I have this movie on dvd,and it is by far the most realistic portrayal of a time in history never to be forgotten.From start to finish an unrealized masterpiece.
8:30 The man at the left with the cup, mustache and gun on his belt is my father, C.A. "Butch" Amos as Major Richards. He has a few speaking parts here and later in the movie and he was proud of being in Decision Before Dawn. He and many of the other small part actors and extras were active duty soldiers. He was a captain at the time and retired a major. We miss you, Dad.
I remember seeing this movie when I was 5 yrs old, and since then I could never remember the name of this movie. Thanks for showing it again. It's a great movie and really brought back memories of growing up.
My great grandfather was a 1st lieutenant officer in the signal core and earned a bronze star for establishing communication across the rhine river under heavy enemy offence. I'm so happy to find this movie i never knew it existed
I found this movie on a late night channel surfing on Turner Classic Movies a year go and couldn’t remember the name..What a classic and great picture.. Thank You for posting!!!
I lived in Mannheim 1959-60 as an Army brat. Every German home I visited and I mean every one, had a framed picture of a good looking young man in uniform with a black ribbon across one corner. They were still going through our garbage then. They were all friendly, I love the country and the people; they belong to the forest as I do. As an Army Officer I served in Berlin.
This was nominated for Best Picture and deserved the recognition. It's a smart, intense WW2 espionage film that also treads a bit into anti-war themes but never in a way that dishonors those who lived through the war (soldier or civilian). It's a matter-of-fact portrayal of life in Germany in the closing days of the war, and it's remarkable that something so objective was filmed only six years after the end of the war and while the occupation of Germany was still happening.
My wife an I lived in Germany from 1986 until the end of 1992. Many Germans considered that they were STILL occupied because America had so many soldiers in Germany until the big DRAW-Down after the cold war ended in 1991. I don't know what the numbers were in Germany but the total number for Europe, in 1990 was about 500k American troops. The draw-down started in 1991 but took 2 - 3 years, or more to complete it. Eventually they reduced the troops from 500k to 80k.
@@lacyron I walked through Auschwitz in 1982 .... Then years later, in the 1990's one of my clients who became a very close friend was a Schindler's List survivor. IMO Germany should still be occupied.... For the next three generations minimum.
This was a greater WW2 movie than 9 out of 10, including today! Good acting. no over the top theatrics, perfect location and cinematography ( Probably cause of the filming date).
This movie is one of the most accurate depictions of war I have ever seen. Highly recommended. Filmed on location in Germany immediately after the war, it is amazing to see postwar Germany. Wonderful acting and writing all around make this one of the greatest World War II films ever made in my opinion.
Couldn't agree more - the on location filming in a war ravaged country is realism special effects can never duplicate. Add to that actual real extras, a top notch cast and an excellent director and you have one superb movie.
I saw this film as a kid when it first came out. I always liked it, Richard Basehart was a great actor. My favorite of his was 'He Walked By Night' (1948).
"Decision Before Dawn" was nominated for two Oscars: Best Picture and Best Film Editing. The film got its Best Picture nom---I think---because it had really nice tight editing, but realistically, it didn't have to win Best Pic because of the powerhouse competition: the winning film, "An American in Paris, "A Streetcar Named Desire," "A Place in the Sun" and "Quo Vadis."
One of the best war movies I have seen. Outstanding director, acting and script. Cinematography, location shots and action scenes are realistic and superior in quality. Engrossing plot and constant action that carries you along unremittingly until the very last scene. Happy, with few words conveys fear, danger and angst and yet sensitivity and emotion in an excellent portrayal. Thanks so much for this posting.
Many thanks for posting this stunningly realistic classic. The sets and locations appear authentic and the script and characters together with the plot line convincingly believable. One of the greatest WW11 films!
Remarkable Kino. Well directed. Oskar Werner is superb. One of his best. So is Richard Basehart. Exciting street scenes. Filmed on location. Genuine history. With sadness and misery and truth...what is war
Thanks a million to whom ever took their time to share this AWESOME movie ..BRAVO..! This is one GREAT movie.. The entire production is FIRST RATE the actors make you believe your actually watching the real thing ..... My father loved this movie too.. Thanks again for sharing well done....
My father, Sgt. H.W. Briggs, is in this movie -- first seen at about minute 21:50 as the sergeant taking Werner from the courtyard and up the stairs. He is also in a few subsequent scenes.
