Martin Freeman (“Sherlock”) and Anthony LaPaglia (“Without a Trace”) will star in a new BBC film about the televised 1961 trial of Adolf Eichmann, TheWrap has confirmed. Eichmann was one of the key architects of the Holocaust.
The drama, entitled “The Eichmann Show,” is the centerpiece of BBC’s dedication marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Also read: ‘Sherlock’ Returning to BBC For Three New Episodes and a Special
“The liberation of the camps is a very significant anniversary which the BBC will mark with a range of thought-provoking programs,” Danny Cohen, BBC director of television, said.
According to the BBC, Eichmann’s trial was the “first ever global TV event.” In their BBC Two original dramatization, Freeman portrays producer Milton Fruchtman, while LaPaglia plays director Leo Hurwitz.
See photos: The CW Diversity Scorecard: From ‘Arrow’ to ‘Vampire Diaries’
Dubbed “the trial of the century,” the 1961 trial in Israel was broadcast in 37 countries over a span of four months and marked the first time the true horrors of the death camps was heard from those who survived them. Eichmann was sentenced to death and hanged in May 1962.
There is no word yet on whether BBC America will also air “The Eichmann Show.” The network has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment. The full list of the BBC’s Holocaust Memorial Day programming can be found on their website.