I really didn't know what to expect from this film, and what I got was an excellent movie with one huge flaw. To really understand this film you have to put yourself in the place of a German citizen -- in Germany -- after World War I. Can you do that? I don't know the culture. I don't know the history. And that is a terrible handicap going into this film. And, for most of the film, it doesn't matter, because although it is supposedly taking place in German, it doesn't seem much different than some American setting might be. But then something comes along and you just feel out of place in the film. I actually think that a better way to have proceeded with this film, would have been to turn into into a story about returning WWI veterans, and it would have worked better for American audiences. And it may be this "feeling out of place-ness" that resulted in the film not being successful at the box office.
Having said that, this is a great little story, and the acting is absolutely top-notch. And what I wish to focus on is the acting. I'm not a particular fan of Robert Taylor, kind of a take-him or leave-him attitude, and every once in a while I will see some film of his and think how really good he was. Ironically, he didn't want to do this film, and I think he's superb in it as the male lead. Similarly, there are few Margaret Sullavan films in which I really appreciate her (another is "The Mortal Storm")...but this is another. A wonderful performance. Franchot Tone was, in my view, an underrated actor, who once in a while really shined through. This is one such film for him, also. In later life, Robert Young was very dissatisfied with his film career (hence, "Father Knows Best"); he should have been satisfied with this role, and his portrayal of it is excellent. Guy Kibbee is in an unusual role as a tavern owner. I was never impressed with Lionel Atwill...and I'm still not. And Henry Hull...did he ever do anything in a film other than blow hot air????? It was interesting to see Monty Woolley as a medical specialist...not particularly good or bad...just interesting.
So, I invited you to see this film and see if you feel comfortable as a member of the audience inside a culture and history of which you have no understanding. Aside from that, it's an excellent film.
Having said that, this is a great little story, and the acting is absolutely top-notch. And what I wish to focus on is the acting. I'm not a particular fan of Robert Taylor, kind of a take-him or leave-him attitude, and every once in a while I will see some film of his and think how really good he was. Ironically, he didn't want to do this film, and I think he's superb in it as the male lead. Similarly, there are few Margaret Sullavan films in which I really appreciate her (another is "The Mortal Storm")...but this is another. A wonderful performance. Franchot Tone was, in my view, an underrated actor, who once in a while really shined through. This is one such film for him, also. In later life, Robert Young was very dissatisfied with his film career (hence, "Father Knows Best"); he should have been satisfied with this role, and his portrayal of it is excellent. Guy Kibbee is in an unusual role as a tavern owner. I was never impressed with Lionel Atwill...and I'm still not. And Henry Hull...did he ever do anything in a film other than blow hot air????? It was interesting to see Monty Woolley as a medical specialist...not particularly good or bad...just interesting.
So, I invited you to see this film and see if you feel comfortable as a member of the audience inside a culture and history of which you have no understanding. Aside from that, it's an excellent film.