Dana: I just stumbled upon this movie last night, July 12, 2019. Allow me to extend a belated thank you to your Dad for his service. We cannot thank and honor the sixteen million Americans (including the 420,000 who sacrificed their lives) who served in WWII enough. Those of us who never experienced War up close can never truly appreciate what it must have been like for them. Because of the enormous destructive power of Nuclear Weapons, we hope there is NO World War like WWII. We hope and pray that we can resolve our differences peacefully, and that, as Isaiah wrote, we can "Beat our swords into Plowshares".
This is a forgotten WWII classic. Excellent story and great cast. It reveals Germany in the last days of the war, exhausted, knowing defeat is coming, but still fighting on.
Exactly like today! Germany is done for. They're celebrating in Berlin, Merkel and her cronies, like in "Der Untergang".....we all know how this one ended :))
I recently watched this movie on TCM. What a great little movie. I was surprised to see the town I spent 2 1/2 years stationed in. Wuerzburg with the US Army 3rd Infantry Division. I arrived there in 1961 just 10 years after this movie released. The bridge, the Castle on the Hill (Marienberg Fortress) all brought back memories of long ago. Obviously the surroundings were just as they were at the end of the war just 6 years prior to filming. Really enjoyed this movie thanks for posting it
I've seen this entire movie probably 6 or 7 times and portions of it probably at least a dozen times. It is one of those movies that when I flip channels and see it I just have to keep watching. Same as All the President's Men, and The Great Escape, to name a couple. The gritty locations and dark shadows of the b & w photography is terrific as is the entire cast. 4.5 out of 5 in my book.
I started first grade the year this fantastic movie came out. Through the years, I gain more and more respect for it's lessons and historical accuracy. The young German medic did his job due to extreme sense of duty to not only his country but mankind. Sadly branding him a traiter is very unfair and sad. He has served well for 2 years, but the lost of his friend as he said was the "last" in a series of events that turned him to his decision. He was willing to risk his life for his country on both counts, and certainely not a coward. What more can a person do? As for amosnew's dad, you should be very proud of him, and it is obvious that active duty soldiers were also in the film. The equipment, vehicles, weapons, for the most part were actual WW-2 German origin. Add the destruction of the various cities, and towns, added to it all. I visited the Castle at Wurtsburg back in 1975 when I was a Ranger Instructor and TDY to Germany. We stayed on a German Infantry base in Hammelburg. While there I came upon a WW-2 German fighting unit reunion. They were all very gracious to me and especially an older man who had obviously been of high rank during the war. It is truly remarkable how the German Armed Forces in spite of so many setbacks caused by Hitler's mistake was able to fight so many for so long. In the end we must always respect all soldiers regardless of their leaders. In closing, I really enjoy this incredible movie.
Wow! Great movie, with lots of food for thought. Oskar Werner played his role superbly. Since I haven't seen anyone mention it in the discussion, I will. THIS ROLE MUST HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY PERSONAL TO Werner. Born in Austria in 1922, he was drafted into the Deutsche Wehrmacht in December 1941. As a pacifist and staunch opponent of National Socialism, he was determined to avoid advancement in the military. In a 1966 interview he recounted: "So many officers had been killed on the Russian front that they needed replacements desperately. And, I was for them the embodiment of the Aryan type. But I am a pacifist. I didn't want any responsibility, so I behaved stupidly. I fell from my horse and made mistakes reading the range finders on the cannon, and finally they kicked me out of training school." He was assigned to peeling potatoes and cleaning latrines instead of being sent to the Eastern Front. In 1944, he secretly married actress Elisabeth Kallina, who was half Jewish. They had a daughter Eleanore. That December, he deserted the Wehrmacht and fled with his wife and daughter to the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods), where they remained in hiding until the end of the war. He would later remember, "The artillery fire was constant for two and a half days. The shells hit all around our little hut and it was shaking like a leaf ... We knew that to go out there would be suicide, but it was better than to have to wait for execution."
It's also quite a coincidence that December 8, 1944 is the date that "Happy" is captured. In real life, that is also the date that Mr. Werner deserted the Deutsche Wermacht. I can't imagine what must have been going on in Mr. Werner's mind playing this role.
