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Watch on the Rhine | acoolsha :: a personal culture log :: robert bruce rodger

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Watch on the Rhine 6 February 02

Section: article

Categories: Film / vhs

This is quite a remarkable film about the German anti-Nazi underground movement: it takes place almost entirely in the mansion of a wealthy family just outside of Washington, D.C.
Bette Davis’s character had lived in Europe for 17 years married to a German leader of the movement who had also fought on the side of the Republic in the Spanish Civil War. She speaks German. The couple has three children, and their relationship with their children is also quite beautiful. (I have no illusions about the context: at that time the US establishment needed any anti-Nazi propaganda, which nevertheless does not diminish the integrity and progressive stance of the film.) (The title is rather strange.)

Title: Watch on the Rhine

Directed by: Herman Schumlin

Starring: Bette Davis and Paul Lukas

Year: 1943

Screenplay by: Dashell Hammett, with additional scenes and dialogues by Lillian Hellman

From the stageplay by: Lillian Hellman

Music by: Max Steiner

  • Title: Watch on the Rhine