Evelyn Waugh's "Brideshead Revisited"

     35 years ago, an adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's classic was produced for a miniseries for TV.   Eleven episodes were produced and the series proved to be very popular in the UK and later in the States.   Although it contained elements of the series, "Upstairs, Downstairs", this production was much more: it brought Waugh's philosophy of life and religion to an audience that continues to debate and discuss the same topics, some 70 years later.
      It is not Hollywood; it's Britain, and British.   For those viewers who enjoy 2014's "Downton Abbey",   Brideshead has many of the same attractive elements.   The time frames involved overlap, with Brideshead focused on the inter war period- 1918-1939.  This fateful period, now understood as a time of lost opportunity and foreboding,  is fascinating to babyboomers and their offspring.
    While this review will probe more deeply into the themes, characters, and settings of Brideshead, this piece will serve only as introduction.
    More will follow as the host sorts out many aspects of the series.

Snowing and Spring Skiing 2014

       Early spring snow- a bonus series of storms!  Who knew?  Homewood Resort is shut down but Squaw valley/ Alpine is wide open and ready to capture some spring skiers.   Squaw has received almost 4 feet of fresh powder in the last week and snow is currently falling at the High Camp runs.
     More than 18" of powder is expected by Wednesday.   Today might be an exceptionally good day, with favorable conditions in the afternoon.   Tomorrow will probably be too stormy, with obscure visibility above 7500'.
      Spring break is around the corner and perhaps a few "breakers" will decide to break out their boards and skis and hit the slopes.   Is there one more good ski trip available this winter?  It looks like there is: go for it!
      The drought is not over, but the state outlook has dramatically improved just over the last week.   Apparently, more rain is in the forecast along the entire West Coast.  Seattle does not need any more, as they attempt to continue the search for victims of the massive mudslide in the town of Oso, WA.  There are 30 confirmed deaths and as many still missing.  A very sad story.

Latin America: March 2014

      We've sent the Minister of Latin American Affairs on another fact finding mission this weekend.   he'll be splitting time between Colombia and Brazil.   With John Kerry's focus on Ukraine and its Crimea, much of the western hemisphere has been under the radar, so to speak.
      As often happens, front page headlines are the big attention grabbers, especially when the grabber is the Eurasia thug, Vladimur Putin and his Russkie minions.   Having used the Sochi Winter Olympic Games as his cover(where he monopolized the TV coverage), he has maintained his grip on the international landscape by 1) giving cover to ousted Ukraine Pres. Yanukovysch,2) moving 6000 unidentified armed troops into Crimea,3) isolating the Crimean/Ukrainean military bases in Crimea, 4) sending 100,000 Russian troops on the border with Ukraine to engage in maneuvers, 5) overseeing a referendum vote on annexation of Crimea by Russia.
       So, the minister has to keep his eyes open in Latin America where unrest in Venezuela continues to roil local politics; Argentina looks more and more like a 3rd world orphan, and Brazil economy is falling off the tracks.   2 weeks of fact finding will give him enough time to get all the current news from the local streets of the two countries, both experiencing labor unrest and economic uncertainty.  It will prove to be an important trip for 2014.

California Fire Fee 2013-14: What?

     The Board of Equalization(I love that name-so lame, so bureaucratic, so 1984) sent out the bills for the annual fire fee for the latest fiscal year.  But which fiscal year is it?  The letter of explanation is typical government double speak.  As it explains,"" Two billings are for 2 different fiscal yearly periods, 12-13 and 13-14.  Next year's billing for Fiscal 14-15, is anticipated to be mailed beginning in March 2015.   Hmmm?   What fiscal year did we just pay for?  If  it is an annual fee and it was passed in 2011, and we've paid twice already, and they're are billing  twice more, what am I missing here?  Oh, just pay it and shut up.
       That's what they'd like you to do.  But then a state senator, Mr. Hill, conducts hearings in Sacramento and claims that fire departments are not prepared for rail tanker cars moving into the Bay Area refineries with many times the usual number of loaded containers.   Hmmm?  Are we not being taxed a fire Prevention fee?   Hmmm?   More information is available at www.firepreventionfee.org or call # 1-888-310-6447.
    Your Democratic Party in action.  Go, Jerry, Go.   Watch him balance budgets, drill tunnels, move water with the stroke of a pen.  He's amazing.   He's a B-R-O-W-N.