Leo Smart: Thank you for this amazing information! I first saw Oskar Werner as the ship's doctor in "Ship of Fools". I was in love with that character, and now you tell me the actor was basically just being himself. He was the embodiment of decency, and compassion; with a beauty of spirit looking at the world through sad, wise eyes.
What an excellent movie. Espionage behind enemy lines must be one of the most dangerous operations during wartime. Some very interesting characters in this movie, especially the German code-named Happy. An American movie but it also gave a human face to the Germans. I wish they made movies like this one today.
I've seen this film at least three times. The first time was in early 1963 when I was in ninth grade, watched it on tv with my parents on a Saturday evening. My father was a combat veteran of WWII in the South Pacific. This film must have caused him to recall some of his experiences of that war.
so many bad movies that got air play too bad but this film is a gem. Well portrayed good acting very real. Highly recommended for a totally different spin on the usual format.
Such a great movie. Movies have not been made like this for such a long time. Only made 6 years after the war. Was authentic as to locations as these places still had damage to infrastructure, great acting without all the histrionics of today's movies. Have watched this movie a couple of times and it's excellant.
This was playing in L.A. at a classic film series featuring on-location shooting. Wasn't able to make it and was glad to see this post- thanks! It's the last Best Picture nominee from the 1950's I hadn't seen. Always love Basehart, and Oskar Werner makes a big impact- it's surprising he didn't have a bigger film career right after this, and had to wait until the 1960's to really break through in movies. Hildegard Neff is also impressive, specifically in her one big scene with Werner. Both had a tough time during WWII and it may have informed their work in the movie. Also cool to see Klaus Kinski in a bit early in the film.
I concur. Today is the first time I've seen it. Great movie. I am an American (former military in USA and here) living in Taiwan for the past 15 years.
All TRUE -and Truth sometimes stranger than fiction! After WW2, we needed Germany United against the Evil Stalinist USSR Commies, as General PATTON rightly knew!
A really unusual and interesting film that provides an insight to how the Germans lived in the city ruins waiting for the inevitable defeat. Completely realistic and you can't help but think of the pointless waste, destruction and misery of war,
Brilliant gem of a film, everything from the script, the cinematography, the acting is quality. It captures the chaos that must have been Germany at the time very accurately I feel, and what a superb story too..
This turns out to be one of the best WWII movies made. Great location shots. The acting is good and the storyline moves all the way through the movie. The war scenes look really convincing. I guess there was still a lot of equipment and uniforms left over to make this feel real.
“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams
I always said, yesterday, IS THE PAST, that's when someone will say to someone, you always talk about the past, then I say, yesterday IS THE PAST. I like what was said also....life is all memory, except for the one present. Exactly.
Excellent film with a surprisingly objective perspective, given how soon after the war it was made. An interesting examination of the effect war can have on ordinary people, their loyalties and motivations. Nobody emerges from a conflict that size unchanged, or without having made sacrifices and compromises that they probably could never have imagined in their previous lives.
I've loved this movie since I saw it on WGN-TV's 'Family Classics' (along with Sink the Bismark) on a Saturday afternoon long ago. Great nuanced view of what motivates people at war during changing tides and fortunes, and what it costs us all. I had seen many of the movie locations during the 1990's, but it was chilling to see those places (Weurzburg, Rotemburg OdT, etc...) as they looked only a few years after the war. Thank you for sharing this.
We'll never see great WW2 movies like this again. Written, directed and acted by men who were there and remembered. Original uniforms. Accurate history, non biased, free of Hollywood stereotypes and political agendas to ruin the movie. Now we get Fury.
They were those who had the spirit of patriotism in them, brave men, real ALPHA. Glory and honor to the heroes. Unfortunately, there are no such men today. In case of war, they would hide under the beds.
25:25 Now I remember this actor. He played the older assistant to the higher German tank officer in the movie Battle of the Bulge, December 1965. I was eight years old. I was mesmerized by the dedication of the German soldiers and the determination of the US soldiers.
@@sick-and-sour He was also in "The Longest Day" as the German officer who first sees the Allied Invasion Fleet! Major Werner Pluskat! " Those ship you say they haven't got .... They're coming right for me!"
A couple of books you might enjoy are The Five Arrows & A Life In Secrets about the missing British Intelligence Agent's of WW2. We've been asked if the personal photos we have of some of the missing British Intelligence Agent's came with the book. No, that's why they are personal photos
Toda una gran película en todos los sentidos.Muy agradecido,de todo corazón con el doblaje y la calidad de imagen.Simplemente de primera.Saludos y bendiciones desde Venezuela.
