Joe Kirby

This is a very well done documentary about the Nazi occupation in Amsterdam and the role that Miep Gies played in hiding the Anne Frank family. A Small Light’s production company did take a few liberties in the telling of the story but it is actually based on real life facts that keep it historically accurate in most details. However, several characters in the story are fictitious such as Miep’s supposed best friend, Tess. Other fictitious additions include the stories portrayal of Miep’s brother, Casmir, as being a gay man and the portrayal of the meeting place for the resistance fighters as being a gay pub. Some other characters are not historically accurate but don’t dismiss the real life drama of the Nazi occupation and the terrors that the Jews lived, and died, through. The story revolves around the Otto Frank family and his attempt to hide and keep safe his family during Nazi occupation and the many people who were responsible for supplying their daily needs and keep them safe. A lot of the dialogue actually comes from the “Diary Of Anne Frank”, the book that was printed by Otto Frank after the Nazis were defeated and Amsterdam was freed. The series was primarily produced by The National Geographic Society and consists of eight (8) episodes each approximately 52 minutes long. Although, as mentioned above, there are additions that are not historical in this depiction of the Anne Frank story, the general premise is rather accurate. Very highly recommend this series to all, especially those interested in historical accounts of the Jewish holocaust and the heartbreaking truth behind the Nazi’s attempt at ethnical and religious genocide.

Although this TV series first aired thirty years ago, the story line and plot could easily be presented today. Aired as a TV drama originally in 1990, it is very light hearted with a distinct portrayal of humor that helps keep the story lines interesting and very entertaining. Set in a small town in Alaska, the cast of characters portrayed are at sometimes quirky but delightfully surprising as you get to know each of them from episode to episode. You will barely even notice the early nineties back drop. As already stated, very entertaining and delightful for those who love light hearted drama.