L'ange des ténèbres

A story incomparable of a people unconquerable about the underground movement in Norway , 1942 , based on the novel by William Woods . After two years under German rule , a small Norwegian fishing village rises up and revolts against the occupying Nazis . A fisherman (Errol Flynn) along with his loyal fiancée (Ann Sheridan) leads the local (Walter Huston , Ruth Gordon , Judith Anderson and several others) underground movement against a Nazi nasty captain (Helmut Dantine). The second part is quite starkly moving developing account of deeds that befall about the villagers and when they go into action.

A surprisingly very strong version about Norwegian resistance with career-best interpretations from Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan . With a spectacular opening reminiscent of 'Beau Gest' , the film gets action , pretty downbeat deeds , intense drama with moments of extraordinary power and breathtaking final battle . Although numerous problems happened throughout shooting , this movie contains impressive images and submitted performances . Director tries to expose war for what it is and not glorify it . Very well camera work by cameraman Sidney Hickock . Thrilling and evocative musical score by the classic Franz Waxman . Rating : Above average , the flick earned big high marks for its superb scenarios , credible acting and dramatic scenes .

This War/drama is compellingly directed by Lewis Milestone , he was born in the Ukraine , but emigrated to America at 18 and he served in WWI becoming an assistant director on Army training films . Then War returned and Lewis was in thick of it with several fictional movies and a documentary . He often made chronicles of wartime conflicts and persisted in showing horror war from the point of view of the ordinary soldier . Milestone was using what he felt were the best means at his disposal to express his own philosophies about war in particular . Milestone's niche in movie history is secure with his War films and it is on these pictures that his reputation rests . As he showed WWI , winning Academy Award for ¨All quiet on the western front¨ , and WWII such as ¨Purple heart¨ , ¨Halls of Montezuma¨ , ¨Edge and darkness¨ , the best of which is ¨A walk in the sun¨ with remarkable intensity at times and Korean war as ¨Pork Chop Hill¨ ; and directed several others excellent movies in different fields , dramas as ¨Of mice and men¨ , Noir cinema as ¨Strange love of Martha Ivers¨, adventure as ¨Mutiny on the Bount¨ and heist-comedy as ¨Ocean's eleven¨, among others.

The picture is set during German invasion of Norway and subsequent Nazi conquest , the historical events are the following : The invasion began on April 9, 1940. The German Navy and Airforce led the operation . The Hitler plan relied on surprise to avoid interception by the British and to prevent Norwegian forces from mobilizing. The sudden appearance of naval task forces took Norwegian defenders by surprise and allowed airfields around Oslo , Tondheim and Stevenager to be captured by the German intact. German forces at Trondheim advanced and linked up with forces in Oslo. Norwegian forces in central and southern began to surrender. In northern Norway British and French troops fighting against Germans in Narvik . But the Allied decided to pull out of Norway , evacuating forces from Narvik . After that , Nazi conquest was completed with help some collaborators as the famous ¨Quisling¨ who was a Norwegian prime minister whose collaboration with the Nazis meant his name became a term meaning traitor and in this film is represented by the Walter Huston , Ruth Gordon's son , John Beal .

Edge Of Darkness is one of the most underrated movies by one of the most underrated directors, Lewis Milestone. This World War Two "propaganda" piece or morale builder rises far above its genre in the hands of the cinematic master best known for his magisterial World War One picture All Quiet On The Western Front. The story of a revolt brewing against Nazi occupiers by the people of a Norwegian fishing village, scripted by Robert Rossen, is reeled out in Milestone's fluid, sensuous cinematic style with spellbinding suspense from beginning to end. Sets are first rate, with the magic of Old Hollywood art transforming the California coast into a misty Scandinavian fjord.

Leading man Errol Flynn turns in perhaps his best job of acting. His dashing image is completely lost in the role of a humble fisherman not entirely confident as the leader of the local Resistance movement. No dashing uniform here, just a pea coat and a plain merchant sailor's cap. And no mustache! Flynn and leading lady Ann Sheridan both turn in the solid, understated performances their roles called for, but it is a superb cast of supporting players that really shines in this one. One of the great charms of this memorable movie is the rich character development amongst the supporting parts. Walter Huston, as the town doctor trying to sit the fence, and Judith Anderson, as a Resistance worker hopelessly in love with a German soldier, are dominating as always. But the show is practically stolen by Roman Bohnen, as a henpecked, middle-aged store keeper with dreams of glory, and the ubiquitous Henry Brandon, as a suave SS officer who may not be all he seems. Helmut Dantine, a refugee Austrian anti-Nazi in real life, plays the German commandant with razor-edge ruthlessness. Likewise outstanding are Ruth Gordon as the doctor's sadly unbalanced wife, Charles Dingle as her Quissling brother, John Beal as her wavering Quissling son, and Nancy Coleman as the commandant's frightened Polish mistress. Monte Blue, Frank Wilcox, Art Bridge, and Morris Carnovsky add their always reliable presences. Thanks to consummate acting skill, Rossen's intelligent script, and Milestone's precise direction, you will come to know these characters as well as your neighbors by the shattering end of this two hour movie.