Tigger is the same guy that played the general in the Longest Day.He had on of the best lines in the movie,"you know those thousands of ships they don't have,THEY HAVE THEM!"
I have this movie on dvd,and it is by far the most realistic portrayal of a time in history never to be forgotten.From start to finish an unrealized masterpiece.
Would be even better without the Spanish-language captions. 💣
8:30 The man at the left with the cup, mustache and gun on his belt is my father, C.A. "Butch" Amos as Major Richards. He has a few speaking parts here and later in the movie and he was proud of being in Decision Before Dawn. He and many of the other small part actors and extras were active duty soldiers. He was a captain at the time and retired a major. We miss you, Dad.
+amosnews Great to know
that's so cool..thx
+amosnews I'll keep my eye out :)
+amosnews: I salute your father.
+amosnews Very NIce, thanks for sharing. My dad was 8 days out of Pearl on a ship when it was attacked.
I remember seeing this movie when I was 5 yrs old, and since then I could never remember the name of this movie. Thanks for showing it again. It's a great movie and really brought back memories of growing up.
This movie was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, and Best Film Editing.
My great grandfather was a 1st lieutenant officer in the signal core and earned a bronze star for establishing communication across the rhine river under heavy enemy offence. I'm so happy to find this movie i never knew it existed
I found this movie on a late night channel surfing on Turner Classic Movies a year go and couldn’t remember the name..What a classic and great picture.. Thank You for posting!!!
Always great to find an old film that has missed for many years.
This is just one of the best movies I have ever seen. Thank you.
The best movie I've seen in years . Thanks for posting .
I lived in Mannheim 1959-60 as an Army brat. Every German home I visited and I mean every one, had a framed picture of a good looking young man in uniform with a black ribbon across one corner. They were still going through our garbage then. They were all friendly, I love the country and the people; they belong to the forest as I do. As an Army Officer I served in Berlin.
My Father was USAAC in WW II B-24's and bombed Cologne ( Koln ) the city his Mother was from!
This movie does not get the recognition it deserves. Well made and thought-provoking.
Ich liebe diese kino.
@@johnrogan9420 Ich auch
Oskar Werner is very underrated actor!
T
.8?5 #^8*¥29KS@@alecfoster4413 9
I thoroughly agree.
Great Movie i can watch this over and over, definitely a Classic.
Great old movie. I grew up inn the 60s with these kind of films. Thanks for sharing.
This was nominated for Best Picture and deserved the recognition. It's a smart, intense WW2 espionage film that also treads a bit into anti-war themes but never in a way that dishonors those who lived through the war (soldier or civilian). It's a matter-of-fact portrayal of life in Germany in the closing days of the war, and it's remarkable that something so objective was filmed only six years after the end of the war and while the occupation of Germany was still happening.
My wife an I lived in Germany from 1986 until the end of 1992. Many Germans considered that they were STILL occupied because America had so many soldiers in Germany until the big DRAW-Down after the cold war ended in 1991.
I don't know what the numbers were in Germany but the total number for Europe, in 1990 was about 500k American troops. The draw-down started in 1991 but took 2 - 3 years, or more to complete it. Eventually they reduced the troops from 500k to 80k.
@@lacyron I was stationed in England at RAF Upper Heyford '77 to '86 USAF. The Cold War really tense at that time!
destruction.
I was in a war and almost any anti-war film is appropriate.
@@lacyron I walked through Auschwitz in 1982 ....
Then years later, in the 1990's one of my clients who became a very close friend was a Schindler's List survivor. IMO Germany should still be occupied.... For the next three generations minimum.
“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
This is a really good movie. Thanks to the person responsible for posting it.
This was a greater WW2 movie than 9 out of 10, including today! Good acting. no over the top theatrics, perfect location and cinematography ( Probably cause of the filming date).
I love these old films so much,,I know it's a common saying but they really don't make them like this anymore,,thank you for uploading this
A brilliant film well acted and great storyline. One of the best war films I have ever seen.
Thanks for posting this movie. Really enjoyed it. A thinking movie.
One of the best war movies, with great acting, photography, and scenery (thanks to the availability of many vehicles and destroyed buildings.
This is one damn good WW2 movie that actually works as a thriller. Thanks for the upload. Well worth a watch.
