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Outlook: Saving lives in Pinochet’s Chile with Superman’s help

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Angélica & Christopher

12/01/2023 GMT

Saving lives in Pinochet’s Chile with Superman’s help

BBC World Service - Outlook, Saving lives in Pinochet’s Chile with Superman’s help

Christopher Reeve and Angélica Malinarich-Dorfman helped actors facing death threats

In 1987 Christopher Reeve agreed to go to Chile to support artists threatened with death. But he didn’t know Santiago or its perils — enter Angélica Malinarich-Dorfman.

In November 1987 a group of almost 80 Chilean actors, directors and playwrights living in the brutal military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet received a threat: leave the country by the end of the month or face death.  But the artists refused to abandon their home. They came up with a plan: resist the violent ultimatum through a show, attended by actors from all around the world. But what they needed was a Hollywood star. Actor Christopher Reeve agreed, but he couldn't go alone: he didn't speak Spanish and didn't know much about Chile or its dangers. That's when Chilean literary editor and social worker Angélica Malinarich-Dorfman's name came up. She had survived Pinochet’s coup in 1973, but had had to leave the country with her family, living for years in exile. Angélica, now in the US, offered to accompany Christopher on this trip. But as soon as they arrived, both she and Reeve were greeted by the dangers of the dictatorship. 

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producers: June Christie and Olivia Lynch-Kelly

(Photo: Angélica Malinarich-Dorfman and Christopher Reeve. Credit: Courtesy of Angélica Malinarich-Dorfman)

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