During the Second World War, the Hollywood studios produced a number of morale-boosting movies and this is one of the most moving of the "resistance" sub genre. I also really like "This Land is Mine" of the same year, but that was more of a prestige production, directed by Jean Renoir in exile and with a heavy-hitting cast, led by the superlative Charles Laughton as a coward forced to take a stand. The film here has rather less exalted credentials, although based on a John Steinbeck novel from the previous year, but it states its case with great aplomb.
A Norwegian village has been taken over by the Nazis because of its strategic coal mine, with the inhabitants unable to put up any meaningful initial resistance. However this starts a silent war between the resentful townspeople and their invaders. The two sides are embodied by the ever-so civilized commander, played by Sir Cedric Hardwicke, and the simple yet clever mayor, played by Henry Travers (everyone's favourite angel Clarence from "It's a Wonderful Life"). They maintain a surface politeness, but each knows that the other side will never completely give in. As acts of sabotage increase and as the Germans retaliate with more and more executions, even the lives of Travers and the town doctor, Lee J. Cobb, are insufficient motivation for their friends to stop their resistance -- and both are prepared to die for what they know will be an ultimate victory. Part of the film's strength is that most of the actors are little-known, but the belief in their humanity and goodness is visible in each anonymous face. When they raise their voices as one in a patriotic song, you can tell (through your tears, if you are like me) that they will prevail.
2 comments:
Hey there girl...How is it going...I was sooooo sick for awhile. I am feeling much better now...still sick...but thank God much better. Wishing you a great week! Hugs,TerryAnn
While it would be hard to match Laughton I thought that Henry Travers did very
well though I only saw the tail end of this film and, like you, found the simplicity
of the ending very moving.
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