Otters? Have you seen an otter?

   US  Fish and Wildlife biologist Shay Zanetti says river otters have been seen at Fallen Leaf Lake, Secret Harbor, and South Lake Tahoe, near Tahoe Keys.   Lake Tahoe Wildlife  Care rep. Cheryl Millham says she has not seen a river otter in the basin for 25 years until local resident  Bettina McIntyre sent her a photo of 2 otters playing in the lake near Tahoe Keys.
     Always good to see animals in the wild, adds local color.  Keep your eyes open for fur -bearing animals with long tails and lots of whiskers.

Mystery Solved?

   The Government of Malaysia announced today  that the missing jet bound for Beijing is believed to have crashed into the southern Indian Ocean, west of Perth, Australia, beyond the range of any possible landing sight.   Desperate relatives were told by email of the decision regarding the plane that has been missing for 17 days since leaving Kuala Lumpur.
     The Chinese government has asked for data from various agencies that provided information regarding the flight after the plane deviated from its flight plan in the early morning hours shortly after taking off.  272 passengers and crew were on board.   Two passengers were known to be flying with counterfeit passports.
     No reports of visual sighting of wreckage have been reported.   What happened?  That question remains unanswered.

Vlad, Vlad, more Vlad

     Mr. Putin, "president" of Russia, has been grabbing headlines relentlessly all week.  After the referendum vote, under close watch of armed Russian soldiers, came out 96% in favor of annexation to Russia of the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine,  members of the EU and America have been fumbling along, trying to look like they will make a serious response to the power play/land grab by the little Slavic Napolean imitator.
      Pundits write of Vlad's displeasure with the break up of Mother Russia in 1991, when messers Gorbachov and Yeltsin gave the word that Russia was no longer a Soviet Union and the separate "republics" were now independent states.  So, for the last 23 years, Vlad has been plotting to reunify the old USSR.   " Back in the USSR" is what the Beatles' tune recalled.   Will we get back there?  back to an east-vs west Cold War?  We who survived the Cold War years hope not.   It seemed that the Russkies were willing to modernize; to give up their cultural paranoia, their isolationist thinking, and the brutish thuggery that characterizes their ideas on government.
     The question of the day, similar to the questions of 1937-38: will he stop?  Is he satisfied?  Can we sigh relief that this is the end of his taking?  His aggression?  Many thinkers this is only the beginning.
   Time will tell, but don't look for any great pronouncements from the White House.   Obama wants to sell Obamacare, especially with the signup deadline 2 weeks away.   His foreign policy strategy is one of small steps, measured words that really accomplish little, apparently.  With Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Israel, Egypt, and Cuba/Venezuela on the foreign policy plate, John Kerry and Obama have a full  schedule.   And the recession holds on.   Not easy being the Prez.

Movie Review: Gloria

       A foreign entrant for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, the film "Gloria" seemed like a winner.  The setting: Latin America, Chile, big city, modern people, no politics.
      Reviewers liked it, recommended it.   The story:  middle aged woman, mother of two, respectable job, lonely.   Children grown, somewhat detached, ex-husband with new, younger wife.  Woman meets divorced man, owner of a small recreation park-independent business man.  So far, so good.
     Then, man has baggage: ex-wife and 2 daughters, none of whom work, man is sole supporter-in-chief.   Hmmmm.   Man can't seem to cut loose the baggage; man not able to really move on with life, as he wants.  Woman decides life to short to wait for weak personality with baggage.   Woman moves on.
     Filming similar to documentary style popular in modern cinema.  When is a film a documentary, what are the boundaries of a docudrama?  The style does not enhance the story or improve the results.  The effect is not uplifting; the film leaves the viewer grasping for something that is just not there.  Neither character warrants sympathy or interest, maybe understanding, but there is no buy-in for the viewer.
Rating: **

