The long shadow of World War II lingers in the heritage of countless families around the world. In this four-part series, join leading Hollywood actors as they retrace their grandparents’ footsteps and learn how the conflict changed their lives – indelibly shaping the generations to come. Each episode of My Grandparents' War features remarkable accounts of bravery and sacrifice, uncovering the family secrets and hidden stories behind one of the most catastrophic wars of all time. The following episodes air Mondays at 10 p.m. throughout May on WSBE Rhode Island PBS:
Helena Bonham Carter – May 3 at 10 p.m.
Helena Bonham Carter explores heroism on both sides of her family, including her grandmother, an air warden and outspoken politician, and her grandfather, a diplomat who saved hundreds of lives during the Holocaust.
Mark Rylance – May 10 at 10 p.m.
Mark Rylance delves into the extraordinary story of his grandfather, who spent nearly four years in a Japanese prison camp, and examines his own beliefs about war and peace in the process.
Kristin Scott Thomas – May 17 at 10 p.m.
Kristin Scott Thomas pieces together a lost chapter in her family history, learning how her grandfather, a Royal Navy officer, saved thousands at Dunkirk and went on to participate in some of the war’s most devastating battles.
Carey Mulligan – May 24 at 10 p.m.
Carey Mulligan traces her grandfather’s steps back to Japan, where he was stationed as a junior Navy officer during the final months of the war.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air in high definition on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD in MA; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36.
