Nazi Hunters

This eight-episode documentary series follows the extraordinary pursuit of Nazi war criminals, as well as the aggressive efforts made to bring them to justice. A few of the stories will be familiar to many—such as the 1960 apprehension of Adolf Eichmann by Israeli agents in Buenos Aires and his subsequent trial in Jerusalem, the discovery of Klaus Barbie in Bolivia and his extradition to France, and the unsuccessful effort to capture Joseph Mengele. But other accounts are likely to be less well known to contemporary viewers, including the hunting down of Herbert Cukurs, Erich Priebke, and Kurt Lischka. Each chapter relies on archival news footage, interviews with the Nazi hunters, and well-produced dramatic re-enactments. Overall, the production provides a startling narrative on how the most brutally vicious war criminals of the 20th century were able to vanish from Europe (in the case of Barbie, his escape was abetted by U.S. intelligence agents). Thankfully, many determined people were unwilling to sweep this tragic aspect of World War II under the rug, and the viewer comes away with profound respect for these heroic men and women responsible for the years-long intercontinental chase of the elusive Nazi hierarchy. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)