Edge of Darkness (1943)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Lewis Milestone

Writers:

William Woods (novel)
Robert Rossen (screenplay)

Release Date:

24 April 1943 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | War

Tagline:

A story incomparable of a people unconquerable.

Plot:

It's two years after the Nazi's invasion of Norway and in a small fishing village that is headquarters to 150 German soldiers...

Plot Keywords:

Nazi | Arms | Norway | Revolt | Fishing Village

Cast

Errol Flynn	...	Gunnar Brogge
Ann Sheridan	...	Karen Stensgard
Walter Huston	...	Dr. Martin Stensgard
Nancy Coleman	...	Katja
Helmut Dantine	...	Captain Hauptmann Koenig
Judith Anderson	...	Gerd Bjarnesen
Ruth Gordon	...	Anna Stensgard
John Beal	...	Johann Stensgard
Morris Carnovsky	...	Sixtus Andresen
Charles Dingle	...	Kaspar Torgerson
Roman Bohnen	...	Lars Malken
Richard Fraser	...	Pastor Aalesen
Art Smith	...	Knut Osterholm

Runtime:

119 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #8705) | USA:TV-PG (TV rating) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Cannery Row, Monterey, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Several cast members in studio records/casting call lists did not appear or were not identifiable in the movie. These were (with their character names, if any): Michael Mark (Fisherman), Al Bridge (Whaler), Victor Potel, Richard Kipling and Vera Lewis.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Anna Stensgard suggests they have a drink to celebrate Johann's return, her glass changes position between shots. It's first in her hand, then on the table, then back in her hand.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Warner at War (2008) (TV)

Soundtrack:

A Mighty Fortress is Our God (Ein' Feste Burg)

Norway Stands Proud

This terrific movie is remarkable for many things. It holds you in a vice-like grip from its unforgettable beginning. Nazi troops see the old flag of Norway flying and go to investigate but find hardly anyone still alive. Helmut Dantine is remarkable as one of the most humane and believable Nazi captains ever portrayed on film. The Germans have some respect for the Norwegians, some but perhaps not enough. Attempts to interact and work together are sabotaged by irreconcilable differences. The camera work and score are both magnificent. One interesting thing here as the movie's nominal star, Errol Flynn (playing a Norwegian named Gunnar (!) ), takes a back seat to riveting and magnificent performances by the supporting cast. Special standouts, besides Dantine, include Judith Anderson, Walter Huston, Nancy Coleman, Ann Sheridan, and John Beal. Watch it and you will never forget it.