Leon Blum: For All Mankind

Jean Bodon's documentary celebrates French socialist Leon Blum, who as leader of the coalition of leftist parties known as the Popular Front became the first Jew to hold the position of prime minister (briefly, from 1936–37). Following France's surrender to Germany in 1940, Blum was detained by the Vichy regime and—after a trial in which Blum denounced collaboration—deported to Buchenwald. Eventually liberated by Allied forces, Blum returned as a hero to Paris, where he once again led the government. Co-written by Antoine Malamoud, Blum's great-grandson, the documentary is predictably laudatory, but under Bodon's expert hand, this is a well constructed profile, covering Blum's early career as a writer and proponent of women's rights, along with his later political activities. Bodon combines newsreel footage, stills, newspapers, excerpts from letters Blum wrote from Buchenwald, and clips from interviews with relatives and socialist comrades—along with remarks by politicians and authors about his importance in French history. Much of Blum's story is sad, not only in terms of his setbacks as prime minister, but also in the tragic fates of his brothers and friends at the hands of the Nazis. But, ultimately, Blum emerges as a heroic figure deserving of international recognition. DVD extras include a note on Blum's life by Malamoud, and a photo gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)