Sundlun's WWII career to become film

Former Gov. Bruce Sundlun's life story has many remarkable elements, but some people may not have known that long before he took over at the State House, he worked with the French Resistance during World War II assisting in acts of sabotage against the German Army. That story is now going to be told in a documentary entitled "Above and Beyond."

The non-profit WWII Foundation is producing the documentary, featuring a never-before-seen interview done with Sundlun in 2006.

After a career as a practicing attorney, and a period serving president and CEO of department store-communications conglomerate The Outlet Company, Sundlun was elected to the governor's office in 1991, presiding while the state weathered the scandal surrounding the collapse of Rhode Island Share and Deposit Indemnity Corporation (RISDIC) and the closure of 45 banks and credit unions. He served two terms, until he was succeeded in 1995 by Lincoln Almond. Later, Sundlun taught political science and history at URI. He died in July 2011, at the age of 91.

A kickoff event marking the start of the project is being held Saturday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Providence Westin, with Sundlun's daughter, Kara.

The film is expected to be completed by spring 2013.