Expert: Mel - 1/31/2012

Question
I have searched everywhere and with all possible "key" words and no site or engine has helped me located this film.   I watched it some time between 1984 and 1990, or at least I am fairly sure of that time frame.  But don't rule out older or more recent either.  The film is set in a Nazi concentration camp.  There were divided quarters for the men and women.  The story is from the perspective of a female prisoner.  2 women become close friends in camp, but the main character has a talent for music and it is discovered by the German guards.  The head guard of the camp desires music, escape from his orders and employs one of his guards to create a band/orchestra with the prisoners.  Those with talent are saved from certain death but must endure the loss all around them.  One female guard is very strict but has this soft side when a young jewish child catches her attention.  She takes the child from the mother who is killed and raises it as her own.  The main character tries to save her dear friend but she has no musical talent.  But since the main character is powerful because of her abilities she finds a place for her friend to save her live.  A theme of sorts is Madam Butterfly, it is a favorite of the head guard and it is a powerful and moving piece.  Oddly the word spreads about this "famous" musical group and they are made to perform at gala Nazi parties and in private for top leaders of the SS.  I can go on with more detail if need be, but this is the film in a brief recap.  Can you help me?  Thank you

Answer
Hello Dawn,

This was a 1980 CBS made-for-TV film called "Playing For Time". It starred Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Alexander, Maud Adams and Marisa Berenson.

Have a look here;  

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/45018/playing-for-time/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playing_for_Time_(film)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dehEDZw380


Glad to be of help. Cheers...........Mel.