Watson: A Dramatic Play Based on the True Story of Nazi Use of IBM Technology in the Holocaust

by James Grippando

Based on the life of IBM founder Thomas J. Watson Sr., Watson is a dramatic play in which the true story of Nazi exploitation of IBM technology unfolds, shedding light on the world’s first personal information catastrophe: the systematic identification of Jews for extermination. In 1937, Watson became the first American to receive the Merit Cross, one of the highest honors Adolph Hitler ever bestowed on a non-German. Not until June 1940-and only after intense pressure from friends and Jewish leaders-did Watson return the medal.

But why? Business reasons? Social pressures? Or was it genuinely an act of courage and conscience?

Genres: Nonfiction

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2022

About the author

The first thing you should know about bestselling author James Grippando is that he is no longer clueless—or so they say, after “A James Grippando Novel” was a clue for #38 Across in the New York Times crossword puzzle. James is the winner of the Harper Lee Prize for legal fiction and a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 novels to his credit, including the popular series featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck. His latest, "Goodbye Girl" (HarperCollins 2024), is the 18th in the Swyteck series. His novels are enjoyed worldwide in 28 languages. As an adjunct professor he teaches "The Law & Lawyers in Modern Literature" at the University of Miami School of Law. He is also counsel at one of the nation’s leading law firms, where he specializes in entertainment and intellectual property law, representing clients who have won more than 40 Tony Awards. He writes in south Florida with Atlas at his side, a faithful golden retriever who has no idea he’s a dog.
Series:
* Jack Swyteck

Reviews

[Patricia Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful, thought provoking play is a must to see. In reading, the script and characters came alive in their distinct 'voices'. The effects of the sorting and classification of anyone of Jewish heritage nor the role of Watson and IBM are not widely known. Yet, this massive supply of information led to heinous torture, millions of deaths. I look forward to reading Grippando's book "Code 6" . ( and thank you James Grippando for sharing the play, for including the information about the Watson's later in their lives, for the 'takeout" on Code 6. ) Thank you James Grippando and Goodreads for an excellent and exciting play.

[Peggy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1937 Watson was the first American to receive the Meril Cross, one of the highest honors. Adolph Hitler even bestowed on a non-German. In 1940 he returned it. Why?