Varian's War

Pros: Well done period piece, Finely crafted film, Well paced

Cons: Based on a true story, but some facts may not be historically accurate

The Bottom Line: Well executed film of tragedy and heroism during World War II

Review: Until the release of the film Varian's War, by the Showtime network in April 2001, Varian Fry was a little known American Journalist who, through a heroic effort, helped many prominent European Jewish citizens escape from the Nazi...

Pros: Solid performances by Hurt and Ormond, look for some nifty cameos.

Cons: Very slow, cold and bloodless film with too much melodrama at the end.

The Bottom Line: The book is much better than this pedestrian tale of heroism. No wonder it went hastily to video.

Review: Ever since I read the biography of Varian Fry -- The Quiet American, I've been intrigued by this little known tale of espionage and refugee smuggling in Vichy France. The story was picked up by Showtime and turned into a two hour flick that aired...