Featured Films--Varian's War to Von Ryan's Express

Varian's War (2001), Director: Lionel Chetwynd, Running time: 121 minutes.
This is the untold story of Varian Fry (William Hurt), a forgotten hero of World War II. He built an elaborate underground rescue network that managed to save some of the most influential cultural figures of our age. He saved artists (such as Marc Chagall), writers, and scientists. The safe arrival of these treasured individuals in the United States permanently changed the face of American culture and enriched all of our lives forever.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRKNAHYc80Y

Victory (1981), Director: John Huston, Running time: 117 minutes.
A group of P.O.W.s at a German prison camp agree to compete against Nazi soccer players in this World War II drama set in 1943 Occupied Europe. German Major Karl von Steiner, who played soccer professionally before the war, comes up with the idea. When his superior officers find out about the competition, they pit the Allies against Germany's best team -- but they don't realize that the P.O.W.s plan to use the upcoming big game as a means of escaping. The Allied team includes John Colby, a British officer who also played soccer before the war, and Robert Hatch, an American soldier who cares far more about gaining his freedom than the game itself. When the P.O.W.s realize they have a good shot at beating the Nazi team in front of a huge crowd, they must decide what's more important: finishing the match or getting out alive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOxj26vcwMI

Voices from Hitler’s Army (2007), Kultur Video, Running time: 300 minutes.
Like old soldiers everywhere, they are fading away, but these German veterans of World War Two have an incredible and sometimes shocking story to tell. This is a unique opportunity to see and hear the last testimonies of Hitler’s armies.

Von Ryan's Express (1965), Director: Mark Robson, Running time: 117 minutes.
When U.S. combat pilot Col. Joseph Ryan (Frank Sinatra) is captured by Nazis, he does what it takes to survive prison camp, including, by all appearances, befriend the enemy. Hence, his prison mates give Ryan the insulting nickname "Von Ryan." But in time, Ryan takes over from the commanding British officer (Trevor Howard) and masterminds commandeering a train to Switzerland with the Nazis in hot pursuit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-zqZdHlIck