So Ends Our Night (1941)

Story about three German refugees during World War II who are always hiding, always in fear of deportation.

Director:

John Cromwell

Writers:

Erich Maria Remarque (novel), Talbot Jennings

Stars:

Fredric March, Margaret Sullavan, Frances Dee

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Fredric March	...	Josef Steiner
Margaret Sullavan	...	Ruth Holland
Frances Dee	...	Marie Steiner
Glenn Ford	...	Ludwig Kern
Anna Sten	...	Lilo
Erich von Stroheim	...	Brenner
Allan Brett	...	Leo Marrill
Joseph Cawthorn	...	Leopold Potzloch
Leonid Kinskey	...	The Chicken
Alexander Granach	...	The Pole
Roman Bohnen	...	Mr. Kern
Sig Ruman	...	Ammers (as Sig Rumann)
William Stack	...	Professor Meyer
Lionel Royce	...	Barnekrogg
Ernst Deutsch	...	Dr. Behr

Storyline

Story about three German refugees during World War II who are always hiding, always in fear of deportation.

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Plot Keywords:

foreign language adaptation | world war two | nazi | germany | fascist | 

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Taglines:

Audiences hail this absorbing, chilling drama...played with exceptional skill by a superb cast...ever surprising in its emotional impact the Erich Remarque novel from which it was adapted...brought to the screen with compelling power and living realism.

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 February 1941 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ainsi finit notre nuit

Box Office

Budget:

$401,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

David L. Loew-Albert Lewin

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

A Brave, "Prematurely Anti-Fascist", Film

The mind-numbing horror of Fascism in Germany was bad enough, even before the ultimate horror of the Holocaust was eventually made known, and "So Ends Our Night" was an extremely brave attempt in 1941 to bring home to the people of the USA, (before they entered WW2), the extent of repression and State-sanctioned bigotry that Nazi Germany had imposed on its people from the 30s onwards. Set within the context of a conventional Hollywood drama, it nevertheless pulled few punches and showed how tyrannical governments subject their people by gradually increasing degrees, and how freedom is eroded rather than outlawed overnight. Seeing it with post-Holocaust eyes makes its warning that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, even more powerful and cogent, and it is a film that also manages to show that it is not governments that "bestow" freedom, but the determination and will of people themselves to maintain it. Well directed by John Cromwell, and with excellent performances from Frederic March and Margaret Sullivan, (who particularly seems to infuse her performance with genuine conviction), with welcome appearances from Anna Sten (a much better actress than has ever been fully recognised), and Erich von Stroheim, as well as a very young Glenn Ford. Although seldom remembered nowadays, this is a film that is well worth seeking out, and I don't think you will be disappointed if you do so. Highly recommended, and long overdue for critical rehabilitation.