As the US Army approaches Nazi Germany, they recruit German prisoners to spy behind German lines.As the US Army approaches Nazi Germany, they recruit German prisoners to spy behind German lines.As the US Army approaches Nazi Germany, they recruit German prisoners to spy behind German lines.
- Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 1 win & 4 nominations total
Hildegard Knef
- Hilde
- (as Hildegarde Neff)
Wilfried Seyferth
- Heinz Scholtz - SS Man
- (as Wilfried Seyfert)
Robert Freitag
- Sgt. Paul Richter
- (as Robert Freytag)
Harold Benedict
- Lt. Pete Gevers
- (as H.L. Benedict S/Sgt. USAF)
H.W. Briggs
- Self
- (as H.W. Briggs Sgt. USA)
D.G. Devine
- Lt. Rennick's Driver
- (as D.G. Devine Cpl. USAF)
L.E. Dixon
- Self
- (as L.E. Dixon Maj. USA)
B.L. Hendrickson
- Self
- (as B.L. Hendrickson T/Sgt. USA)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaOne of the first films after World War II to portray the German people--outside of the Nazi regime--in a sympathetic light.
- GoofsKarl is mistakenly called a corporal. The Luftwaffe uniform that he wears both in the US POW cage and while back in Germany has the rank insignia of an "Obergefreiter", specifically three winged emblems on the collar patches, plain shoulder straps and two chevrons on his left sleeve. Also when the list is checked for his name at the bridge the rank is written down as 'Gfr' (gefreiter) The ranks of Gefreiter, Obergefreiter and Stabsgefreiter (all which were partially identified by chevrons on the sleeve) were not NCOs and had no command authority over other soldiers. They were simply grades of seniority and would be more equivalent to Private First Class (PFC) in the US military. The German rank that is the closest equivalent to Corporal is Unteroffizer. Also, Karl is wearing the medical badge on his right sleeve; Luftwaffe enlisted medical personnel wore the badge on the left sleeve, while Wehrmacht (army) wore it on the right.
- Quotes
Lt. Dick Rennick: [Intro narration] Of all the questions left unanswered by the last war, and probably any war, one comes back constantly to my mind. Why does a spy risk his life... for what possible reason? If the spy wins, he's ignored. If he loses, he's shot.
- ConnectionsReferenced in That Girl: Decision Before Dawn (1968)
- SoundtracksAch, wie ist' möglich dann (Treue Liebe)
(uncredited)
Written by Friedrich Kücken (1827)
Featured review
Unususally perceptive war drama.
Having just finished watching this film, as well as reading the previous reviews and agreeing with most all of what has been said, I have a quibble and a comment. The quibble first: The only blemish on an otherwise outstandingly cast movie was Wilfried Seyferth's SS Mann Scholtz. Even in late 1944 / early 1945, one would not have found this Sgt. Schultz style caricature in the ranks of the Schutzstaffel. True, the SS had lowered their standards, but never to that level! This is a criticism based not on some sort of personal preference, but rather on the fact that this fat, slovenly stereotype lacked credibility, and therefore the requisite menace.
As for the comment: Several reviewers have expressed surprise over the seemingly objective, even-handed view of the Germans presented so shortly after the war. Against all expectations, this was more the rule rather than the exception at that time. There was a brief window of clarity of observation that seems to have opened between the time of this film and the early 1960s. Sadly, rather than expand, this shut down in the late 60s, never to re-open to this day. The reason for this has never been clear to me, but I suspect that the continued demonization of the Germans of that period has become something of an industry. ( See almost anything by Stephen Spielberg. ) That said, I add to the general consensus that this is a gem well worth seeking out. Hopefully, MAX (AC) will run it again, soon.
As for the comment: Several reviewers have expressed surprise over the seemingly objective, even-handed view of the Germans presented so shortly after the war. Against all expectations, this was more the rule rather than the exception at that time. There was a brief window of clarity of observation that seems to have opened between the time of this film and the early 1960s. Sadly, rather than expand, this shut down in the late 60s, never to re-open to this day. The reason for this has never been clear to me, but I suspect that the continued demonization of the Germans of that period has become something of an industry. ( See almost anything by Stephen Spielberg. ) That said, I add to the general consensus that this is a gem well worth seeking out. Hopefully, MAX (AC) will run it again, soon.
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- herzogvon
- Jun 28, 2005
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Call It Treason
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 59 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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