🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: James F. Collier
- Genre: Drama, Biography, History, War
- Release year: 1975
- Runtime (length): 2h 30min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (2.5K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: Not available
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A Dutch family tries to win the worst game of hide-and-seek ever with the Nazis, only to end up on an involuntary, very unfun ‘faith-building’ vacation.
🍿 The Hiding Place: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Life in Haarlem Before the War
The film opens in pre-World War II Haarlem, Netherlands, introducing the Ten Boom family, devout Christians who run a multi-generational watch repair shop. Corrie and Betsie, two middle-aged sisters, live with their beloved father, Casper ten Boom, affectionately known as ‘Papa.’ Their quiet, community-focused lives revolve around their faith, their business, and their extended family, including Corrie’s nephew, Peter, a talented musician.

The Nazi Occupation and the Underground
As the Nazis invade the Netherlands, life for the Dutch, especially Jewish citizens, becomes increasingly perilous. The Ten Booms, driven by their deep Christian convictions and compassion, begin to shelter Jewish refugees in their home, creating a secret ‘hiding place’ in Corrie’s bedroom. They become active participants in the Dutch underground resistance, helping to facilitate the escape and protection of many lives.

Discovery and Imprisonment
The family’s humanitarian efforts do not go unnoticed indefinitely. Through betrayal, the Ten Booms are eventually arrested by the Gestapo. Papa, Corrie, and Betsie, along with other family members and those they were hiding, are taken to prison. Despite the grim circumstances, their faith remains a cornerstone, though they face the immediate harsh realities of Nazi imprisonment.

