Attacking the Devil: Harold Evans and the Last Nazi War Crime

Attacking the Devil: Harold Evans and the Last Nazi War Crime, a documentary released in 2014, seeks to illuminate the life and works of a tenacious journalist who championed the cause of justice, not shying away from confronting some of the most powerful individuals and corporations.

The central figure in the film is Sir Harold Evans, widely reckoned as one of the greatest newspaper editors of the 20th century. There are few journalists who have made as profound of an impact on their profession as Evans did. A front-runner in investigative journalism, he used his role as an editor to relentlessly pursue truth and justice.

The film portrait is crafted intensely by directors Jacqui Morris and David Morris, who trace Evans’ upbringing in the working-class environment of Manchester, England, through his rise to the top of British journalism. Evans is a charismatic presence, insightful, principled and steely, managing to cut through the density of even the most complex stories with a clarity and sharpness admired by colleagues and feared by those he was investigating.

The narrative is meticulously and robustly shaped around Evans' most notable crusade - his coverage of the Thalidomide scandal of the 70s. His relentless pursuit of justice for the victims of the Thalidomide drug, which left thousands of babies with severe birth deformities, underpins the film’s climax. The film explores how Evans, who was then the editor of The Sunday Times, exposed the negligence of the drug’s maker, begrudgingly battling legal and political obstacles. It also goes more in-depth into the Thalidomide saga, showing the brave mothers who battled alongside Evans against a pharma juggernaut and an indifferent society.

The narrative swings back to provide deeper insights into Evans’ career from his trailblazing efforts at The Northern Echo (the newspaper where he made his name), to his time at The Sunday Times and further through his other notable work in the journalistic field. The film also dives into his personal life, including his marriage to Tina Brown, former editor of The New Yorker and Vanity Fair.

Through extensive interviews and archival footage, you'll gain remarkable insight into the forces that shaped Evans, from his working-class roots to his journalistic ambitions. There are also numerous interviews with contemporaries, critics, and those who knew him best, each adding a layer to the rich tapestry that was Evans' remarkable life.

Featuring detailed interviews with notable figures such as celebrated consumer advocate Ralph Nader and award-winning actor Michael Sheen, among a myriad of other insightful contributors, the movie paints an evocative picture of societal power dynamics, the extents of corporate greed, and journalism's role in holding these forces to account.

The troubled path of investigating and revealing the truth is visualized through black-and-white archive footage, synced perfectly with the captivating narration by Evans himself and voice-overs by Michael Sheen. The subtle yet gripping score enhances the cinematographic experience, adeptly adding weight to the sequences while never overpowering the central narrative.

Beyond being a biographic documentary on a notable journalist, the film also serves as a reflection on journalism's critical role in society. At a time when journalism is too often bristling with corporate and governmental pressures, Attacking the Devil: Harold Evans and the Last Nazi War Crime underscores the necessity of an independent press in maintaining a just society.

This is a profoundly moving and inspirational film, not just for aspiring journalists but for anyone who believes in the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s a clarion call to compass-bearers in the field and a compelling recommendation for novices interested in practicing journalism at its best.

Not many films have tackled the immense dedication, courage, and passion it takes to commit to truth and justice the way Attacking the Devil: Harold Evans and the Last Nazi War Crime does. This documentary encourages its audience not just to respect the dedication of a singular journalist, but to recognize and appreciate the often-untold stories of the journalists who dare to shine a harsh spotlight where others fear to even glance at.