In this drama, which blends romance with suspense, Prince Kurt von Rotenberg (
George Brent) is attempting to flee his native Austria one step ahead of German troops. In his travels, he meets Marta Keller (
Martha Scott), and amidst the chaos that surrounds them, the two fall in love, even though she is already engaged to another. Kurt and Marta set their sights on Czechoslovakia, but they lose track of each other along the way, and in time Kurt decides to make a profound sacrifice for the woman he loves -- when he learns that Marta's fiancé has been captured by Nazi troops, Kurt offers to turn himself in to German authorities in exchange for his release. They Dare Not Love proved to be the last feature film credited to British director
James Whale, though he did not in fact complete the project; midway through the shooting, Whale was replaced by
Charles Vidor.
Lloyd Bridges and Peter Cushing both appear in minor roles. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide