Verdoner family walking in Hilversum and playing
Creator(s)
- Yoka Verdoner
- Gerrit Verdoner (Camera Operator)
- Francisca Verdoner Kan
- Otto Verdoner
Biographical History
The Verdoner Family - Gerrit and Hilde Verdoner, their children Yoka (b.1934), Francisca (b.1937) and Otto (b.1939) - were Jewish. In May 1940, when the Germans overran the Netherlands, Nazi decrees aimed specifically at Jews forced Gerrit out of his business and Yoka out of her second grade class. When the Nazis commandeered their home, the Verdoners went to live with Gerrit's parents in Amsterdam. Shortly thereafter, Gerrit and Hilde decided to place the children in hiding. Their foresight enabled the children to survive and save these family films. Hilde entered Westerbork on December 18, 1942, while Gerrit had a job with the Jewish Council. On September 29, 1943, after the collapse of the Jewish Council and Gerrit's narrow escape from the Germans, Gerrit found refuge in a hideout on a farm. On January 8, 1944 Hilde was sent to Auschwitz. After the war, Gerrit managed to reunite with his children and other surviving family members. The Verdoners emigrated to the US in 1946.
Scope and Content
EXT, MCUs Francisca and Yoka Verdoner with their brother Otto in a stroller. Their mother Hilde walks along with them. The family walks through the streets of Hilversum, other people are seen on foot and on bicycle. INT, Otto, now with a full head of hair. VS, CUs of Otto, now walking on his own. The children play with a toy, a dancing, wind up monkey. CU of the monkey toy dancing. CUs, bare-bottomed Otto playing with the monkey, his mother Hilde is undressing him. VS, Otto crawling and walking about the room naked.
Subjects
- FAMILIES
- CHILDREN
- CHILDREN (JEWISH)
- PLAYING
- JEWISH LIFE (PRE-WAR)
- NETHERLANDS
- TOYS
Places
- Hilversum, Netherlands
Genre
- Amateur.
- Film