The made-for-television Playing for Time debuted on September 30, 1980. Vanessa Redgrave stars as Fania Fenelon, a Jewish cabaret singer working in Paris at the time of the Nazi invasion. Shipped to the Auschwitz death camp in 1944, Fenelon is certain that she is as doomed as all the other prisoners. But SS camp matron Shirley Knight has other plans: she orders Fenelon and several other female inmates with musical ability to form themselves into a prisoner's orchestra. They are to perform for the benefit of those who are ...
Read More
The made-for-television Playing for Time debuted on September 30, 1980. Vanessa Redgrave stars as Fania Fenelon, a Jewish cabaret singer working in Paris at the time of the Nazi invasion. Shipped to the Auschwitz death camp in 1944, Fenelon is certain that she is as doomed as all the other prisoners. But SS camp matron Shirley Knight has other plans: she orders Fenelon and several other female inmates with musical ability to form themselves into a prisoner's orchestra. They are to perform for the benefit of those who are herded into the gas chambers--a "humane" means of easing the condemned into the next world. As much as she despises her work, Fenelon and her fellow musicians continue to play, lest they too be exterminated. The film raises several questions about courage, guilt and survival at any price, but the most controversial aspect was the casting of anti-Zionist Vanessa Redgrave as Fania Fenelon. Like many others, the real-life Fenelon (who died in 1988) was vehemently opposed to Redgrave's appearance in the film. Playing for Time won Emmy Awards for Redgrave, scriptwriter Arthur Miller, supporting actress Jane Alexander, and as Outstanding Dramatic Special. Redgrave's husband Tony Richardson was the original director, but he bowed out and was replaced by Joseph Sargent., who himself was replaced by Daniel Mann (the only one credited) Hal Erickson, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Playing for Time to cart. $20.00, like new condition, Sold by Book Forest rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from San Rafael, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2010.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. Appears new and unused. Perfect condition! Fast shipping from California. All DVDs ship within 24 hours Monday-Friday. Help support Bay Area Libraries.
Add this copy of Playing for Time to cart. $100.00, new condition, Sold by itswinwinwithdon rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NORTH PORT, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Olive Films.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Alexander, Shirley Knight, Marta Heflin, Maud Adams. New in new packaging. Language: English. Run time: 148 mins. Aspect ratio: 1.33: 1. Originally released: 1980.
This classic is one of the first and absolutely one of the best films focusing on women prisoners during the dark time period of Nazi Germany. How women lived, died and for a few, survived are stories that need to be told. And when you add the element of musicians, this story takes on a sensitive, creative, and fierce portrayal of a woman's spirit.