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The Magician of Casablanca: A Sephardic Woman's Quest to Save Lives in WW2
Discover the little-known history of Nelly Benatar, Morocco's first female attorney, who transformed bureaucratic red tape into life-saving magic during World War II's darkest hours. Beyond the familiar backdrop of the film Casablanca, follow one extraordinary woman's courageous journey from wartime rescue missions to post-war humanitarian work, confronting issues of refugees, immigration, and identity that remain relevant today.
Episodes
6 episodes
1. Letter for a Dead Man
Episode 1: Letter for a Dead Man Enter the true story of Nelly Benatar, Morocco's first female attorney, who rises to the challenge of saving lives in World War II. When Hitler's swift victories dash her plans to serve as a Red Cros...
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2. Magical Pieces of Paper
As Casablanca swells with refugees fleeing Nazi Europe—everyone comes to Casablanca seeking safe passage—Nelly Benatar confronts Vichy Morocco's gruesome and even deadly deportation policies. The determined attorney rallies supporters and unloc...
3. The Gestapo Knocks
As the Gestapo closes in, Nelly Benatar draws upon both her French legal training and the ancient Jewish Moroccan culture of her community. In this episode, Casablanca itself becomes a main character, a colonial crossroads of ethnic and religio...
4. Torch in the Dark
The war finally engulfs Casablanca as a massive Allied military operation catapults Morocco from the fringe of the conflict to its blazing center. In the shadows, legendary performer Josephine Baker continues her secret work for the Resistance,...