The extraordinary tale of Nicholas Winton, unassumingly sitting in the audience of a TV chat show titled “That’s Life” when the host unveiled his heroic World War II rescue mission of hundreds of children from Nazi-invaded Czechoslovakia, has gone viral. Unknown to the rescued children themselves, Winton carefully arranged their safe passage and placement in foster homes in the UK. In an unexpected twist, the studio audience turned out to be made up of the very children he saved, now fully grown adults, whom Winton had expected to meet only two more of.
This inspiring story is the focus of a recent movie, “One Life”, telling the tale of the massive difference a single person can make. Anthony Hopkins plays an older Winton, while Johnny Flynn portrays his younger years.
Born to German immigrants who moved to the UK in 1907, Winton’s family Anglicized their name from Wertheim and converted from Judaism to blend into British society during the tension of the impending war. Winton, who considered himself agnostic and, unusually for a stockbroker, a socialist, prioritized saving children amidst the bleak conditions in Prague, where the Kindertransport trains were yet to extend their rescue operations.
Information was scarce, as locals and refugees feared Nazi retribution, and bureaucratic red tape and financial requirements were daunting. But, with relentless efforts, Winton managed to secure passage for more than 600 children on eight trains to England, their ninth train tragically halted by the Nazis on the day the war was declared.
Struggling with guilt over the children he couldn't save, Winton eventually reaches out to media mogul Robert Maxwell's French wife, Betsy, who recognizes the importance of the story.
Although the film's depiction of Winton's operation during flashbacks doesn’t entirely capture the tension, his later journey to make sense of his life and efforts provides an engaging exploration of purpose and meaning. The film's potent storytelling imparts the power of one individual's actions in shaping countless lives, providing an inspiring narrative for contemporary audiences.
