Willem Drees
Biography
Willem Drees (Amsterdam, July 5, 1886 – The Hague, May 14, 1988) was a Dutch politician of Sociaal-Democratische Arbeiderspartij (SDAP) and the later Partij van de Arbeid (PvdA). He served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1948 to 1958 and is regarded by many as one of the most important post-war Dutch politicians. Under his leadership, both the decolonization of the Dutch East Indies and the reconstruction of the Netherlands took place. Drees was a committed social democrat, yet very pragmatic ('not everything is possible, and certainly not everything at once').
Known For & Full Filmography11 Titles
Movie - 1984, 2h 15m • as Self (archive footage)
Portrait of Marga Klompé, former Minister of Culture, Recreation and Social Welfare. Her personal story is interspersed with archival footage of her political career. Klompé talks about her life, being a woman, her Catholic faith, the KVP, her career as Minister of Culture, Recreation and Social Welfare, her (slight) regret about being single, her views on South Africa, nuclear armament, and the misogynistic developments in the Roman Catholic Church.
Drama Series - 2023, 16 episodes • as Self (archive footage)
Experts and people who knew him attempt to get to the heart of his character. Their stories are visually supported by unique and never-before-seen footage from Bernhard's private collection.
Movie - 1966, 2h 15m • as Self
Signatures are affixed during the transfer of sovereignty from the Netherlands to the Republic of Indonesia.
Drama Series - 2025, 16 episodes • as Self (archive footage)
Insiders, close friends, and experts talk about the impressive life of Princess Beatrix: the powerful woman, friend, and mother behind the office.
Movie - 1994, 2h 15m • as Self (archive footage)
The history of the Polygoon cinema newsreel is the recent history of The Netherlands and beyond, narrated by the distinctive voice of Philip Bloemendal. Using numerous clips, various individuals involved recount their contributions to the newsreels.
Movie - 1973, 2h 15m • as Self
Portrait of Dr. W. Drees Sr.
Movie - 1994, 2h 15m • as Self (archive footage)
Documentary by Remy Vlek about one hundred years of social democracy in the Netherlands, which began with the founding of the SDAP on August 26, 1894, followed by a studio discussion moderated by Paul Witteman on the future of social democracy.
Movie - 1978, 2h 15m • as Self
Program by Jan A. Niemeijer, who spoke with various people who got to know Queen Juliana.
Movie - 1973, 2h 15m • as Self (archive footage)
Portrait of former Prime Minister Dr. Willem Schermerhorn.
Movie - 1961, 2h 15m • as Self
Laurens ten Cate interviews Dr. Willem Drees at his home in The Hague on the occasion of his 75th birthday. During the conversation, topics covered include: congratulations from the entire country; Drees's political activities; differences in the political climate of the past and present; reduction of working hours (the free Saturday); what it is like to no longer have a direct influence on political developments; New Guinea and the Indonesia issue; writing memoirs; current activities; opportunities for young people in society; looking back on a happy life.
Movie - 1973, 2h 15m • as Self
Film about the life of former Prime Minister Willem Drees, commissioned by the central government. In an interview, Drees talks about his life, with the period when he was Prime Minister naturally being the main focus. The interview is supported by visual material that provides a picture of the era and makes Drees's monologue somewhat more vivid.