Spring Into----Spring 2014

     So, here we are: winter is gone for '13-'14.  Now, snow melt, rushing rivers, the 'tween season, such as it is.   Many locals on the West Shore take off, head down the western slope, and have a Spring Break before summer kicks in in about 2 1/2 months.   Seems hard to believe, but with little snow on the ground, no draw for college aged "breakers", there isn't much incentive to stick around to work on the house/apt./condo/business/car/truck.
      One of our neighborhood ski areas, Bear Valley, made the papers this week: economics, as is not enough business to keep the lights on.   With wage stagnation for the middle class, broader interests of the upper class= marginal areas suffer.  Our own West Shore has experienced the effects of not only the recession, but also a change in tastes and lack of family vacation time due to school calendar changes.  Until educators and parents change their programs, summer seasons will get shorter.
     My friend, Larry, bought a house in Myers near the South lake airport.  3000+ sq. ft, 3 stories, 6 years new.  About $500 grand.   The materials cost more than that.  This transaction underscores the lingering effects of the real estate bust inside the basin.   Yes, it's on the Highway 50 side, but it's close to golf, the lake, and stateline.   It originally sold for $950 grand.   Hmmmm.   Anybody take a hit?   A few.
      Enjoy this first day of Spring.  Take a walk, take a run, take a friend to the lake shore, enjoy the incomparable views.  We do.

Central Coast Water Woes 2014

     The Mayor went south to look over the water situation, especially because of the announced drought affecting most of central and southern California.  The SF CHRONICLE  ran a front page story on Paso Robles and Templeton in San Luis Obispo county.   Vineyard owners and farmers are very concerned about groundwater levels as more wells are drilled and deeper than has been customary.   With more pumping, the aquifers are becoming depleted, and replenishment is not taking place.
      Gov. Jerry Brown is sending legislation through that begins to address the issue of groundwater by allocating funds for assessing the situation examining the concept of monitoring use and flows, possibly putting meters at the well head.   This idea does not sit well with any well owner, whether farmer or home owner.   Western water law is extensive, dating back to the earliest days of western settlement.   It seems that geologists, hydrologists, ecologists, and geographers would all possess ample knowledge of agricultural practice in a desert.   The media would have readers believe the drought has brought new problems when, in fact, they are the same old problems of the past.
       The weekend weather was very much like summer: temps in the '80's, clear skies, light winds, and no humidity.  It was a great time to be outdoors, walking, talking, playing at whatever.
     Traffic on Highway 101 was light; the drive down and back was a breeze.
   And, no rain in sight. And, no snow, either.

Bud Break: No, Really, 2014

     The Mayor walked through the vineyard today to do a little inspection.  Looking closely at the vines, it is clear that within the last few days, bud break has occurred, at least in Sonoma County.  While sufficient moisture is now on the ground(lots of green grass around the hills and vales) it is the heat that brings the buds up to the breaking point,
      In no time, the new canes will make their appearance and 2014 season will get under way.   Many growers will be watching the weather because of this early break.  A cold snap with a hard freeze could wipe out an entire crop for the season.  Those with frost control will be activating the alarm systems just in case.
     Some wineries are doing some barrel tasting of the 2013 product.  No reports have been made, but, we'll start hearing some reports soon.
     What kind of a year will 2014 be?   Time will tell.

The Kid: Part III

       So, after his final at bat in his final game( an amazing home run), Ted Williams walked into history, American history and baseball history.  For the  next 42 years, exactly half of his long life, he would live something less than the ideal path one would ordinarily choose for retirement.
         Immediately, he was signed to a contract with Sears Roebuck to be a spokesman for their sporting goods' line.   His personal line of fishing gear: rods, reels, and lures were now available from a mass marketer.   He made personal appearances promoting his products; and gave demos of his skills developed and honed to perfection during the off season while playing for the Sox.   It was during these early years of retirement he met his 2nd wife, Dolores, who would bear him 2 more children, John Henry and Claudia.   The former model was a strong personality who could confront the difficult Ted.   She learned to fish, to please him, but soon tired of his seasonal migrations: to Florida and New Brunswick.  She eventually decided to return home to New Hampshire where they had a nice home close to her family.  It was here that the 2 children would develop firm roots.
       In time Ted was persuaded to take a coaching job with the Washington Senators.  A hard luck team that was a perennial loser.   They eventually moved to Texas to become the Rangers in the 70's.  Ted tired of this role, and moved on.   For the next 20 + years, he delighted Boston fans whenever he was asked to appear, putting on the uniform again for an old timers' game, taking swings that gave a glimpse of his old playing day's form.
       In the early 90's, Ted had the first of several strokes that slowed him down and restricted his activities.   His son, John Henry, the tall, handsome young man, would now re-enter his Dad's life and form a new relationship: business partner.   John Henry, forever in the shadows, now became the man behind the Ted Williams brand.   John Henry helped to launch Ted into the memorabilia craze as the internet became an up and coming marketplace.  Beyond the signed baseballs were all manner of other artifacts to be signed and sold: photos, jerseys, bats, gloves, you name, he'd sign it.   Appearances at shows and card conventions, all for fixed price contracts, had Ted and John Henry shuttling all over the country. 
     As his health declined, John Henry convinced Ted that he should have legal power of attorney.  Ted signed the documents, turning John Henry into the legal power behind Ted Williams Enterprises.
The last few years of Ted's life were not pretty, as they say.   His vision was reduced to narrow, blurred views, his mobility was reduced to a few steps at a time, and his finances were messy, to put it mildly.
     At the end, in July, 2002, the 84 year old had full time care givers at home while John Henry, living nearby in Florida, continued managing Ted Williams Enterprises.  His daughter, Claudia, and his older daughter, Bobby Jo, were constant visitors to the house.  Sadly, the son, John Henry, became enamored of cryonics, and when Ted died, his body was taken to a center in Arizona for preservation.