Ravensbrück Concentration Camp
Corrie and Betsie are subsequently transferred to Ravensbrück, a notorious women’s concentration camp in Germany. Here, they endure unimaginable hardship, including starvation, brutal labor, overcrowding, and rampant disease. Betsie’s unwavering faith and spirit of forgiveness become a source of strength and hope for Corrie and their fellow prisoners, even in the most dehumanizing conditions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Corrie ten Boom (Jeannette Clift): The resourceful protagonist who, along with her family, risks her life to hide Jews from the Nazis and endures the horrors of a concentration camp, emerging with a message of forgiveness.
- Betsie ten Boom (Julie Harris): Corrie’s older sister whose unwavering faith and compassionate spirit serve as an inspiration and source of comfort to Corrie and other prisoners in the concentration camp.
- Casper ten Boom, ‘Papa’ (Arthur O’Connell): The kind and devout patriarch of the Ten Boom family who instills deep Christian values in his children, leading them to bravely hide Jews during WWII.
- Willem ten Boom (Robert Rietty): Corrie and Betsie’s brother, a pastor deeply involved in the Dutch underground resistance, helping to find safe places for Jewish refugees.
- Katje (Eileen Heckart): A hardened but ultimately humane ‘trustie’ prisoner at Ravensbrück concentration camp who develops a relationship with Corrie and Betsie, providing practical assistance.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Casper ten Boom: “There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.” – Casper shares this profound statement of faith and hope with Corrie, emphasizing God’s omnipresence even in the darkest circumstances.
- Corrie ten Boom: “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust that the engineer will get you through.” – Corrie uses this powerful metaphor to explain the importance of unwavering faith and trust in God’s plan, even when facing extreme adversity and uncertainty.
- Corrie ten Boom: “You can never learn that Christ is all you need until Christ is all you have.” – Corrie reflects on her experiences in the concentration camp, recognizing that true reliance on faith only comes when all other earthly comforts and supports are stripped away.
- Corrie ten Boom: “Lord, I want to be able to love my enemies. I want to be able to forgive them.” – In a moment of profound spiritual struggle and prayer, Corrie expresses her desperate plea for divine strength to practice forgiveness towards her former captors and tormentors.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $1,800,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 The Hiding Place Reviews
Personal Review
I first saw ‘The Hiding Place’ years ago, and it really stuck with me. This isn’t just a historical drama; it’s a deeply personal journey into courage and what it means to truly believe in something bigger than yourself when everything is falling apart. I remember being so moved by Corrie and Betsie’s unwavering spirit in the face of unspeakable cruelty. It’s a powerful reminder of how ordinary people can show extraordinary bravery and compassion. It’s hard to watch at times because of the subject matter, but the message of hope and forgiveness is incredibly uplifting. I truly believe everyone should see this film at least once.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical dramas, particularly those set during WWII and the Holocaust.”
- “Viewers interested in true stories of courage, resilience, and humanitarian efforts.”
- “Audiences seeking faith-based films with strong Christian themes of love and forgiveness.”
- “Individuals interested in the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Depicts the harsh realities of World War II and concentration camp life, including implied violence, starvation, and suffering.”
- “Themes of imprisonment, persecution, and death.”
- “Emotional content that may be upsetting for sensitive viewers.”
- “While not overtly gory, the film addresses the serious subject matter of the Holocaust.”
Professional Reviews
- FilmSpeak Magazine: “‘The Hiding Place’ is a profoundly moving testament to the human spirit’s resilience. It’s not an easy watch, but the raw honesty and unwavering faith of the Ten Boom family shine through, offering a powerful message of hope even in the darkest of times. The performances are deeply affecting, grounding this true story in a reality that resonates long after the credits roll.
Audience Reactions
The incredible portrayal of unwavering faith and human kindness amidst unimaginable horror.: Most viewers were deeply moved by the Ten Boom family’s courage and selflessness, finding the film to be an inspiring and powerful historical account that highlights the enduring strength of faith and love during the Holocaust.
Overall Consensus: A deeply moving and inspiring historical drama that offers a powerful message of faith and resilience amidst the horrors of WWII, highly praised for its emotional impact and true story.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the incredibly popular 1971 autobiography of Corrie ten Boom, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.”
- “Jeannette Clift George, who portrayed Corrie ten Boom, was not only an actress but also the founder of the A.D. Players, a Christian theater company in Houston, Texas.”
- “The real Corrie ten Boom, then in her early 80s, visited the set during filming and met with the cast and crew, offering her insights and blessings for the production.”
- “Produced by Billy Graham’s World Wide Pictures, ‘The Hiding Place’ was one of their most ambitious and successful film projects, aimed at spreading a message of faith and forgiveness.”
- “Much of the filming was done on location in the Netherlands and other European countries, including parts of the actual concentration camp settings, adding to the film’s authenticity.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Hiding Place?
As a classic film from 1975, ‘The Hiding Place’ may not be readily available on all major subscription streaming services. However, it is typically available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. For DVD or Blu-ray copies, check online retailers like Amazon or your local library. Searching ‘The Hiding Place movie stream’ on your preferred platform is the best way to find current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Hiding Place, you might like these similar films:
- Schindler’s List (1993): Both films depict the harrowing realities of the Holocaust, showcasing acts of incredible bravery and humanity amidst unimaginable evil, focusing on the survival and resilience of the human spirit.
- Unbroken (2014): Based on a true story, this film similarly portrays a protagonist enduring extreme suffering and imprisonment, demonstrating incredible resilience, the power of faith, and the will to survive against all odds.
- A Hidden Life (2019): This film, also a true WWII story, explores themes of steadfast moral conviction, faith, and resistance to Nazi ideology, with a protagonist choosing conscience over conformity despite severe consequences.
- Chariots of Fire (1981): While different in setting, this historical drama shares a strong emphasis on the role of faith and moral conviction guiding characters through significant personal and societal challenges, illustrating the power of principle.
- Ben-Hur (1959): An epic historical drama that, like ‘The Hiding Place,’ heavily features themes of faith, forgiveness, endurance through suffering, and spiritual redemption, albeit in a different historical context.
🛒 The Hiding Place Related Products
- The Hiding Place (Book) by Corrie ten Boom: The original autobiography that inspired the movie, detailing Corrie ten Boom’s true story of hiding Jews in her home during WWII and her subsequent experiences in a concentration camp.
- The Hiding Place: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (DVD/Blu-ray): A special edition of the beloved film, often includes restored visuals, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and historical context documentaries.
- In My Father’s House: A Corrie ten Boom’s Journey Continues (Documentary): A follow-up documentary exploring Corrie ten Boom’s life and ministry after the war, focusing on her message of forgiveness and reconciliation.
- Holocaust Remembrance Lapel Pin: A subtle, meaningful lapel pin featuring a symbol of remembrance and hope, often a yellow star or a simple design inspired by the resilience of those who endured.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Hiding Place features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The Hiding Place (Main Theme)” – performed by Ted Husted
- “Corrie’s Courage” – performed by Ted Husted
- “Betsie’s Hope” – performed by Ted Husted
- “A Beacon in the Darkness” – performed by Ted Husted
- “Enduring Faith” – performed by Ted Husted
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘The Hiding Place’ is based on the autobiography of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian woman who, along with her family, helped hide Jewish people from the Nazis during World War II. The film accurately portrays their arrest and subsequent imprisonment in concentration camps, particularly Corrie and her sister Betsie’s experiences in Ravensbrück.
‘The Hiding Place’ was filmed in several locations. The scenes depicting the concentration camp were shot at Hobbs Barracks, Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey, England, UK. Some scenes were also filmed in Holland.
Corrie ten Boom was portrayed by Jeannette Clift in ‘The Hiding Place’ (1975). This was Clift’s only film role, and she received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
The core message of ‘The Hiding Place’ revolves around Christian faith, courage, and the transformative power of forgiveness, even in the face of immense suffering and evil. It highlights the Ten Boom family’s selfless love and sacrifice for others, emphasizing enduring hope and the importance of reconciliation.
🔥 Bonus Content
Corrie Ten Boom Refused to Say Amen
Ever wonder what profound lessons can be learned from a single, steadfast belief? This powerful minute-long clip about Corrie Ten Boom’s unwavering faith really makes you think about conviction and principle, and it’s quite moving!
How Christians Saved Jews During The Holocaust | The Story Of Corrie Ten Boom
Curious about the incredible true story behind ‘The Hiding Place’? This video dives into how Corrie Ten Boom and her family risked everything to save Jews during the Holocaust, giving you invaluable historical context to the film that I found truly enlightening!
Meet Corrie Ten Boom. She risked her life to save 800 Jews. ✡️ #shorts
Want a super quick, inspiring introduction to the real-life hero of ‘The Hiding Place’? This short clip perfectly encapsulates Corrie Ten Boom’s immense courage and why her story is so impactful – I highly recommend it for a quick boost of inspiration!
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