You could call the Nazi's in this propaganda filled war drama "The Peter Lorre Choir" with their stereotypical harsh tones making them even more one dimensional than ever. It also appears that a few of the actors playing these characters have had their voices altered because they sound like Conrad Veidt on helium. Considering that they are on-screen for about 75 percent of the movie makes it a major distraction and a little tough to take serious at times even though the message of the movie is truly touching.
The story surrounds the occupation of Holland and the Nazi's infiltration into Ralph Richardson's submarine factory, as well as the locales' attempts to sabotage them. They have come to believe that Richardson is a "Quisling" (traitor), unaware that he's put together his own plan of action, even keeping his wife (Googie Withers) out of the loop, thus putting his own marriage in jeopardy. Withers isn't any shrinking violet of a wife, having her own plans in motion while defending her husband against the local talk until she begins to believe that he really has turned against his own people simply to save his own life.
While the performers of the Nazi characters may seem like something out of Mel Brooks, those playing the locales are more grounded in reality which only accentuates the one dimensionalism of the "Why We Fight" story. Yes, the message is loud and clear, and at times, the battle does seem worth dying for, but the lack of subtlety ultimately defeats the well-meaning structure into becoming a band of self-serving faciciousness.
The story surrounds the occupation of Holland and the Nazi's infiltration into Ralph Richardson's submarine factory, as well as the locales' attempts to sabotage them. They have come to believe that Richardson is a "Quisling" (traitor), unaware that he's put together his own plan of action, even keeping his wife (Googie Withers) out of the loop, thus putting his own marriage in jeopardy. Withers isn't any shrinking violet of a wife, having her own plans in motion while defending her husband against the local talk until she begins to believe that he really has turned against his own people simply to save his own life.
While the performers of the Nazi characters may seem like something out of Mel Brooks, those playing the locales are more grounded in reality which only accentuates the one dimensionalism of the "Why We Fight" story. Yes, the message is loud and clear, and at times, the battle does seem worth dying for, but the lack of subtlety ultimately defeats the well-meaning structure into becoming a band of self-serving faciciousness.