Baby Otto Verdoner
Creator(s)
- Yoka Verdoner
- Francisca Verdoner Kan
- Otto Verdoner
- Gerrit Verdoner (Camera Operator)
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, High angle shot, looking down on Otto Verdoner playing in his crib/playpen. CU of a stuffed elephant toy in the crib. VS of Otto in his crib and then crawling about on the lawn in the Verdoner family yard. The house is visible in the BG of several shots. Hilde Verdoner feeds Otto a cracker, Otto continues to prance around his crib and eat his cracker. MCU, a woman in the garden knitting while she keeps an eye on Otto. CU, Otto picks up a ball, he is playing with his sister who is off camera. VS, Yoka Verdoner playing with Otto. VS, Hilde and all three children (Yoka, Francisca and Otto) playing in the yard.
Subjects
- PLAYING
- TOYS
- WOMEN
- NETHERLANDS
- CHILDREN (JEWISH)
- JEWISH LIFE (PRE-WAR)
- CHILDREN
- FAMILIES
Places
- Hilversum, Netherlands
Genre
- Amateur.
- Film