American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally

Greetings again from the darkness. World War II continues to provide the stories of individuals who were caught up in the horrific events surrounding the war - some folks acted heroically, some despicably, and still others simply did what they could to survive. Director Michael Polish (NORTHFORK, 2003) adapted the screenplay with Vance Owen and Darryl Hicks from the book by Mr. Owen and his father William E. Owen. It's the nearly forgotten story of an American woman drawn into the powerful Nazi propaganda machine, and subsequently tried for treason.

Mildred Gillars is a name few will be familiar with. Portrayed well here by Meadow Williams, Ms. Gillars was known as Axis Sally by American servicemen during WWII. Her radio broadcasts of Nazi propaganda alternately entertained and enraged Americans, and this depiction of her story shines a light on the lengths to which the Nazis utilized psychological warfare in conjunction with traditional tanks and guns.

Director Polish spends most of the movie's runtime on Gillars' trial for treason, which provides a courtroom for Oscar winner Al Pacino (now 81 years old) to play her attorney James Laughlin and chew scenery with an enthusiasm and fervor matched by few actors. Joining Laughlin at the defense table is green-behind-the-ears attorney (and former GI soldier) Billy Owen (Swen Temmell), whose warm approach contrasts well with Laughlin's gusto. The lead prosecutor John Kelly is played by Mitch Pileggi ("The X-Files"), and other supporting roles are covered by Lala Kent, Jasper Polish, and Carsten Norgaard.

Flashbacks are vital here, as we see Gillars "perform" her act, often in front of Joseph Goebbels, the chief propagandist of the Nazis during the war. Thomas Kretschmann (U-571, 2000) is excellent and sufficiently creepy as Goebbels, and some of the most intense scenes feature Goebbels and Gillars. Filmmaker Polish takes a sympathetic approach to Gillars, an approach surely to ruffle some patriotic feathers. The trial is not often-remembered in the aftermath of the war, but Ms. Gillars' story makes us wonder just what we might do if our life was threatened ... and just as importantly, how would our actions be judged after the fact?

In select theaters and On Demand May 28, 2021.

It is slow and plodding. I found myself watching the clock and wishing it would soon be over. Almost every one of the characters is plastic and two-dimensional. Even Al Pacino (one of my favorite actors of all time) is not up to his usual level of excellence. Meadow Williams' character is like a Barbie doll. When she is on the witness stand, her movements are wooden and jerky. We are never invested in the scant storyline. We do not believe the characters are anything more than actors merely playing a part.

The cinematography is excellent and so are the sets. Ms. William's costumes are 1940s perfection. If the director had paid as much attention to character development as he did framing each and every shot, this movie might have kept my interest. I kept wanting to know Mildred's backstory. What brought her to be a traitor to her nation of origin? At a time in our nation's history of unparalleled patriotism and loyalty, I am at a loss to see how someone who, when offered a chance to leave the country of the aggressive nation, refused and stayed there. These questions are never addressed in the movie. Very disappointing.

A great movie about a real event from rich and experienced actors like Al Pacino, Carsten Norgaard and Meadow Williams... I recommend you to watch.

Disappointing handling of an interesting case. Poorly written, badly paced and wooden acting doom this movie. Even Pacino can't save this one from the trash heap. Avoid.

I recommend this movie for people who likes historical courtroom dramas and for Al Pacino completist! For me the best part of film is the final Pacino speech in court as a lawyer! I suppose all other people could find this movie flat and a little bit boring.