cassettes. Approx. 50 min. each.  AGE: 16 to Adult

Helped Into Power - Vol. 1.

Deals with the reasons for the Nazis’ rise to power.

Chaos and Consent: The Nazi Rule of Germany - Vol. 2.

Covers how the Nazi Party was organized and how it operated, stressing that the Nazis created only an illusion of order.

The Wrong War - Vol. 3.

Postulates that Hitler originally wished to colonize Russian territories and be allied with Great Britain. This segment explores how Hitler got involved in “the wrong war.”

The Wild East - Vol. 4.

Covers the first 20 months of the Nazi occupation of Poland when the Reich tried to turn Poland into the model Nazi state.

Road to Treblinka - Vol. 5.

Explores how places such as the gas chambers came to exist—how the Nazis decided to exterminate the Jews and then proceeded step-by-step towards genocide.

Fighting to the End - Vol. 6.

Examines why Germans continued to follow Hitler and fight to the end—even after they knew they were losing the war. Why did they not rebel and remove Hitler from power, as Italy had done with Mussolini in 1943? This segment deals with the Nazis’ war to annihilate the Jews, the internal dynamics of Hitler’s cabinet, and the mindset of most Nazis in viewing their leader and his plans.

940.54

NAZI’S SECRET KILLING SQUADS (INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS) (1996)

Documentary from the A&E series “Investigative Reports” which examines the Einsatzgruppen – the secret Nazi killing squads which were charged with annihilating the Jews of the Soviet Union – over 1 million people. It includes interviews and commentary by Ben Ferencz, who was the Chief Prosecutor at the trial of 22 Nazi leaders of the Einsatzgruppen. The Einsatzgruppen followed behind German lines and as soon as territory was secured, they began annihilating opposition beginning with the Jews. Its leaders were educated, professional men. The trial against the Einsatzgruppen took place from Fall, 1947 to Spring, 1948 in Nuremberg. Actual footage is shown of the trial in which all 22 were convicted. Commentary is also given by history professor and author, Christopher Browning. Note: Contains graphic documentary footage of dead bodies and actual murder.

Color/B&W.  50 min.  AGE:  17 to Adult