top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

Netflix tells of Americans in Marseille who saved thousands from Nazis

Varian Fry and his team are celebrated for their efforts to save those fleeing persecution during World War II

Transatlantic centres on the story of Varian Fry, a journalist disgusted by the anti-Semitism he witnessed in pre-war Berlin Pic: Anika Molnar / Netflix

A new Netflix series has begun telling the story of an American group who smuggled persecuted people out of France after the occupation.

The seven-part Transatlantic - released to positive reviews - follows the story of several Americans who helped found the American rescue centre which operated from Marseille during 1940-41.

The story focuses on Varian Fry - a journalist disgusted by the anti-Semitism he witnessed in pre-war Berlin - and Mary Jayne Gold, a wealthy American who supplied funds and contacts to help with the operation. 

Fry and his team helped save up to 2,500 people – mostly Jews – by forging fake documents that allowed them to escape to other European countries - such as Spain and Portugal - or the US.

Read also: Varian Fry: The American who was a ‘Schindler in France’

Famous figures portrayed in series

Although a highly fictionalised series the story itself is based on Mr Fry’s real actions and dogged determination to save as many people as possible from the Nazi regime. 

Arriving in Marseille after the surrender of France in 1940, Mr Fry, representing what was then called the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC) had a list of 200 intellectuals, artists, and people of interest he was tasked with trying to save, including Hannah Arendt, André Breton, Walter Benjamin and Marc Chagall. 

As word of the ERC spread, however, thousands of people seeking refuge from the Nazi regime came to Marseille seeking help, and Fry ended up going above and beyond the original remit he was given and ultimately being forced to leave, with the agreement of the US consular authorities. 

It is thought up to 4,000 probably escaped with assistance from Fry (either legally, via visas he helped them obtain officially, or otherwise) and those working with him during the Vichy France period when the south was officially ‘free’ and under a puppet regime, while the north was under direct German rule.

The show underlines the difficult relationship between the ERC and American foreign policymakers, who were hesitant to officially involve the country in anything opposed to the Vichy regime while the US was still neutral.

Read also: Five Netflix TV shows to help improve your French

Relatively unknown after the war, Mr Fry lived a difficult life, but the series only focuses on his time in Marseille. 

The series - filmed in March 2022 in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine - looks to bring his story back to public attention, as a humanitarian determined to save as many lives as possible. 

Mr Fry is only one of five Americans to receive the ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ award from Israel, given to non-Jewish people who risked their life during World War II to save Jews.

Related articles

Make sense of French television’s role in social and cultural life

Six classic French films to improve your language skills

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France