Schindler: The Documentary (1983) (TV)

Director:

Jon Blair

Writer:

Jon Blair (writer)

Release Date:

October 1983 (UK)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

The true story of Oskar Schindler's exploits in which he saved a thousand Jews from the ovens of the death camps...

Plot Keywords:

Holocaust | WWII

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Dirk Bogarde	...	Narrator (voice)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Emilie Schindler	...	Herself (wife)
Oskar Schindler	...	Himself (archive footage)

Country:

UK

Language:

English | German | Polish

Colour:

Black and White | Colour

Shamefully Neglected Source of Spielberg's "List"

On the occasion of the Smithsonian's inclusion of Stephen Spielberg's "Schindler's List" to its film registry, I must second Titus Levy, who has pointed out, that this documentary is obviously the inspiration for the lionized "List".

I saw "Schindler, The Documentary" back in the early 80s, when it was made. I was so impressed that I recorded it. After watching it again, recently, I can still say, that this is a remarkable documentary, which has been shamefully neglected.

Beginning with a lovely string trio played by survivors, The Documentary relies on archival footage and commentaries by the actual people who owe their lives to Schindler. Since The Documentary lets the story tell itself, the ambiguity of Schindler's motives has not been lost; however, just as Spielberg's "List" would do later, it concludes that what Schindler accomplished makes cavils about his motives seem churlish indeed.

"Schindler, the Documentary" deserves a far greater audience and acclaim than it has received.