This British war drama was the second collaboration of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, who will become one of the most successful teams in film history.
Six British bomber crewmen bail out over Holland, and to escape detection from the Nazis, the crewmen accept the hospitality of their hosts, dedicated to the freedom-fighting of the Underground.
There are some similarities between this film and the Invaders, though the escapees are British rather than German and their Dutch contacts are willing co-conspirators.
The cast is composed of six estimable stars: Godfrey Tearle, Eric Portman, Hugh Williams, Bernard Miles, Hugh Burden, and Emrys Jones.
The secondary cast includes Googie Withers, Joyce Redman, and Peter Ustinov.
Production values are impressive, especially Ronald Neame’s cinematography and editing by David Lean, who would become a major director in his own right.
Oscar Nominations: 2
Original Screenplay: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Special Effects: Ronald Neame, visual; C.C. Stevens sound
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The Original Screenplay Oscar went to Michael Kanin and Ring Lardner Jr. for Woman of the year, starring Katharine Hepburn. The Special Effects Award was won by Reap the Wild Wind, an epic adventure co-starring Ray Milland and John Wayne.
Running time: 103 Minutes.
Directed by Michael Powell
Released: June 27, 1942