This movie is one of the most accurate depictions of war I have ever seen. Highly recommended. Filmed on location in Germany immediately after the war, it is amazing to see postwar Germany. Wonderful acting and writing all around make this one of the greatest World War II films ever made in my opinion.
surely an interesting view especially given 2021 politics and the NWO which came from this war.
What about the 2,000,000 wardead pow from Rhine Meadows. ?
Totally agree....
Couldn't agree more - the on location filming in a war ravaged country is realism special effects can never duplicate. Add to that actual real extras, a top notch cast and an excellent director and you have one superb movie.
How do you know? have you ever seen the war?
I saw this film as a kid when it first came out. I always liked it, Richard Basehart was a great actor. My favorite of his was 'He Walked By Night' (1948).
He portrayed Hitler . very versitile actor.
A wonderfully acted, directed, and produced film. I wish I'd heard of this sooner.
"Decision Before Dawn" was nominated for two Oscars: Best Picture and Best Film Editing. The film got its Best Picture nom---I think---because it had really nice tight editing, but realistically, it didn't have to win Best Pic because of the powerhouse competition: the winning film, "An American in Paris, "A Streetcar Named Desire," "A Place in the Sun" and "Quo Vadis."
@@williamsnyder5616 Some competition indeed. But I truly enjoyed this superb film.
May be the best wwii movie i have ever seen. Accurate and humanistic.
For an oldie film...it was brilliant .. fast moving and forgiving...harsh too.
Acting was first class....
And of course Okar Weiner a real kraut
This underrated film is one of the greatest war movies of all time...and its fn free to watch...America is a great country...
One of the best war movies I have seen. Outstanding director, acting and script. Cinematography, location shots and action scenes are realistic and superior in quality. Engrossing plot and constant action that carries you along unremittingly until the very last scene. Happy, with few words conveys fear, danger and angst and yet sensitivity and emotion in an excellent portrayal. Thanks so much for this posting.
Thank you very much for posting this excellent film.
I had never heard of this film before. This was great. It pulled me in and thats something that modern films just cant do.
Yes. It surprised me also.
My thoughts exactly.
Thanks very much for posting this movie.I love the old ones !
Many thanks for posting this stunningly realistic classic. The sets and locations appear authentic and the script and characters together with the plot line convincingly believable. One of the greatest WW11 films!
Mark Damn I never knew I’d been asleep for so long, I missed WW3 to WW11 included!
This is a great movie. One of my favorites. Oskar Werner was always good. I particularly liked his performance in The Spy Who Came in From the Cold.
Vince Klortho
What an outstanding film - amazed that I missed this.. Thanks for posting!
Remarkable Kino. Well directed. Oskar Werner is superb. One of his best. So is Richard Basehart. Exciting street scenes. Filmed on location. Genuine history. With sadness and misery and truth...what is war
Oskar Werner carried the movie.
I love great WWII movies. Great story, great great-looking cast; exciting; twists and turns galore; and a moral. Nothing better.
Thanks a million to whom ever took their time to share this AWESOME movie ..BRAVO..!
This is one GREAT movie.. The entire production is FIRST RATE the actors make you believe your actually watching the real thing ..... My father loved this movie too..
Thanks again for sharing well done....
My father, Sgt. H.W. Briggs, is in this movie -- first seen at about minute 21:50 as the sergeant taking Werner from the courtyard and up the stairs. He is also in a few subsequent scenes.
Dana Briggs : You must be very proud of him !!
Thank you for your father's service.
Wrong time. Dana. At 21:50 they are in the woods.
Dana:
I just stumbled upon this movie last night, July 12, 2019.
Allow me to extend a belated thank you to your Dad for his service.
We cannot thank and honor the sixteen million Americans (including the 420,000 who sacrificed their lives) who served in WWII enough. Those of us who never experienced War up close can never truly appreciate what it must have been like for them.
Because of the enormous destructive power of Nuclear Weapons, we hope there is NO World War like WWII. We hope and pray that we can resolve our differences peacefully, and that, as Isaiah wrote, we can "Beat our swords into Plowshares".
Hi Dana Briggs....did you mean the 7:01 scene? Best Regards
Really great unusual movie highly reccomnded thanks for posting
The German actor playing the sergeant has been in many WW2 movies, A bridge too far, DDay, etc...great actor.
