MGM pulled out the stops on this film because it cast four of its bigger stars--Robert Taylor, Franchot Tone, Robert Young and Margaret Sullavan. It also featured good direction from reliable Frank Borzage and all the glitz and glamor the studio could give. So, despite this, why was the movie a bit of a disappointment? Well, it all rests on the rather vague and sappy script. Sure, there are some wonderful and interesting aspects of the plot, but at times the impact is blunted because the film seemed unwilling to take much of a stand regarding the chaos in post-war Germany AND the script got so bogged down in soapy romance. I would have much preferred that the film focus on what was occurring in Germany in 1919-1922 instead of interjecting the romance. Or, they could have made it a romance (but a less silly one) and skipped the post-war drama. But together, there wasn't enough decent romance and the chaos in Germany was only shown here and there--I really wanted to see more of the social and political factors that later led to the rise of Fascism and Communism in the country. Instead, it was just too episodic and diluted--perhaps because MGM was afraid of offending Germans or German-Americans. And as for the romance, it got really, really silly at the very end and ended on a sappy note. Why, exactly, Ms. Sullavan did what she did made little sense to me (unless she was SUPPOSED to be a stupid person in the film).
For a much better film set in Germany that actually DOES blend romance and post-WWI drama, see THE MORTAL STORM. It was also made by MGM and once again stars Margaret Sullavan and Robert Young and is absolutely brilliant thanks to a daring script and engaging characters.
For a much better film set in Germany that actually DOES blend romance and post-WWI drama, see THE MORTAL STORM. It was also made by MGM and once again stars Margaret Sullavan and Robert Young and is absolutely brilliant thanks to a daring script and engaging characters.