The story behind Curious George is as captivating as the tales of the mischievous monkey himself. It begins with Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George, and their daring escape from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1940.
As the German army approached Paris, the Reys, who were German Jews, realized they needed to flee. With limited options for transportation, Hans ingeniously constructed two bicycles using spare parts. These makeshift bikes would become their lifeline to freedom.
Carrying little more than the clothes on their backs and their precious manuscripts, including the first drafts of what would become the Curious George series, the Reys embarked on a perilous journey. They cycled from Paris to the Spanish border and eventually made their way to Portugal, narrowly escaping the advancing Nazi forces.
Among the items the Reys managed to save were the illustrated manuscripts featuring a mischievous monkey, then named Fifi. These stories would later evolve into the beloved Curious George books that have enchanted generations of children worldwide.
Decades later, the extraordinary tale of the Reys' escape and the birth of Curious George caught the attention of filmmaker Emma Rey Yamazaki. Through meticulous research, Yamazaki pieced together the Reys' incredible journey, resulting in the documentary "Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious George's Creators."
Yamazaki's film not only chronicles the Reys' harrowing escape but also explores their creative process and the enduring impact of Curious George on popular culture. It offers a poignant look at how the couple's resilience and imagination gave birth to one of the most beloved characters in children's literature.
The Curious George series has since become a global phenomenon, spawning numerous books, an animated television series, and feature films. The enduring popularity of the little monkey with an insatiable curiosity is a testament to the Reys' creativity and the universal appeal of their stories.
The tale of the Reys and Curious George serves as a powerful reminder of the triumph of imagination and perseverance in the face of adversity. It demonstrates how even in the darkest times, creativity and hope can flourish, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.