World War II DVD Set
Content: Yellow Star is a story of faith and courage set in France during World War II. One Soldier's Story is a first-person account of the World War II experiences of Wesley Notgrass using his photographs and memorabilia.
Age Level: all ages
Price: $20.00
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. Your children can learn important lessons about courage, sacrifice, and faith through two DVDs, Yellow Star and One Soldier's Story.
About Yellow Star
Maurice Beaumont and his sisters are living in their family’s large old house in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II. In spite of the Nazi presence, the Beaumonts’ lives are calm and quiet. Things change, however, when they agree to take in several children from Paris who have been sent to the country to avoid the tension and fighting in the city.
Things change even more when four workers in the French Resistance ask the Beaumonts to take in several Jewish children who are being hidden from the Nazis. The Beaumonts recognize the danger to themselves and the children from Paris if they take in the Jews, but they also recognize the danger to the Jewish children if they do not take them in. If they agree, the identity of the Jewish children must be kept a secret from the other villagers and, most importantly, from the Nazis.
The children, the villagers, and the Nazis are all in desperate need of the peace that is found only in Jesus Christ. The star that shone above the Christ Child so long ago to point the way to Him is bright enough to illumine all of their war-torn hearts, but that light will not penetrate their darkness unless they let it shine through.
Traditional French songs and folk dances, as well as original musical numbers and choreography, bring this story to life for the entire family. This play was performed by the Homeschool Dramatic Society on September 11 and 12, 2008 at the Cookeville Drama Center in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Trailer
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Feedback
"I was overwhelmingly impressed with this production. The performance, as a whole, left me completely speechless. Mary Evelyn Notgrass was a true talent. Not only did she give an outstanding acting performance, but she wrote and directed the play. Coordinating that many children so efficiently was a spectacular feat in itself. . . . The script was spiritual, somber, and even humorous. The characters were always active in the spotlight, whether speaking or not.
"I would absolutely recommend this play to others. The story . . . was portrayed with a genuine and unique quality. As a member of the audience, you could easily identify yourself with the characters on stage. Overall, the children were adorable, Mary Evelyn Notgrass was spectacular in every phase possible, and the show provided a real treat for people of all ages."
--Kurt Zollner, theatre student at Tennessee Technological University
"Your play was fantastic! The singing was amazing and all those little children performed like real pros." (Virginia)
About One Soldier's Story
Millions of young Americans went off to war in the 1940s. Wesley Biddle Notgrass (1915-2007) was one of them. Born and reared in Columbia, Tennessee, Wesley served in the U.S. Army for four years, one month, and seven days in the United States, England, France, Belgium, and Germany.
In this dramatic presentation, Wesley’s grandson John Notgrass tells Wesley’s story wearing his uniform and using his photographs. Based on written accounts from Wesley’s childhood and adulthood as well as oral accounts told to his family, this is the story of one man who sought to do his duty toward his God and his country.
Bonus features include John's original songs He Did His Duty, a tribute to his grandfather, and Seasons.
Video Clip
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Feedback from Live Audiences
"It was almost like a time machine. John Notgrass transported the students back into another time period. Dressed in uniform (his grandfather's), John took students back into the youth of his grandfather and then carried them forward into WWII. The students were enthralled with his rendition of stories gleaned from the personal experiences of John's grandfather, what a treasure trove of history which John aptly shared with the classes! He fully put himself into the part and relived events, both sad and hilarious. I can barely wait for John's next presentation." (Tennessee)
"Great history lesson told in a captivating story form." (North Carolina)
"We were all touched by the sharing [of] your grandfather's life during WWII. Your love for history is apparent in the way you share." (Tennessee)
"I am ten and don't normally like people talking but I liked this." (North Carolina)