Yup. He was Pluskat in the Longest Day. "Invasion! Sie kommen!"
Hans Cristian Blech wasn’t in a bridge too far that was hardy Kruger
This guy was also in the war movie "BATTLE OF THE BULGE." He was batman to the German tank commander (Robert Shaw).
@@kadjairijadin1500 He was the token "decent German" figure.
this film bring into reality how germany was in 1945 like no other film I have ever watch, thank you for the upload
This is a forgotten WWII classic. Excellent story and great cast. It reveals Germany in the last days of the war, exhausted, knowing defeat is coming, but still fighting on.
Die Moral has himmelhoch ...zammen Allen Berliners...als 2 million Sowjetische Truppen gegehen...Berlin bleiben frei!
Exactly like today! Germany is done for. They're celebrating in Berlin, Merkel and her cronies, like in "Der Untergang".....we all know how this one ended :))
ua-cam.com/video/WdsmlJ71gZg/v-deo.html
That's gotta be the best WW2 movie from that era I have ever seen........RIP to all those brave Men who risked it all..... I salute you.....
First saw this movie in the late ‘60s. Oskar Werner I’ve always liked.
He was lucky to have survived the war.
I recently watched this movie on TCM. What a great little movie. I was surprised to see the town I spent 2 1/2 years stationed in. Wuerzburg with the US Army 3rd Infantry Division. I arrived there in 1961 just 10 years after this movie released. The bridge, the Castle on the Hill (Marienberg Fortress) all brought back memories of long ago. Obviously the surroundings were just as they were at the end of the war just 6 years prior to filming. Really enjoyed this movie thanks for posting it
I've seen this entire movie probably 6 or 7 times and portions of it probably at least a dozen times. It is one of those movies that when I flip channels and see it I just have to keep watching. Same as All the President's Men, and The Great Escape, to name a couple. The gritty locations and dark shadows of the b & w photography is terrific as is the entire cast. 4.5 out of 5 in my book.
I had never heard of this movie but decided to watch a bit of of. It was extremely good!!! Allot of suspense throughout! Thank you 🌸
One of the better WW2 films...interesting plot and characters, avoids lazy stereotypes. 8/10
Muy buena película...!!!una de mis preferidas .Gracias por subirla.
I started first grade the year this fantastic movie came out. Through the years, I gain more and more respect for it's lessons and historical accuracy. The young German medic did his job due to extreme sense of duty to not only his country but mankind. Sadly branding him a traiter is very unfair and sad. He has served well for 2 years, but the lost of his friend as he said was the "last" in a series of events that turned him to his decision. He was willing to risk his life for his country on both counts, and certainely not a coward. What more can a person do? As for amosnew's dad, you should be very proud of him, and it is obvious that active duty soldiers were also in the film. The equipment, vehicles, weapons, for the most part were actual WW-2 German origin. Add the destruction of the various cities, and towns, added to it all. I visited the Castle at Wurtsburg back in 1975 when I was a Ranger Instructor and TDY to Germany. We stayed on a German Infantry base in Hammelburg. While there I came upon a WW-2 German fighting unit reunion. They were all very gracious to me and especially an older man who had obviously been of high rank during the war. It is truly remarkable how the German Armed Forces in spite of so many setbacks caused by Hitler's mistake was able to fight so many for so long. In the end we must always respect all soldiers regardless of their leaders. In closing, I really enjoy this incredible movie.
First rate film from start to finish. Very well filmed and acted. A genuine classic that has held up over time.
Wow! Great movie, with lots of food for thought. Oskar Werner played his role superbly. Since I haven't seen anyone mention it in the discussion, I will. THIS ROLE MUST HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY PERSONAL TO Werner. Born in Austria in 1922, he was drafted into the Deutsche Wehrmacht in December 1941. As a pacifist and staunch opponent of National Socialism, he was determined to avoid advancement in the military.
In a 1966 interview he recounted: "So many officers had been killed on the Russian front that they needed replacements desperately. And, I was for them the embodiment of the Aryan type. But I am a pacifist. I didn't want any responsibility, so I behaved stupidly. I fell from my horse and made mistakes reading the range finders on the cannon, and finally they kicked me out of training school." He was assigned to peeling potatoes and cleaning latrines instead of being sent to the Eastern Front. In 1944, he secretly married actress Elisabeth Kallina, who was half Jewish. They had a daughter Eleanore. That December, he deserted the Wehrmacht and fled with his wife and daughter to the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods), where they remained in hiding until the end of the war. He would later remember, "The artillery fire was constant for two and a half days. The shells hit all around our little hut and it was shaking like a leaf ... We knew that to go out there would be suicide, but it was better than to have to wait for execution."
