Varian & Putzi: A 20th Century Tale

This documentary presents the stories of Varian Fry and Ernst “Putzi” Hanfstängel, two American Harvard alumni who navigated the Nazi regime in Germany and Europe in vastly different ways. Varian Fry, born in 1907, became known for his efforts in rescuing numerous European artists and intellectuals from the clutches of the Nazis.

In contrast, Ernst “Putzi” Hanfstängel, born in 1887, played a significant role in supporting Adolf Hitler's rise to power. Serving as the head of the Foreign Press Bureau in Berlin during the early years of the Third Reich, his actions stood in stark opposition to Fry's humanitarian efforts. This juxtaposition of their experiences offers insight into the complexities of moral choices during a turbulent historical period, making it a compelling watch for those interested in World War II history and the impact of individual actions.