Operation - Amsterdam(1959)

: A central theme is the "choices" faced by Jewish diamond merchants. Giving up their stocks meant aiding the Allies but also losing their only potential "bargaining power" or life savings before the Nazi occupation. Key Characters :

: The operation was led by Dutch diamond expert Jan Smit (portrayed by Peter Finch) and British Major Dillon (portrayed by Tony Britton). They were transported to the Dutch port of IJmuiden on a British destroyer. Narrative & Cinematic Style Operation Amsterdam(1959)

Directed by Michael McCarthy, the film is noted for its "stark, matter-of-fact" documentary-like style rather than typical Hollywood melodrama. : A central theme is the "choices" faced

: These diamonds were vital for manufacturing; they were used in precision drill bits necessary for building tanks, aircraft, and radar technology. They were transported to the Dutch port of

: At the time of its release, the Guardian called it an "unusually effective war film" because of its historical grounding. However, The New York Times found it "lukewarm" compared to the actual intensity of the real-life incident.

: A diamond expert whose real-life counterpart was killed in 1946.