Franz Waxman's florid score themed on Martin Luther's stirring hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is My God" with snatches from Wagner sweeps the action along to a rousing climax.Sid Hickox is credited for the sublime cinematography, but as I have stated elsewhere (see my review of The General Died At Dawn), Milestone's graphic statement was the same no matter who was behind the camera or in the editing room. Sweeping camera, silky smooth scene changes with creative dissolves, panning mise-en-scene were all the master's trademarks -- much imitated and highly influential on the film noir style that came to dominate pictures of all genres during the 1940's. Notice how at the beginning of the final scene in Edge of Darkness the flapping flag dissolves into a sheet of paper in a typewriter!

Edge of Darkness is a classic of the war/intrigue genre and one of the great movies of all time. First rate Old Hollywood entertainment from the master Lewis Milestone.

The term 'propaganda' has generally taken on a very negative connotation, though propaganda can be a very good thing--such as in the case of EDGE OF DARKNESS. Here is a film that did an excellent job of rallying the audience for the war effort against the Nazis. The emotional impact is great--mostly due to exceptional writing, production values and a nice ensemble cast. I'm sure when audiences left the theaters, they often were energized and it gave them a sense that "we're all in this together".

Errol Flynn is cast in the lead as a Norwegian patriot who is slowly and very covertly trying to plan for a rebellion against their Nazi overlords. Interestingly, while Flynn and the rest do not sport Norwegian accents, the film (and in particular, Flynn's performance) is generally understated. This helped make the film seem more realistic and heightened the emotional impact.

In addition to Flynn, the film also stars Ann Sheridan, Walter Huston and Ruth Gordon. However, unlike most Warner Brothers films of the day, the usual cast of supporting actors (Allen Jenkins, Frank McHugh, Alan Hale and the rest) are absent. This was a good decision, as the usual "comic relief" style of support is --replaced with a gritty yet believable group of actors.

What I also liked about the film was that while the Nazis were very brutal and evil, they were not quite so over-the-top as they were in many propaganda films of the day. Yes, they murdered and even raped, but the whole thing was handled more realistically than many films--the Germans were not parodied or ridiculous--making them all the more scary.

The film ends with a terrific final confrontation scene between the Norwegians and the Nazis. It was very deftly filmed and was super-exciting.

All in all, this is one terrific film--mostly due to realism and excellent performances all around--from direction to sets to writing to acting to cinematography. A real stand out among the crowded pack of American WWII films.

I am old enough to have seen "Edge of Darkness" first run during WWII, and believe me this was a powerful movie for a 13 year old during the war. I've always remembered the effect of President Roosevelt's over voice message at the end of the film. For those who haven't seen this film the message was an excerpt from a speech he made probably in late 1940 or 41, and it refers to the resistance of the people of Norway to the occupation by the Nazis. I wouldn't doubt that it is possible that this speech was the inspiration for the novel from which the film is based. Yes, the way this over voice was used was a wartime "message" or propaganda if you will, but having seen and re-seen every war film made during WWII, I think this was about the best use of wartime messages.

Errol Flynn made some of the best and most exciting WW2 films. Here he's part of an ensemble in this story about a small Norwegian fishing village under Nazi occupation. Many of the villagers want to fight back against their occupiers but they have no weapons. Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan are the two main leaders of this resistance group. Sheridan's father Walter Huston wishes to avoid fighting and wait the war out. Then you have her uncle and brother, who are Nazi collaborators. Eventually tensions within the village boil over and the citizens revolt against the evil Nazis.

The cast is excellent. In addition to the three big stars I list above, who all do commendable work, there's an outstanding supporting cast. Judith Anderson is a ballsy resistance fighter who is in love with one of the Nazis but doesn't let that sway her loyalty. Ruth Gordon gives one of her patented sensitive and soft-spoken performances. Charles Dingle and John Beal play the rat bastards who sell their own out to the enemy. One of them has a moment of redemption by the end. Morris Carnovsky is extraordinary as an elderly man who stands up to the Nazis despite the danger. Roman Bohnen is a scene stealer as a patriot who has to overcome his fear. Helmut Dantine plays the scar-faced Nazi in charge of the occupation. Many other fine actors in small parts, some of whom may only get one scene to make an impact but they make the most of it.

Powerful script, beautiful cinematography, and excellent direction. The climactic battle scene is intense. It's an unflinching war movie with little to no comic relief, a rarity for Warner Bros, who usually threw Alan Hale or somebody into these pictures to add some lighter moments. But this is a serious movie about bravery and the sacrifices that so many made in the war. The story doesn't call for lightheartedness. It's one of the best war movies Flynn or WB made.