I watched this largely because I'm a huge Huston fan (father and son), but this doesn't do Walter justice.
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: This is a propaganda film, and it shows.
Nazi Germany occupies Holland in an area of resistance.
And the usual drama ensues.
That's all folks.
ACTING: I was very disappointed how Huston was folded into this film. Flynn and Sheridan are fine actors, but neither are / were at Huston's level. It's not him playing "2nd fiddle" or such, no, it was the handling of his skill in context.
ENTERTAINMENT: Low value (unless you love propaganda)
TEMPO: Pace was actually OK
CINEMATOGRAPHY: The sets were so cheap it was awful
MUSIC / SOUND: OK
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: I've seen a few of Milestone's films and the only one I'd recommend is "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1962), but that was also supported by Carol Reed (outstanding director).
Writers: Rossen wrote 28 screenplays to film and I've seen a few, most recently before this: "The Sea Wolf" (1941) and "Billy Budd" (1962). None of these films are especially good IMO, but certainly watchable.
Is it a good film? Maybe
Should you watch this once? Don't bother, they're are much better
Rating: 5.0 (for the acting)
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: This is a propaganda film, and it shows.
Nazi Germany occupies Holland in an area of resistance.
And the usual drama ensues.
That's all folks.
ACTING: I was very disappointed how Huston was folded into this film. Flynn and Sheridan are fine actors, but neither are / were at Huston's level. It's not him playing "2nd fiddle" or such, no, it was the handling of his skill in context.
ENTERTAINMENT: Low value (unless you love propaganda)
TEMPO: Pace was actually OK
CINEMATOGRAPHY: The sets were so cheap it was awful
MUSIC / SOUND: OK
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: I've seen a few of Milestone's films and the only one I'd recommend is "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1962), but that was also supported by Carol Reed (outstanding director).
Writers: Rossen wrote 28 screenplays to film and I've seen a few, most recently before this: "The Sea Wolf" (1941) and "Billy Budd" (1962). None of these films are especially good IMO, but certainly watchable.
Is it a good film? Maybe
Should you watch this once? Don't bother, they're are much better
Rating: 5.0 (for the acting)