The documentary entitled "Nicky's Family" (2011) describes how one British businessman organized a valiant effort to rescue over six hundred children in Czechoslovakia from the Nazis during the tense months immediately preceding the outbreak of World War II. At the time, Adolf Hitler's military forces had invaded parts of Czechoslovakia and begun terrorizing the Jewish community. Many parents realized that their children's' best hope for survival would involve becoming temporary refugees abroad.
The film contains a few historical dramatic depictions, but most of the coverage involves interviews with key participants. It is very fortunate that so many people were able to share their memories of the events. The documentary production also makes excellent use of film footage dating from the prewar and wartime era.
"Nicky's Family" contains a bittersweet quality. While everyone can rejoice that just a few dedicated volunteers rescued so many children from peril, some accounts describe intensely painful events.
Viewers can empathize with the separation of families at the train station in Czechoslovakia, the terror of Jewish children undertaking a long and confusing journey through Nazi Germany on their way to their host families in the British Isle, and the sadness many rescued children experienced when they learned what happened to so many of their relatives and loved ones who remaining behind. The fact that many families in Czechoslovakia tried to send their children abroad to safety but could not do so also provides a sad undercurrent to the events in the film.
This is a beautiful, inspiring and informative documentary which deserves attention. It is also a kind tribute to the brave Englishman who organized the relief efforts, and to the host families who agreed to shelter the refugees.
The film contains a few historical dramatic depictions, but most of the coverage involves interviews with key participants. It is very fortunate that so many people were able to share their memories of the events. The documentary production also makes excellent use of film footage dating from the prewar and wartime era.
"Nicky's Family" contains a bittersweet quality. While everyone can rejoice that just a few dedicated volunteers rescued so many children from peril, some accounts describe intensely painful events.
Viewers can empathize with the separation of families at the train station in Czechoslovakia, the terror of Jewish children undertaking a long and confusing journey through Nazi Germany on their way to their host families in the British Isle, and the sadness many rescued children experienced when they learned what happened to so many of their relatives and loved ones who remaining behind. The fact that many families in Czechoslovakia tried to send their children abroad to safety but could not do so also provides a sad undercurrent to the events in the film.
This is a beautiful, inspiring and informative documentary which deserves attention. It is also a kind tribute to the brave Englishman who organized the relief efforts, and to the host families who agreed to shelter the refugees.