The Mortal Storm

Powerful anti-Nazism, anti-fascism drama.

Follows the lives of a German family and their friends as Hitler comes to power in the 1930s, and the results of this change. Explores very directly the effects of Nazi rule, how freedoms are lost and the right to be different and think differently is destroyed. Shows very vividly the effect of group-think/mob-think and the cult of personality.

Yes, it was made during World War 2, so is to some extent a propaganda movie. However, the themes explored can be applied to any fascist country.

Can be compared to Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator", which was released in the same year. While Chaplin used satire and comedy to mock the Nazis, this movie is pure drama, and stands alongside The Great Dictator in exposing the evil that was Nazism.

There are two things about THE MORTAL STORM that make it unusual. First, it comes from MGM, primarily known as the studio that produced glossy technicolor musicals. Secondly, the entire cast have roles that are unusual for their persona.

Take, for example, all American Robert Young and Robert Stack as dedicated Nazis. Or Frank Morgan as a German professor in a highly dramatic role. Or Bonita Granville in one of her first near-adult dramatic roles. Or Dan Dailey before he became known principally as a musical star. Like several other films of this period (Escape, Nazi Agent, To Be Or Not To Be, The Great Dictator, Berlin Correspondent), it treats the subject of the approaching storm of Nazism with both conviction and emotional power.

Tension builds once it becomes apparent that Margaret Sullavan (as Morgan's daughter) and James Stewart must leave their homeland to escape the Nazi menace that has slowly penetrated their village. The finale with the ski scenes of the two escaping down a mountain slope is played for maximum suspense as they flee to freedom in Austria.

Produced on a handsome scale with realistic looking winter locations and featuring splendid performances from Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart, Robert Young, Frank Morgan, Robert Stack, Bonita Granville and Maria Ouspenskaya, it is guaranteed to keep you absorbed until the very end.

Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart give their usual earnest performances but it's the superior script and Frank Borzage's expert direction that really counts here. Well worth viewing.

This is probably one of the best anti-Nazi films produced in Hollywood before the US entry into WWII. The film does an excellent job in a very melodramatic "MGM" way of showing how an ordinary town and its citizens willingly and some unwillingly were affected by the state policies that National Socialism brought. It's too bad that the studios didn't make more of these films in those days. A fine cast headed by James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan make this an great film to watch. Watch for early performances by actors Robert Young, Robert Stack and Dan Dailey.

Sincere, moving story about the Nazi takeover in Germany and its affect on one family in particular. The father (Frank Morgan) is sent to a concentration camp. His stepsons become ardent Nazis, as does the man who was supposed to marry his daughter (Margaret Sullavan). This also drives a wedge between the sons and a lifelong friend (James Stewart), who is in love with Sullavan.

Beautifully acted with fine performances from all. Stewart and Sullavan are amazing. Robert Young, usually playing good guy parts, here plays a Nazi. Bonita Granville does well, as does Ward Bond in a villainous part. Maria Ouspenskaya is brilliant as usual. But the best kudos would have to go to Frank Morgan for his sensitive, intelligent performance. Possibly the finest of his career. Robert Stack also appears as one of the Nazi stepsons and plays a part in the film's powerful final scene.

This is truly a classic in every sense of the word. It's a movie that should be seen by everybody, both for its content as well as its historical value.

The Roth family lead a quiet life in a small village in the German Alps during the early 1930's. When the Nazi's come to power, the family is divided and Martin Brietner (James Stewart), a family friend is caught up in the turmoil.

This is a hard film to find -- I checked in multiple libraries throughout the state of Wisconsin, and every considered buying it. And even then, a good copy is hard to track down. Why? The story is excellent, and it is early James Stewart... this should be a classic, but instead remains almost completely unknown.

I want this film to see a resurgence (or maybe just a surge). I want it to get a decent transfer, released on a nice DVD with features, and I want people to have actually heard of it. Few films had the courage to stand up to Hitler before the war, and I doubt any of the few others did so as forcefully as this one did.