About 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. & Mrs. Kraus (HBO)

50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. & Mrs. Kraus is a compelling documentary that narrates the story of Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus, a Jewish couple from Philadelphia who orchestrated a daring rescue of fifty Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Vienna, Austria, in 1939. The unprecedented mission transported these children to the United States, saving them from the impending horrors of the Holocaust.

Making / Production

The creators of this HBO documentary, directed by Steven Pressman, took great pains to ensure historical accuracy. The production involved the use of archival footage, photographs, and interviews with surviving children rescued by the Kraus couple. The narration by Alan Alda and Mamie Gummer added depth to the storytelling, making the documentary a poignant watch.

Actors

• Alan Alda: Narrator (voice of Mr. Kraus) - Alda contributed his voice-over skills as Gilbert Kraus, bringing authenticity and urgency to the role. His narration notably enhances the audience's connection to the story.
• Mamie Gummer: Narrator (voice of Mrs. Kraus) - Gummer provided the voice for Eleanor Kraus. She effectively portrayed the determination and courage of Mrs. Kraus, effectively emoting the highs and lows of the rescue mission.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The documentary is an adaptation of the memoir written by Eleanor Kraus, detailing the audacious rescue mission.
• Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus were the only Americans who directly saved Jewish children from the Holocaust.
• Steven Pressman, the film's director and producer, is married to the Krauses' granddaughter, Liz Perle.

Quotes

• "It was the children... the look on their faces, I will never forget. Our lives were about to change forever." - Mrs. Kraus
• "We could not turn our backs on these children. They were innocent, they needed our help." - Mr. Kraus

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack for the documentary was provided by composer Marco D'Ambrosio, who crafted a score that matched the emotional intensity of the film, effectively enhancing the narrative.