Director Raoul Walsh usually has a concise approach to storytelling and, in this case, the script is buoyed by the strong and unusual idea that a convicted thief and possible murderer, Picard (Flynn) could offer his life to save 100 men about to be executed by the Germans because of a French Resistance-sabotaged bridge.
As ever, Flynn is charismatic, Lukas very good but dialogue is repetitive, and the script loses credibility as the two men keep hearing all manner of vital conversations and info in all different places. What is more, incredibly, they hear crucial info from the very Germans in the street; and the Gestapo decision to wait five days before putting 100 martyrs to death is hard to believe.
Perhaps the single most disturbing thing is the presence of two beautiful women in the film. The first one has a quick fling with Picard before Lukas apprehends him and you accept that, at the height of the war, men and women would have quick and casual relations - she actually provides an unusual moment in the movies coming out in 1944.
The second love interest borders on the cruel. She is a much younger girl, and Picard lovingly kisses her knowing that his number would be up in front an execution squad the next day. Moral value of this liaison? None that I can see. Regrettably, the script offers a great deal of pointless dialogue that only makes the liaison seem needlessly cruel.
Generally good B&W photography, superb closeups of Flynn.
As ever, Flynn is charismatic, Lukas very good but dialogue is repetitive, and the script loses credibility as the two men keep hearing all manner of vital conversations and info in all different places. What is more, incredibly, they hear crucial info from the very Germans in the street; and the Gestapo decision to wait five days before putting 100 martyrs to death is hard to believe.
Perhaps the single most disturbing thing is the presence of two beautiful women in the film. The first one has a quick fling with Picard before Lukas apprehends him and you accept that, at the height of the war, men and women would have quick and casual relations - she actually provides an unusual moment in the movies coming out in 1944.
The second love interest borders on the cruel. She is a much younger girl, and Picard lovingly kisses her knowing that his number would be up in front an execution squad the next day. Moral value of this liaison? None that I can see. Regrettably, the script offers a great deal of pointless dialogue that only makes the liaison seem needlessly cruel.
Generally good B&W photography, superb closeups of Flynn.