What is the true story behind the movie Desperate Journey?

Desperate Journey is based on the memoir of Holocaust survivor Freddie Knoller, detailing his experiences during WWII.

Who stars in the film Desperate Journey set in Paris?

The film stars Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen as the young protagonist and Clara Rugaard as the lead showgirl.

Where does the movie Desperate Journey take place?

The film is set primarily in 1940s Paris during the Nazi occupation, following the protagonist's escape from Vienna.

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Holocaust Survivor's Paris Burlesque Thriller

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

WWII drama details a teen's escape from Nazis in Paris.
He finds work at a burlesque club frequented by Nazis.
A romance with a showgirl complicates his dangerous life.

Holocaust Survivor's Paris Burlesque Thriller

Based on Holocaust survivor Freddie Knoller's true story, Desperate Journey unfolds the gripping tale of a young Jewish teenager's flight from Vienna to Paris during WWII. Arriving in the occupied city with nothing, he navigates a perilous existence by taking a job at a clandestine burlesque club.

The club serves as a hub for high-ranking Nazi officers, placing the teenager in constant danger. His already precarious situation is further complicated by a budding romance with the club's lead showgirl, drawing him deeper into a complex web of intrigue.

This powerful wartime drama, directed by Annabel Jankel, explores themes of survival, love, and resilience against the backdrop of historical turmoil. Actor Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen discusses portraying the immense challenges faced by Freddie.

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