Watch on the Rhine

In 2017, HERC begins its third movie series asking the question, “What did Americans know about the racism and horrors of the NAZI threat before and during WWII?”

“Watch on the Rhine” stars Bette Davis and Paul Lukas. Released by Warner Brothers in 1943, the movie is based on a stirring play by famous writer Lillian Hellman and adapted for the screen by Dashiell Hammett. Lukas, who won Best Actor Golden Globe and Oscar awards for this role, plays a German anti-Nazi underground leader who brings his American wife and their children to security in America. The complacency of Americans regarding the barbaric nature of the conflict spreading across Europe plays a role in the story as Lucas’ identity is discovered, forcing him and his family to make a sacrificial choice.  Determination, idealism, dignity, and strength are portrayed passionately by Lucas and Davis.