"Margin for Error," a wartime film released in 1943, navigates the delicate balance of injecting humor into a narrative dominated by the shadow of World War II. Despite its promising origins as a stage play by Claire Booth Luce and a screenplay by Lillie Hayward and Samuel Fuller, the film struggles to rise above the weight of its propaganda content.
Directed by Otto Preminger, who also takes on the role of the sadistic Nazi consul, the film showcases a mismatched mix of genres. While the comedic elements feel desultory and often fall flat, Preminger's portrayal of the villainous consul adds a compelling layer to the story. His character lacks any redeeming features, and Preminger revels in playing the antagonist with evident gusto.
Milton Berle, playing the lead character Moe Finkelstein, a New York City cop tasked with guarding the German consulate, displays a restrained performance. However, the film's attempt to infuse humor into the serious wartime setting seems to stretch Berle's comedic talents thin. The supporting cast, including Joan Bennett and Carl Esmond, contributes solid performances, with Bennett bringing a noteworthy presence to her role.
The narrative unfolds through a clever use of flashback, allowing Berle's character to recount the events within the German consulate. The film cleverly weaves a murder mystery, reminiscent of Agatha Christie, into its plot, adding an intriguing layer to the otherwise uneven storyline.
Cinematographically, the film boasts impressive production values, with velvety photography by Cronjager and appealing set designs by Day. However, the comedic elements, intended to provide relief from the wartime tension, have not aged well, resulting in a film that falls short of its potential.
In retrospect, "Margin for Error" remains a peculiar blend of genres, with Preminger's strong performance standing out against a backdrop of mixed comedic and dramatic attempts. The film's historical context, as a wartime propaganda piece, adds an extra layer of interest, but it ultimately fails to join the ranks of Preminger's more accomplished works.
Additionally, it presents an idealized vision of a democratic America where seemingly people of all nationalities are well accepted and integrated. However, notably absent is any acknowledgment of the serious issue of segregationist racism that prevailed in the country at that time. The film appears to offer a simplified and optimistic portrayal of American society in the 1940s, overlooking the tensions and challenges related to racism that were, in reality, a significant part of the era. This lack of a deeper exploration may limit the authentic representation of the social and cultural complexity of that period.
