Worth Watching: Helena Bonham Carter’s ‘Grandparents’ War,’ ...My Grandparents’ WarSERIES PREMIERE
The emotional appeal of Finding Your Roots is enhanced with vivid recollections of World War II in a terrific four-part series where celebrated British actors learn how their ancestors helped changed history during wartime. First up:
The Crown’s Helena Bonham Carter, whose lineage includes paternal grandmother and liberal firebrand Lady Violet Bonham Carter, daughter of a former prime minister. Reading letters and studying photos of the time, Helena is moved to learn how Lady Violet volunteered as an air-raid warden during the Blitz and advocated for refugees. Her maternal grandfather, Eduardo Propper de Callejón, was a Spanish diplomat based in Paris, defying orders while securing visas for Jewish citizens. When Helena meets a woman whose family was saved by his efforts, history comes alive. Future subjects include Oscar winner Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas and current nominee Carey Mulligan.