        A sad note to the biography is the final story of John Henry and Bobby Jo.   Within a year of Ted's death, John Henry, making an absurd attempt to break into baseball, developed leukemia and died after only 6 months of treatment at age 33.   HIs sister, Bobby Jo, died of liver failure related to years of alcohol abuse.   Claudia, now in her 40's, married one of John Henry's legal advisors.

       This biography is a rich reward for readers who seek insights into the lives of icons and heroes.   Here Ben Bradlee has done prodigious work, uncovering the facts, dispelling myths, and building the legend of Ted Williams to new heights.   He does not omit the insidious behavior of his tribe: the scribes and scribblers of the Boston press whose printed words drove Ted Williams to become abusive of all media types and, as a result of many printed descriptions of his antics, the fans themselves.   Not content to relate his feats on the field, the press antagonized Ted for less than stellar performances.   Despite hitting .406 in 1941, he could not satisfy the hunger of the media.   He took to gesture to mark his dissatisfaction: spitting in the direction of the press box; giving crude hand gestures toward the fans.   Often, in the field, he'd misplay balls hit his way, accenting his displeasure with press coverage.
     Ben Bradlee mentions bipolar disorder only once.   Perhaps he studiously avoided any attempt to develop a psychological profile of Ted.   Clearly, Ted was difficult.  Clearly, his behavior was beyond the norm.  Clearly, the man had mental health issues.  Perhaps, Borderline Personality Disorder could be attached to his actions.  Certainly, the evidence of his personal relationships indicates many elements associated with BPD.   Would that taint the image?   Would Ben Bradlee open a Pandora's Box that would reflect badly on the press?  Yes, without a doubt.  When Ted came up to the majors, he was 19 years old.  How many 19 year olds can handle fame and fortune?   As any rock star will tell you: not many.   This omission is the one fault I have with this book.   The length is already considerable; and the author had to decide what to omit.  Perhaps the notes are waiting in a file for the next book.
      More later.

Book Review: "The Kid"-Part II

       Ben Bradlee, Jr., the author, neatly defines Ted Williams career and life as baseball and post-baseball.  At age 42, after 22 seasons and several injuries, "The Kid" decided to hang up his spikes, as they used to say.  Time to move on.   Most major leaguers pick their own exit time frame, some must leave after career ending injuries, an unpleasant situation at best.
      But Ted was able to finish the 1960 season with a famous final at bat.  In his final game in a Red Sox uniform, Ted still had that confidence that was his hallmark: he was never intimidated by any pitcher.  His first AB was a walk in the 1st inning.  In the 3rd inning, he drilled the ball to deep center that was caught by centerfielder Jackie Brandt.  In the 5th inning, he pasted a fast ball to the 380 foot mark which was caught chest high by right fielder, Al Pilarcik.
      In the 6th inning, with the Sox down 4-2, Williams was due up 2nd, behind Willie Tasby.  He immediately grounded out to shortstop. Then Ted came to bat.  The crowd stood and roared.  The umpire, Ed Hurley stopped the game.   After 2 minutes, with the roar continuing, he signaled the pitcher to throw again.
    The first pitch was a ball, low and away.   The 2nd pitch was high, and Ted took a mighty cut and missed-a rarity.   It was a fast ball and pitcher Jack Fisher said later, " I threw it by him and figured I could do it again.   The next pitch, a fast ball, came in belt high on the outside corner- fat.   Ted didn't miss this one.
     It sailed in a high trajectory out to deep right-center.   Jackie Brandt wouldn't catch this one. It sailed into the Red Sox bull pen, hitting an aluminum awning, making a loud racket.
     The crowd went wild.
more later

