The Cross of Lorraine (1943)

Although it's clearly a propaganda film and, partially as a result of this, goes a bit over the top at the end, The Cross of Lorraine is still an engrossing war-time picture. It's also for the time a surprisingly graphic one, with more violence and brutality than one expects of 1943, even for a film set in a war-torn country. The screenplay does have its problems: the aforementioned ending is simplistic and unrealistic, even when you find yourself cheering for it, and many will find it hard to believe that the soldiers fall for the Germans' promises of good treatment. But it also features some striking dialogue, and its melodrama captures the harsh realities of prison camp life in a forceful, powerful manner. Although the variety of accents among what are supposed to be French soldiers is distracting, the performers nonetheless are solid. Gene Kelly goes a bit overboard on occasion, but on the whole is good, and Jean-Pierre Aumont is very believable throughout. Pete Lorre's horrible German is just the kind of villain needed, and Hume Cronyn is appropriately cowardly and opportunistic. Tay Garnett films with precision, mixing honesty in with the melodrama to enhance dramatic high points. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide