MovieChat Forums > The Sinking of the Laconia (2011) Discussion > Hilda Smith's journey

Hilda Smith's journey

posted 13 years ago by Kiaran-ryan1
5 replies | jump to latest

How could Hilda Smith get from Germany in June 1942 (when the photo of Ella was taken) to Egypt in July 1942 (when Laconia set sail)?

[–] starzandi 13 years ago

There is a very vague possibility--via turkey,syria,palestine using two passports and the railway.
Hilda Smith is a fictional character.

[–] Kiaran-ryan1 13 years ago

Thanks - I know she's fictional - which is why I asked the question! I'm surprised that Bleasdale did not let us know more about her and how she got there.

I doubt anyone could have made that journey without a serious cover story (and serious "underground" support) in the time she was supposed to have made it. Call me a nit-picker if you like, but it's this lack of attention to detail (and the assumption that the audience is too ignorant or dumb to question it) that spoils programmes like this. I'd have expected more of Bleasdale.

[–] starzandi 13 years ago

You can't blame Bleasdale for that but the German co-producers who wanted a German definitely not nazi-character. Bleasdale had to make some alterations to his script because of that.
But this script only made it with the funding of two broadcasters--BBC and ARD, so you have to swallow a bit of euro-pudding.

For that it was remarkably watchable.

[–] chrissso 8 years ago

So this spoiled the program for you? That is kinda tragic Mr Nitpicker ... and yes I did like calling you that.

[–] crhodes2006 13 years ago

I think Hilda's part was possibly based on a missionary nurse called Doris Hawkins, she did have a 14 month old daughter who died when they fell into the water. Doris survived and reached the African coast at Liberia. I think she visited many of the families of those who died in her lifeboat to return personal effects.