The Aryan Couple

Last night I searched for a serious drama and I found a good one, The Aryan Couple. This well acted movie explores some World War II history that I did not know. It shows that the Nazis allowed some very wealthy Jews to 'buy their freedom and lives' at enormous losses. And the key Nazi, at least in this movie, is none other than Himmler.

Joseph Krauzenberg (Martin Landau) is a wealthy German Jewish industrial tycoon whose fortune is mirrored in his palaces that are more like museums of great art. But in the year 1944 his important steel mills and other major industries are needed by the Nazis and so a plan is hatched to offer Krauzenberg, his wife Rachel (Judy Parfitt) and his considerable family the opportunity to escape death by allowing them to leave Germany for Switzerland and ultimately for Palestine. The only servants the Krauzenbergs maintain are the Vassmans - Ingrid (Caroline Carver) and Hans (Kenny Doughty) - an Aryan couple who in reality work for the Underground and are actually Jews under strong cover.

I believe The Ayrian Couple is suspenseful and uses scenic locations in Poland even though it is supposed to take place in Hungary. Martin Landau is excellent as usual and Ms. Judy Parfitt has the best lines confronting Himmler. I recommend this movie who just enjoy a thriller or one who has an interest in World War II.