Leviathan Films


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Michel Thomas was a remarkable teacher who developed a method of teaching languages to anyone, regardless of ability, in an extremely short time. His technique developed out his equally remarkable life story: as a French Resistance fighter he was captured and tortured by Klaus Barbie. As a US counter intelligence agent, he entered Dachau concentration camp the day it was liberated. Thomas' interrogation of crematorium workers led to the caputre of Emil Mahl, "The hangman of Dachau", who was convicted of war crimes.

His belief that democracy was impossible without an educated population led to research into new methods of teaching. Beginning at the Sorbonne, and followed by practical experience teaching some of the biggest names in Hollywood such as Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan and Princess Grace, he developed a revolutionary method of teaching languages. For much of his life he was very secretive about his methodology and this programme was the first time he revealed his techniques. Many of his students, who adored him, were happy to contribute to the programme. These included the film maker Woody Allen.

Thomas’ secrecy certainly made for an interesting film. Fortunately his experience during the making of the documentary, and its success (it led to a best selling biography, and extensive TV, radio and newspaper coverage), made him more comfortable about letting go of his ideas. His face is now on the cover of some of the world’s best selling language courses.

Thomas died in 2005.