Tag: ww2

In 1938 Paris, legendary Opera singer Madeleine Moreau is a household name, but knows her years on stage are limited. While judging a competition for a spot in the conservatory, one up-and-coming singer, Yvonne Chevallier stands out among the rest. Not wanting to be passed by in her singing career, Madeleine denies Yvonne the top spot. In order to ensure she is never upstaged, Madeleine offers Yvonne a position of understudy. Even though Yvonne’s financial status and marriage are in jeopardy, she believes that it will help her career. But word grows that Hitler is rising to power and committing unspeakable atrocities in his wake. When Madeleine is invited to sing at a German festival, she hesitates but accepts the job. But once she learns that Hitler will be in attendance, she quits at the last minute, leaving Yvonne to take over. Given her talent, she unfortunately gets her big break behind enemy lines. And the media captures photos of her among Hitler and other well-known officials as she rises to fame in Germany. But this incident ruins her reputation back in France, preventing her from getting more roles in the Opera. When Germany invades France and Yvonne’s idealistic son is captured, Yvonne is desperate to secure his release by any means possible. Meanwhile, Madeleine struggles to thrive during the Occupation after backing out at the festival. And soldiers are rounding up Jews left and right – including their fellow well-known and respected performers of the arts. The Paris Understudy by Aurelie Thiele explores the rivalry between two women and the lengths they go to in order to ensure safety and security of their loved ones.

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