By coincidence, following my last post, I read in La Provence this morning that a 7-part series on Varian Fry and his network will be shown on Netflix.
‘Transatlantique’ was filmed in Marseille over months of careful reconstruction of sets and clothing to evoke Provence in 1940-2. This of course was the period when the area was under the control of the Vichy government who were rounding up ‘degenerate’ artists, surrealists, Jews of foreign origin and sending them to the camp at Les Milles. Varian Fry sheltered many, issued visas and transit papers and helped people escape on boats or on foot via the Pyrenees.
What a story this should be, not only about Fry, but also his network and all the remarkable people he helped – the Chagalls, Max Ernst, André Masson, Walter Benjamin, and a host of others in the Villa Air-Bel.
Starts 7th April
Bonjour from Aix and once again you’ve shared a wonderful message. There is a bust of Varian Fry just beside the American Consul in Marseille . I was pleased to attend the dedication. Looking forward to the Netflix series! Hope its on the British one.
I didn’t know there was a bust. At last some recognition. I hope it’s on UK netflix too! xL
Thank you so much for alerting us to this, if you’re interested in the role Marseille played at the time Varian Fry was assisting artists and intellectual to escape, I highly recommend the novel Transit by Anna Seghers (she was assisted by Varian Fry and was able to get on a boat to Mexico).
The link to my review below:
https://clairemcalpine.com/2019/08/01/transit-by-anna-seghers-tr-margot-bettauer-dembo-witmonth-and-an-urban-balade-in-marseille/
Thank you so much Claire. I’ll track that one down…..Lynne