The Nightmare Years (TV Mini-Series 1989)

Sam Waterston gives one of his greatest performances as William Shirer in this magnificent mini series. The rise of the third reich is seen through the eyes of foreign journos based in pre war Germany, the pressures that they work under and the threats they face if they fail to toe the line form the basis for a work that is essential viewing for everyone. Waterston is brilliant and is ably assisted by Marthe Keller, Kurtwood Smith, Ronald Pickup and a host of guest cameos. John Steiner should be singled out for his stunning turn in episode one, as a Lutheran priest hunted by the nazis.