Minister on the Move: BA

      The Minister of Latin American Affairs called the office today from Hartsfield International in Atlanta.   He was changing planes enroute to Argentina for a conference starting this week.   With turmoil erupting in Venezuela, and the economy on the verge of implosion in Argentina, it is only fitting that he is on his way south.
      While hard to keep tabs on our globetrotting minister, it's comfort that he's on the leading edge of global topics/geopolitics.  While the Ukraine has been capturing all the headlines this week, Venezuela is not far behind.   With Afghanistan and Iraq seething with unrest and actual conflict, Latin America has not been front page news.   It could easily become so with just a little push from the multitudes who desire a change in the government of Mr. Moduro, Chavez replacement puppet.
      After Buenos Aires, it will be off to Paraguay and its capitol, Asuncion'.   He will need a rest when he returns to the DC area, but I'm confident it will be a good trip.  Lots of insight will come from it.
more later.

Daylight Saving Time 2014

     Already?  What happened to January?  Where did February go so fast- with its 28 days?  March 9th, Spring Forward.  That's an order.   Don't show up late, be smart: set the clocks today.  Just kidding.    I did notice the days are longer.  It's nice to arrive home at 6pm and still being able to see the roads.   The Vernal Equinox, the official beginning of springtime is just 3 weeks away.   Time to start planning for 1) spring, 2) summer, 3) fall.
     More than a few trips are on the upcoming calendar, and those are the few we know about.  There will be spontaneous, short trips, those that are minimally planned but very much enjoyed.  Perhaps a trip to Montana or Idaho.   Maybe New Orleans.   Denver?   Lots of possibilities.
    Definitely not: Russia, Crimea, Venezuela, Syria/Israel/Lebanon/Iran, etc.   We wait and see what develops.   Gettysburg? Yes, next month.

Mardi Gras: 2014

     Fat Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras is here today.   This day is the last day before the beginning of Lent, the traditional time period for fasting and social restraint.   Not much evidence in California of recognition of the period, excepting those transplants who use the date as a excuse to throw a Mardi Gras like party(masks, costumes, booze,etc).
     My friend from Fairfax, a New Orleans transplant, returned to NOLA for the week.  Here restaurant, The Butterfly, is closed for ADA improvement work.   She'll be attending a wedding, celebrating her birthday, and indulging in all things food related that can only be had in the French Quarter and its environs, read shrimp and oyster P'boys, bread pudding, jambolaya, hurricanes to go, parades, fried catfish, fried anything, Abita Beer, shrimp etouffe', and of course, fried alligator.
      Hurricane season is long past and Daylight saving time arrives Sunday.   It should be a nice trip to NOLA, although weather reports forecast cold temps.

Drought Not Over

      Rainfall totals across the north state in the last 20 days have been encouraging:   reservoirs are filling up, farmers are breathing a sigh of relief, and State Water resources folks are scaling back cuts announced only last month(March).
     Impressive rainfall numbers were logged in NorCal,, especially the foothills, where the storage facilities are.  In the north Sierra, La Porte above Lake Oroville received 30" of rain in Feb.   Likewise, Sierraville on the Yuba River.  Bucks Lake near Quincy had 24".  Spaulding Lake along I 80 had 23"+.   Blue Canyon had 26"+.
      Down south, in SoCal, Pyramid Lake is 99% full, Lake Castaic is 84%, and the California Aqueduct is full as are swimming pools all over.
     So, good news, and it is still raining in NorCal and more on the way.  Fish are happy.
     Central Valley almond growers have seen their trees, bud up, pop blossoms, and begin to leaf out already.  Very encouraging signs.
    Doom sayers have been quiet.   Praise the Lord.

