New Americans

This documentary/"short subject" film, shot in 1943 and released in 1944 by RKO Radio Pictures, presents a positive view of the contributions made by the refugees who fled Hitler's Europe. Using a number of fictionalized/acted characters and a few real ones, the case is made that those who were coming to the USA in the 1940s and just before -- from many nations -- not only sought personal asylum and tried to escape from the Nazis' terror, but also brought with them an incredible range of skills and values, thus immeasurably enriching this country. Sometimes the resettlement of the "New Americans" seems exploitive; I cringe every time at the tale of the furniture designer, lauded at home in the old country, who is trained here in the useful skill of furniture upholstery. But the valuable contributions of such well-known luminaries as novelist Thomas Mann and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein -- and of lesser-known ones like my own father, Richard F. Adler, MD, who acquired his degree at the prestigious University of Vienna's medical school, yet came to serve as the principal physician in what we now call an "underserved area" (Frenchburg, Kentucky) -- are revealed in this well-made (and Oscar-nominated) film. This is therefore not only a film of personal significance, but also a valuable document of that turbulent period.

A short documentary that demonstrates the willingness of the United States to welcome those fleeing Nazi Europe hoping to discover a land of freedom and opportunity - and to enjoy the "inconceivable plenty" on offer! Yes, that's maybe the problem with this - it portrays an idyll that would certainly have been more attractive than Hitler's jack-boot clad SS, but it does rather paint a slightly idealistic, chorally soundtracked, portrait of their new home. Usually they have little English, money and no lodgings so they depend on the "National Refugee Service" that tries hard to house and find employment for those proud and frequently rather over-qualified new arrivals. What is clear, though, is that these migrants are game for just about anything to support themselves and their families and seem happy to trade the luxuries of places like Vienna for jobs where payment comes in the guise of chickens and vegetables. From the lowliest agrarian to the likes of Albert Einstein, the USA has welcomed - and capitalised on - these hard-working and decent people and though it does labour the point a bit, it does still provide evidence of the offer of hope for many who arrive with nothing more than the clothes they stand up in.