Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Nice effects though.

A Disappointing Continuation

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I must admit I only just saw this film for the first time and I can't figure out why this incredibly important and powerful film has been relegated to rare showings and obscurity. Especially with the creeping tyranny of intolerance overtaking our world today, this film must be seen - as the cautionary tale it is. In spite of the fact it is ostensibly about the rise of Nazism in Germany, it is really about intolerance - and it dramatically reveals how quickly a civilized country becomes brainwashed and murderously hateful toward those who don't step in line. What a powerful statement - and a great film as well, with incredibly taut performances by James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan (who were so great together in The Shop Around The Corner, released the same year, 1940) and a superb cast of fine actors including Frank Morgan (also from The Shop Around The Corner by the way, as well as The Wizard of Oz, etc.), a young Robert Stack and Robert Young (cast, unusually, in the role of an evil political convert). Like all great films, it operates on many levels including as a tragic romance - the consequence of a world gone mad. Saying much more will give too much away, but suffice it to say, this film is one that should be shown regularly and appreciated for the power of its message as well as for its many brilliant aspects. Deeply moving - and super scary, for it also speaks, in some way, to today's political turmoil and a growing fanaticism and intolerance.

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.

Frank Borsage directed this powerful and still timely drama set in 1933 Germany, in a little village in the Alps, where respected Professor Roth(played by Frank Morgan) is having his birthday(Jan. 30) observed by his family and students. Things are happy until the results of the national election are announced, with Hitler and his Nazi party the overwhelming winners. This creates a wave of pro-Nazi zealotry that ends up dividing the family. Daughter Freya(played by Margaret Sullivan) is torn between two suitors(played by Robert Young and James Stewart). When her father is arrested and later dies in prison, Freya chooses Stewart because he hates the Nazis, but he is also a fugitive, as is her whole family, leading to a fateful ski trip escape down the mountains to freedom across the border...also costars Robert Stack, Ward Bond, and Bonita Granville.Still potent film shows in chilling and shocking detail how blind party loyalty can grip a nation, turning friends and family against each other because they dare question their own government, a problem that has not gone away, but merely changes form... Only a vigilant and informed citizenry can prevent such a thing from happening again.

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.