The war department went to Hollywood early in WWII for help. They raised war bonds, they raised money and they raised spirits with blatantly propagandist movies. Some of the propaganda, like say Mrs. Miniver, would have been hits anyway and some never should have seen the light of day, but others are in a never land - not really fantastic movies, but worth seeing for what they say about the war, and what we knew about the war AT THAT TIME. This particular film is an excellent example of what can be learned from this genre, both of world history and of cinema history.
Synopsis:
Seven men escape from a concentration camp (hello, reality check number one - but I digress). Seven crosses are constructed to hold their hanging corpses after they are caught. The escaping prisoners are played by basically six unknown actors and Spencer Tracy. Of these, only one, Felix Bressart really "looks jewish" as that would be viewed in 1944 - remember great care was taken not to make World War II about the Jews until we found out what really happened to them. Guess which one narrates the escape and is the last one left alive. If you guessed Spencer Tracy - you pass obvious questions 101. Most of their deaths happen quickly so that the real supporting actors are those who continue to help Spencer Tracy despite the danger. One of the first people to help him is a woman who runs a costume shop, played by Agnes Moorehead. He knows about her because she is friends with one of his fellow escapees - a trapeze artist - who helps him with new clothes. Does she know who he is? It isn't clear, maybe she does but she thinks he's an artist like the other escapee - she is human, and humane so she helps. Soon we meet are Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy - old acquaintances of Tracy who take him in not realizing he is a wanted man. they have heretofore been a-political, but after helping Tracy and being called in by the Gestapo because of it, they see the world differently. Meanwhile Tracy's old anti-Nazi friends are working tirelessly trying to guess where he will go so that they can help him get out of Germany. This group is made up of some well known character actors and as a group they dedicate themselves to finding Tracy and helping him escape Germany. The final angel on Spencer's shoulder is a chambermaid in the hotel where he stays one night. He's moved there so that he will not get Hume Cronyn in trouble. Because he is friendly and kind to her early in the day when she comes to change the sheets, she warns him when there are Nazi's in the hotel and helps him evade them as he makes his escape.
As you can see the "message" of this movie is hardly subtle and it clearly is designed to put a happy face on the war in 1944 when it was released. This movie says - don't worry, all humanity is not dead in Germany - look they are helping Spencer Tracy aren't they. The moral is even put into words for those who prefer the direct route. Tracy explains to the chambermaid that he will be in Holland or somewhere "paying back" everyone who helped him get there because thanks to those kind people, "I know that no matter how cruelly the world strikes at the souls of men there is a God given decency that will come out if it is given half a chance. That's the hope for the human race, that's the faith we must cling to, the only thing that will make our lives worth living. In other words, don't worry, when we beat Germany (which we are about to do) we will still find kind people. Of course, this is before the reality of concentration camps was disclosed and knowing that now changes EVERYTHING about this movie and to me that's what makes if so fascinating. That and the fact that it is a brilliantly acted, well directed solid piece of film in addition to all of the extraneous elements.
Director ........................................................Fred Zinnemann
Writers ..........................................................Helen Deutsch
..........................................................Anna Seghers
George Heisler ..............................................Spencer Tracy
Toni ...............................................................Signe Hasso
Paul Roeder ...................................................Hume Cronyn
Leisel Roeder .................................................Jessica Tandy
Mme. Marelli .................................................Agnes Moorehead
Franz Marnet .................................................Herbert Rudley
Poldi Schlamm ...............................................Felix Bressart
Wallau ...........................................................Ray Collins
Zillich .............................................................Alexander Granach
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