One of the early Hollywood dramas to deal directly with the rising threat of fascism in Europe, this was little seen on its release but fared better when it was reissued a few months later, following America’s entrance into WWII. Based on the novel ‘Flotsam’ by Erich Maria Remarque, who moved from Germany after the rise of Hitler, this concerns refugees who remain stateless unless they can acquire a passport. Joseph Steiner is a German who years to return home to be with his ailing wife Marie, while Ludwig is a Jewish teenager who falls in love with fellow refugee Ruth; together, they find themselves exiled to Austria, France, and other nations where they are unable to find work. Produced by David Loew and eventually distributed through United Artists, this was directed by fervent anti-fascist John Cromwell after he made more allegorical films on the state of the world, like Victory. Working with ace cinematographer William Daniels, Cromwell constructed an ambitious and downbeat film that offended isolationists, including censor Joseph Breen, but eventually found its audience after war with Germany became inevitable. While it can feel long and be preachy on occasion, the movie benefits from a superior cast led by Fredric March, the talented star of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as Steiner, the most outwardly heroic of the characters albeit one who is sidelined through much of the production. Glenn Ford, years before he starred in noir classics like Gilda, had an auspicious breakthrough in the role of Ludwig, the effective protagonist of the story and a part that established Ford with moviegoers. Margaret Sullavan, who had previously appeared in the anti-Nazi classic Mortal Storm, turns in an emotional performance as Ruth; Frances Dee barely speaks as Steiner’s wife Marie, but she still leaves an impression during her few scenes. The supporting cast includes many notable actors, among them Erich von Stroheim as a Nazi officer whom Steiner takes on during the film’s most memorable scene. Like most of the wartime propaganda that followed it, this melodrama has dated over time, but it is still an entertaining product of the era. AMC 3032.
Director
John Cromwell
Cast
Fredric March…Josef Steiner
Margaret Sullavan…Ruth Holland
Frances Dee…Marie Steiner
Glenn Ford…Ludwig Kern|
Erich von Stroheim…Brenner