DKosty123 Yes, Paul Lucas deserved best actor for this film. Bette Davis and a fine supporting cast bring out a terrific performance. The film is very well constructed by one would come to expect that when the author of the Broadway play brings that play to the screen with the help of the author of The Thin Man.There are many subtle points in this movie younger viewers miss. For example, the kids act robotic and unreal at times. The reason for this is because these kids were according to the story-line, schooled in Nazi Germany and that is how kids were schooled by Nazis. The youngest son particularly is alarming scripted as a Nazi Brainwashed Programmed Child. This is an extremely intelligent point most viewers miss now, as it has been a long time since this was written. Lucas as the father speaks to the children late in the movie about saving all children their "childhood". That is what this speech is about, not being brainwashed on how to think.Meanwhile, PC people have cringed at this movie being shown, so for years it did not get a lot of air play. That is because the black cast here is shown as servants, just like many films in this era. That is hard for the politically correct person to accept, because we are not supposed to show them reality. It reminds me of another Liberal view which justifies racism - "Black Slaves who came to America were not immigrants, because they were slaves." Now here is the definition of -im·mi·grantˈiməɡrənt/noun- a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country. Sorry, it does not matter if someone chooses or is forced to come to another country, once they do, by definition they are an immigrant if they live in that country permanently. This movies author is considered Liberal and even Communist by some. They are also quite Racist, and that is an important point to remember. Regardless of the authors intentions in writing the play, and helping to convert it into a film, the film accurately portrays many views at the time. Yes, this film is very much war propaganda. Bette Davis added needed star power to an outstanding cast and a well written script. It is really war propaganda more than anything else as in 1943, there were several films from Warner Brothers that were. In fact, several members of the supporting cast were regulars in Warners films that year.The alarm that should be raised by this movie is it illustrates how political views can be drummed into people to the point of making society dangerous. It is still happening today, and this film should be shown as a base primer on how it was done then, and remind us of how it is being done today.The last scene with Davis and the oldest son is an interesting epilogue. It presents the oldest son as loving his dad so much, that he wants to follow in his footsteps in hopes of finding him, and contributing to the cause his father stood for - freedom from oppression. It is a telling message.

gavin6942 A German-born engineer (Paul Lukas), his American wife (Bette Davis) and their children travel from Mexico to the United States to visit his brother but their plans are complicated by a Romanian count.Davis stated in a 1971 interview with Dick Cavett, that she played the role of the wife for 'name value' because the studio did not consider the film a good financial risk, and that her name above the credits would draw audiences. Davis gladly took the secondary role because she felt the story was so important, and that Miss Hellman's writing was 'super brilliant'. Incidentally, I believe Paul Lukas is the more interesting actor, but Davis would be right that she was the bigger draw... and went on to maintain stardom while Lukas is largely forgotten.I just happen to like the film because of the way it portrays Germans and Italians... there is a bit more nuance than you typically see in a film about World War II -- especially a film made right in the middle of the war!

Richie-67-485852 Pretty much anything Bette Davis did is memorable and entertaining with this movie being no exception. The movie starts out establishing a contrast which may appear to be slow but is necessary for the film to achieve its potency and grand finale to earn that 8 rating. At some point, it kicks in real nice and starts with a deep emotional tension that draws you into the movie and its premise. All the acting is superb with moments of genuine gut-sob temptation working on you in many scenes no less. The film forces one to choose an early side when the Germany is brought up. In the early Germany, there were good Germans who stood for their country in the right way. It was the fascists or Nazis that help introduce us to the not so good Germans. Just hearing how they go about their nefarious business practices and methods makes one not like them on that alone. Remember, back then, these type of films helped to make America stronger regardless of what you might think. You clearly see how Americans practice live and let live until America is threatened. Americans draw the line as they should. Kleenex, snack and tasty drink recommended. No texting or bathroom breaks after the first 15. Pay attention and let this movie have its way with you. Rewarding & satisfying ending worthy of discussion

PWNYCNY The is a great movie. The passage of time has not lessened its dramatic impact. Although set during World War Two, this movie, which is an excellent adaptation of the Lillian Hellman play, deal with themes which are relevant today and would resonate with a contemporary audience. Paul Lukas's performance is tremendous; his Academy Award is well-deserved. As for Bette Davis, she successfully tackles a role that was not a typical one for her. Here she is cast in a supporting role, yet she still stars, so good is her performance. The other member of the cast are also excellent. Special mention must go to George Coulouris and Irene Watson, both of whom have key roles in the drama. This movie conveys the feeling of determination and commitment to the struggle against Nazism, yet avoids becoming a polemic, which is why the movie is so strong as a drama. For anyone who likes strong stories and excellent acting, this movie is for you.