Edge Of Darkness (1943)

Set during WWII in 1942 Norway, a small village is occupied by the Nazis. But there is a strong resistance force led by a fisherman (Errol Flynn) that is awaiting arms from the British so they can take their town back. Based on the novel by William Woods and directed by Lewis Milestone (ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT). Not surprisingly, there was a proliferation of propaganda films churned out by Hollywood during WWII. Most of them weren't very good, they were well intentioned movies intent on boosting the nation's morale during wartime. But there were a very small handful that ranged from good to excellent and this film is one of them. The irony is not lost that director Milestone made one of the most admired anti-war films, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT which was set during WWI. But this is hardly a pro-war film but rather a statement that we must stand up to fascism by any means necessary, even if it means fighting back. The film is potent stuff (Robert Rossen did the screenplay) and avoids preachiness until the film's last few seconds. And what a cast! All delivering fine performances and a few surprises along the way. I'd seen Nancy Coleman, a Warners contract player, in several films before this and she barely registered. But here, playing the mistress to a Nazi officer, she gives the best performance in the movie. She basically retired after 1947 never having fulfilled the promise she shows here. If you're not a fan of war movies (and frankly I'm not), don't let that put you off. Check this one out. The strong cast includes Ann Sheridan, Walter Huston, Ruth Gordon, Judith Anderson, John Beal, Henry Brandon, Morris Carnovsky and Helmut Dantine.