1976: OTTO FRANK on the Diary of Anne Frank | Blue Peter | Children's Television | BBC Archive

Lesley Judd interviews Otto Frank - the father of Anne Frank - who has made a special visit to Britain to show Blue Peter viewers his daughter's original diaries. Valerie Singleton, meanwhile, reports from Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam on the story behind the diary.

Originally broadcast 10 May, 1976.

To mark the BBC's 100th birthday, our wonderful archivists have been asked to pick THEIR favourite BBC moments.

"It was a sensitive, memorable interview, in the last year before Otto Frank's death, a perfect example of the BBC's commitment to outstanding television for children - respecting its audience and not talking down to them, delivering the 'inform and educate' principles as strongly and purposely as they did for adult audiences." - Deborah.

You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of TV to educate, entertain and enlighten you with classic clips from the BBC vaults.

[Kirsten_is_cursed]

I did a book report on Anne Frank back in 6th grade in 2005, and my teacher tried to tell me it was “not appropriate” for my age group. I feel that, if Anne was old enough to go through this, then we are old enough to read it.

[JoeStudd]

This man lost his wife and 2 children. To go on after that takes almighty amount of courage. I have nothing but respect for him.

[tarasdiary]

Otto is the definition of a true father, he did everything he could to protect his family and do whatever it takes. It's so horrible that he ended up being the only survivor after all the effort he went through to keep them alive through hiding. It's no wonder Anne wrote so fondly of him, he seriously was the best father. Even after all this he did everything in his power to bring out Anne's diary to the world to let her legacy live on. This man will forever be a legend, and I hope now he's reunited with his family after he passed. God bless you, Otto.

[onionbubs]

I can see why Anne loved her father so much. His kind and gentle spirit is palpable, even after experiencing the most horrible nightmare imaginable. May his and his family's memories be a blessing.

[lonniebishop]

Kudos to BBC Archive for preserving this powerful interview.

[livenhfree]

At 64, I have finally read the Diaries. They have had a profound impact on me. My heart goes out to this poor man, and of course to Anne. She was an exceptional young lady. Full of life, hope, positivity, and so mature for her age. And she did ultimately get her wish to be an influential writer. If only she knew. May she rest in peace. May the all rest in peace.

[sayan]

Today is 30 Oct, 2022. Just yesterday, Anne's best friend Hannah died. 😥😥May be they are now together in heaven. Rest in peace Hannah Goslar. Prayers from India🇮🇳

[slipnpitch]

As a father to 2 girls the eldest being 8 who keeps a diary this has reduced me to tears. I cant imagine the suffering during that time and for her father afterwards.

[mattgage]

Reading this book is like going through a time portal she really documented life in that era so well.

[dannydougin]

An amazing man, Otto Frank, with an amazing daughter Anne. I am not ashamed to say as a young boy when I read the diary, that it touched me. I think of her often.

[emikiwi]

As a teenage girl reading her diary 50 years after it was written, it moved me very much but also seemed in the far distant past. Strange how as you get older, the past somehow seems closer. Seeing her father "in living colour" like this on TV just six years before I was born, it hits home just how recently these horrors occurred.

"The past is never dead. It's not even past." - William Faulkner

[postoffice]

The father of Anne Frank in the BBC studios only 46 years ago. This is an important historical document.

[davedogge]

the stress of living indoors with fear of capture outside must have been horrendous. You rarely see strong, proud and decent people like Otto on TV these days, to have lost 2 daughters and a wife in concentration camps would have wrecked all the people I know for good.

[junaidtipu]

What an absolutely noble, strong, patient and just such a powerful man. As a father, I struggle to read the diaries, though I have bought my daughter the book. How Mr Frank showed strength through such rerrible grief is just beyond me. God bless him and his family and may they all RIP

[cactusbuds]

The grief he must have felt for Anne, Margo and his wife must have been tremendous. His strength is very admirable

[vanessamorenorosales]

The fact that the horrible events in Ann's life ONLY had happened 30 years before this interview is unreal. These horrific events really aren't that far away. I am seeing an interview in COLOR of Mr. Frank a man that lived thru such horrors.

[gregorcollins]

What was so stunningly beautiful is how she never wrote a word thinking it was ever going to be read or studied by anyone, yet was compelled to write so lovingly and selflessly

[keelyjwant]

When children's television was at its best. Lesley Judd was so honoured to have met Otto Frank. So sad that these kinds of programs are no longer made.

[kathrynkildow]

How blessed Margot and Anne were to have such a kind, wonderful father! I imagine their mother was the same. I read Anne's diary in junior high. I want to read it again. My mother and I visited their hiding place. I used to think, "What a shame she didn't get the chance to be a great writer." One day it dawned on me, she IS a great writer! After she passed on, she became world-famous and highly influential, contributing greatly to mankind. ❤

[slrs]

Wow this is the first time I’ve seen her father being interviewed and didn’t even know video interviews of him existed. Truly amazing and he seems like such a sweet man. I’m glad Anne’s diary helped changed lives and gave him daily inspiration as well.