Squaw Valley Olympic Love Fest: March 21

     We love our local Olympians.  Like any hero we earthlings put up on a pedestal, the Olympian medal winner(and participant) is a national icon.  At the local level, where the athlete trains everyday, eats and sleeps like the rest of us, he or she is our friend and neighbor.  Often, too, local doctors treat the many related injuries associated with their sport.  We are all witnesses to the price of a slip, a bump, or an incomplete maneuver -broken bones, career ending injuries, and the loss of a competition.
       At Tahoe, we have our share of sports heroes: those men and women who dedicate their young adulthood to the pursuit of excellence on the snow and ice.   Primarily here, it is the snow with the beautiful mountain runs that afford the opportunities to train, to excel, and to compete at the highest level.   Whether it's Alpine Meadows,  Squaw Valley,  Northstar,  Heavenly Valley, or Diamond Peak,  each offers a superb venue for skiers and boarders.
     With the 2014 Olympics now in the books, it's time for celebration and recognition.  In 3 weeks, on March 21, at Squaw Valley, an event will take place to showcase our local athletes.  12 participants will be feted including  medal winners Julia Mancuso, Jamie Anderson, David Wise, and Maddie Bowman.
     The event will include fireworks(always a nice touch), an athlete parade, live music and  autograph sessions for that personal touch.   Maybe even a photo op- so the admirers can post some shots all over their social media pages.
     It promises to be a memorable day for all who take the time to visit.   The only hook could be a snow day.
     We'll keep you posted.   Date again: March 21 at Squaw Valley.   Start time around noon, maybe.

Russia vs. USA: not the Olympics

      Is history repeating itself?  Seems so.  The situation in Ukraine appears to be getting worse as Russian troops have moved into Crimea, that eastern most province of Ukraine with some historic connection to Mother Russia.   The old KGB maestro, Vlad Putin, apparently feeling good about the Olympic success up the street in Sochi, decided to take some action, knowing he could without repercussions from any outside parties, ie. Europe and USA.
     Pres. Obama said Friday that moving troops into Ukraine would be unwise.  Well, now what?  Everybody knows the outside world will not do anything rash, while Russia exerts pressure on Ukrainians to accept Russian patrimony over Crimea, the site of the Russian Naval fleet headquarters.
     News media reps were prevented from gaining access to Crimea on Saturday as Russian troops rifled vehicles, stole supplies, including flak vests.  The world watches, as it does over Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, Central African Republic, and of course, Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela/Cuba.
    Not easy out there in the real world.   Even the Chinese are taking their lumps as madmen run amok in western China killing civilians in a train station.   We won't mention North Korea.
Have a nice day.

Oscar Night 2014

     Glitz and Glam, in large amounts.  So, the viewers were treated to large doses of beautiful people, basking in the limelight as Ellen Degeneres clomped about as emcee.   Her skit(ongoing) about buying pizza for the hungry(?) attendees, was a flop.  Come on, what were they thinking?
     Gravity was a big winner with 6 Oscars.  12 Years a Slave got Oscar for Best Picture.  Kate Blanchett oscar for best actress, Mathew Mc Conaughey best actor.
      The show was not overly long since they moved many technical awards to another night/location.  Songs were sung without much ado, Pink giving a nice rendition of  Over the Rainbow, a perennial fave.
     Will Ellen be back?   Maybe.   Will they have another Oscar show next year?  Of course.  Sells more tickets.

Movie Review: Monuments Men

         George Clooney directed this film based on a book written recently describing the activities of a little known US Army unit in WW II tasked with finding and collecting art treasures stolen by the Nazis during their occupation of Western Europe in 1941-1945.   The cast included Matt Damon, Hugh Bonneville, Kate Blanchett, Mr. Clooney, Bill Murray, and  the big fat guy-John Goodman.
     The characters were chosen for their expertise in the art field as curators, artists, academics, and historians.   They landed at Normandy a month or so after the initial assault.  The Nazis were being pushed back, but not before loading their trucks with priceless art.   Our special task group, of about 8 men, were hot on the trail.   The movie follows their search that often ends up in out of the way places: salt mines, copper mines, tin mines, where the Nazis hid the loot, destined for Hitler's grand museum that was to be built in Austria, near his home town.
      While a good story, the film stumbles along, trying with some success to build intrigue and good visuals amidst the chaos that was WW II in the final months.   Historians would be better served to read several excellent books on the subject.   The film was entertaining, but not too convincing a drama.
Rating *** of 5.