Watch Enemy of the Reich: The Noor Inayat Khan Story

Enemy of the Reich: The Noor Inayat Khan Story is a documentary film that premiered on PBS in 2014. It tells the story of Noor Inayat Khan, a courageous young woman who served as a British spy during World War II. The film is narrated by the legendary actress Helen Mirren.

The story of Noor Inayat Khan is truly remarkable. Born in Moscow in 1914, she was the daughter of an Indian father and an American mother. Her father was a Sufi preacher and musician, and her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of spirituality, as well as a love of the arts.

In 1940, Noor and her family fled to England to escape the advancing German army. She volunteered to join the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), but was later recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a secret British intelligence agency. Noor was trained as a wireless operator and sent to France as a spy.

Noor's mission in France was to send messages back to England about German troop movements and other military intelligence. She worked undercover, posing as a children's nurse, and moved from safe house to safe house to avoid detection. But her bravery and determination were put to the ultimate test when she was betrayed by a fellow spy.

Noor was captured by the Germans and imprisoned in a number of different concentration camps. Despite being subjected to terrible conditions and interrogations, she never revealed any of her secrets. Tragically, she was eventually executed by the Nazis in 1944, just a few months before the end of the war.

Enemy of the Reich: The Noor Inayat Khan Story tells this incredible tale through interviews with her biographers and historians, as well as with people who knew Noor personally. The narrated documentary also includes archival footage and photographs, which help to bring the story to life.

One of the key themes of the film is Noor's identity as a Muslim woman. At a time when there were few Muslim women in the public eye, Noor was a trailblazer. She broke through barriers and proved that Muslim women were just as capable and courageous as anyone else. Her story has become an inspiration to young people around the world, particularly those who are struggling with their own identity.

Another important aspect of the film is the way it sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the war effort. Noor was just one of many women who played vital roles in intelligence gathering and other areas during World War II. The film pays tribute to these women and reminds us of their important contributions.

Overall, Enemy of the Reich: The Noor Inayat Khan Story is a powerful and moving testament to the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman. It gives us a glimpse into the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought against tyranny and oppression during World War II, and inspires us to strive for a better future. Helen Mirren's narration adds an extra layer of gravitas to the already compelling narrative, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in history or the human experience.