Miracle at Midnight

Miracle at Midnight is a historical drama film that tells the miraculous story set in the heart of World War II. Originally made for television by Disney, it first aired on The Wonderful World of Disney on May 17, 1998. The screenplay based on actual events explores the rescue of Danish Jews in Denmark during the German occupation.

About Miracle at Midnight

The plot follows the well-respected Koster family from Copenhagen. When the Nazis decide to send the Danish Jews to concentration camps, Karl Koster (Sam Waterston), a doctor, and his son Hendrik (Justin Whalin) take a stand and mobilize their community to save their Jewish neighbors. With their strategic plan of ferrying the Jews to the safety of neighboring Sweden, they managed to rescue over 7,000 people, creating a true miracle at midnight.

Making / Production

The movie was made by Walt Disney Television and aired on the ABC network. The screenplay was written by Chris Bryant and Monte Merrick, based on the book “October '43” by Aage Bertelsen. It was directed by Ken Cameron with music by Bruce Broughton.

Actors

• Sam Waterston as Dr. Karl Koster: He convincingly portrayed the compassionate and courageous doctor who risked his life to save his Jewish neighbors.
• Mia Farrow as Doris Koster: She excelled in her role as the supportive wife of Dr. Koster.
• Justin Whalin as Hendrik Koster: He beautifully played the role as the engaged and resourceful son who assists his father in the rescue operations.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film is based on actual events that happened during World War II in Denmark.
• Around 95% of the Jewish population in Denmark was saved by this operation.
• The rescue operation was carried out both by the common citizens and members of the resistance movement.

Awards

Though Miracle at Midnight did not win any major awards, it received high praise for its historical accuracy and emotional depiction of events.

Quotes

• "We must think of every Jewish Dane as our friend and neighbor." - Dr. Karl Koster
• "They can take our homes, our possessions. But they can't take what we are, what we believe in." - Hendrik Koster

Music, Soundtrack

• The musical score was composed by Bruce Broughton, who effectively used music to heighten the film's tension and emotion.
• Though this movie does not have a typical movie soundtrack, Broughton’s score played an essential role in the film's narrative.