Thank you for this. I am very fond of this actor. I love to watch his face and he has a particularly beautiful voice.
It's also quite a coincidence that December 8, 1944 is the date that "Happy" is captured. In real life, that is also the date that Mr. Werner deserted the Deutsche Wermacht. I can't imagine what must have been going on in Mr. Werner's mind playing this role.
Thank you. That was quite apropos. I remember Oskar fro Fahrenheit 451.
Leo Smart: Thank you for this amazing information! I first saw Oskar Werner as the ship's doctor in "Ship of Fools". I was in love with that character, and now you tell me the actor was basically just being himself. He was the embodiment of decency, and compassion; with a beauty of spirit looking at the world through sad, wise eyes.
What an excellent movie. Espionage behind enemy lines must be one of the most dangerous operations during wartime. Some very interesting characters in this movie, especially the German code-named Happy. An American movie but it also gave a human face to the Germans. I wish they made movies like this one today.
AlternityGM I think they do try The Railwayman and The Imitation Game.
I've seen this film at least three times. The first time was in early 1963 when I was in ninth grade, watched it on tv with my parents on a Saturday evening. My father was a combat veteran of WWII in the South Pacific. This film must have caused him to recall some of his experiences of that war.
Amazing pictures of Munich , memories of the Beer Fest. Happy days.
so many bad movies that got air play too bad but this film is a gem. Well portrayed good acting very real. Highly recommended for a totally different spin on the usual format.
Such a great movie. Movies have not been made like this for such a long time. Only made 6 years after the war. Was authentic as to locations as these places still had damage to infrastructure, great acting without all the histrionics of today's movies. Have watched this movie a couple of times and it's excellant.
Was born in 52. How are you. Regards. Dave
Richard Basehart and Oscar Werner were great in this. Werner, especially gives a standout performance here.
Basehart, always an underrated actor.
This was playing in L.A. at a classic film series featuring on-location shooting. Wasn't able to make it and was glad to see this post- thanks! It's the last Best Picture nominee from the 1950's I hadn't seen. Always love Basehart, and Oskar Werner makes a big impact- it's surprising he didn't have a bigger film career right after this, and had to wait until the 1960's to really break through in movies. Hildegard Neff is also impressive, specifically in her one big scene with Werner. Both had a tough time during WWII and it may have informed their work in the movie. Also cool to see Klaus Kinski in a bit early in the film.
Oscar weiner good German actor
Pay attention to the accolades written here. This is one of the most intelligent WWII films I have seen in years.
I concur. Today is the first time I've seen it. Great movie.
I am an American (former military in USA and here) living in Taiwan for the past 15 years.
All TRUE -and Truth sometimes stranger than fiction!
After WW2, we needed Germany United against the Evil Stalinist USSR Commies, as General PATTON rightly knew!
Thank you mona0825, for sharing this movie with us here! Thank you commentators, I will watch this movie most thoughtfully!
Amazing film! If only we could still make films of this calibre...timeless.
A really unusual and interesting film that provides an insight to how the Germans lived in the city ruins waiting for the inevitable defeat. Completely realistic and you can't help but think of the pointless waste, destruction and misery of war,
Wars are started by politicians (Trump?) but fought by people Ike you and me
Brilliant gem of a film, everything from the script, the cinematography, the acting is quality. It captures the chaos that must have been Germany at the time very accurately I feel, and what a superb story too..
I have unexpectedly been sucked into this story. Its rather good compared to the movies today.
This turns out to be one of the best WWII movies made. Great location shots. The acting is good and the storyline moves all the way through the movie. The war scenes look really convincing. I guess there was still a lot of equipment and uniforms left over to make this feel real.
Oskar Werner...Great Actor among others great War Movie....Classic!!!
“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams
I always said, yesterday, IS THE PAST, that's when someone will say to someone, you always talk about the past, then I say, yesterday IS THE PAST.
I like what was said also....life is all memory, except for the one present. Exactly.
This is a very rare movie,showing post war conditions and some authentic German equipment.
