The Hiding Place

That quality would be for nothing without the performances. This film is led by an incredibly talented cast, starring stage veteran Nan Gurley as Corrie Ten Boom. Carrie Tillis plays Corrie’s sister, Betsie Ten Boom. Conrad John Schuck plays Casper Ten Boom, Corrie’s father. Shuck has starred in films such as M.A.S.H. and episodes of Star Trek. He has had a long, storied career in television and film. His portrayal of Casper is precise and immersive as if an old photo had come to life. With the Dutch accent and old-world proverbs, the role could easily have slipped into parody or cliche. Shuck brings Casper to life with authenticity and grace. 

The stories of persecution and genocide from WWII and other times (all too often) in history, these dark impulses have gripped people and always shine a light on the worst and the best of humanity. We read them and think these were different people from different times who are nothing like us, and we think it could never happen now, but it does, and it will. The Diary of Anne Frank is, of course, another famous example of evil oppression (also in Amsterdam) of a group for their (real or perceived) differences.

“The overall production of the film is top-notch.”

The most striking aspect of The Hiding Place is that it highlights the behavior of people who are Christian both by faith and by their acts, in the most precise meaning of the word… which is to say “Christ-like.” The Ten Booms took in Jews, despite being of different religious traditions and an entirely separate culture, at the risk of their own lives. That kind of altruistic compassion, acceptance, and protection of people who are seen as “other” goes by a very different name these days in America as part of a nationalist swing toward fascism that is sweeping the country. Everything old is new again. “Christians” in 2023 could use some of the compassion of the Ten Boom family from the 1940’s. This reminder is timeless, of course, but also particularly timely for American culture just now. 

The Hiding Place is a story of faith, optimism, compassion for those who are different, the courage of convictions despite the cost, and most of all, forgiveness for the most heinous acts humans can perpetrate upon each other.