One of the most realistic war movies ever made! Brilliant
Perhaps you should watch some Russian films about WW2. 'Come and See ' is available on UA-cam..war through the eyes of a boy.
Nice commentary about your father... Thank you for sharing and thank you to your father.
Superb film. An under appreciated classic!
A very good movie.Glad I stumbled upon it.
Thank-you for the up-load. A very good film.
Excellent movie! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent film with a surprisingly objective perspective, given how soon after the war it was made. An interesting examination of the effect war can have on ordinary people, their loyalties and motivations. Nobody emerges from a conflict that size unchanged, or without having made sacrifices and compromises that they probably could never have imagined in their previous lives.
Wow. This is just amazing. The amount of detail in german troop movement is really something.
First rate classic with a memorable cast. Thanks for the upload.
I've seen a lot of good war movies in my day but this one slipped by me. Excellent movie!
One of the best WW 2 films ever made; very realistic.
What a masterpiece.
Very thought-provoking -- thanks for sharing.
Many thanks...great upload. Ranks with the best I've seen based on the period.
I've loved this movie since I saw it on WGN-TV's 'Family Classics' (along with Sink the Bismark) on a Saturday afternoon long ago.
Great nuanced view of what motivates people at war during changing tides and fortunes, and what it costs us all. I had seen many of the movie locations during the 1990's, but it was chilling to see those places (Weurzburg, Rotemburg OdT, etc...) as they looked only a few years after the war. Thank you for sharing this.
Frazier Tomas Family Classics. I grew up in Chicago and I remember those times.
We'll never see great WW2 movies like this again. Written, directed and acted by men who were there and remembered.
Original uniforms. Accurate history, non biased, free of Hollywood stereotypes and political agendas to ruin the movie.
Now we get Fury.
Accurate..... see my comment !
I agree with you totally.
Plus an actual soundtrack - not something lifted from a video game.
Ausgezeichnet !
this WAS hollywood and fury is a near private enteprize, so your slander is meaningless.
Great movie. Very Good acting.Thanks.
Hard to believe so many didn't 'like' this great film!
+David Rice who.....where are they....grrrr
They would mostly have been looking for something different - probably many have never seen a pre-computer age movie before!
probably German right wing nutters@@expat2010
A beautiful print of a true classic.
My only complaint with this print is the lack of title credits at the beginning of the film.
ultra realistic movie with an unusual plot... excellent!
In war you always lose the best ones, because the best ones are willing to take a chance.
They were those who had the spirit of patriotism in them, brave men, real ALPHA.
Glory and honor to the heroes.
Unfortunately, there are no such men today. In case of war, they would hide under the beds.
25:25 Now I remember this actor. He played the older assistant to the higher German tank officer in the movie Battle of the Bulge, December 1965. I was eight years old. I was mesmerized by the dedication of the German soldiers and the determination of the US soldiers.
His name is Hans Christian Blech
@@sick-and-sour He was also in "The Longest Day" as the German officer who first sees the Allied Invasion Fleet! Major Werner Pluskat! " Those ship you say they haven't got .... They're coming right for me!"
@@jamesalexander5623 He was. Love the movie.🔥🔥
What a great movie you wont be disappointed!
The movie is made from a book named "Call It Treason" by George Howe. Worth reading, if you can find it.
A couple of books you might enjoy are The Five Arrows & A Life In Secrets about the missing British Intelligence Agent's of WW2. We've been asked if the personal photos we have of some of the missing British Intelligence Agent's came with the book. No, that's why they are personal photos
Many thanks for the book recommendations!
Thank you for posting and sharing!! Great film with excellent video quality!
thanks for writing such a smooth comment.
oc.
X. Xx Temperature is it in the house take the P cups out we don't need to get the dishes out of my way please I'll keep in European cups Osama QQQ
Beautiful film.
The acting in this movie is superb. As a military equipment geek I love it too. I believe that was a real Sdkfz 251 "burning" at the beginning!
Toda una gran película en todos los sentidos.Muy agradecido,de todo corazón con el doblaje y la calidad de imagen.Simplemente de primera.Saludos y bendiciones desde Venezuela.
This is a good old movie I really liked it. Well-worth watch!!!
The more I watched this film the better it became
Tigger is the same guy that played the general in the Longest Day.He had on of the best lines in the movie,"you know those thousands of ships they don't have,THEY HAVE THEM!"
"And they're all heading for me!"