49th Parallel
Released – March, 1942 
Directed By - Michael Powell
Starring – Eric Portman (Lieutenant Hirth), Raymond Lovell (Lieutenant Kuhnecke), Niall MacGinnis (Vogel), Peter Moore (Kranz), Laurence Olivier (Johnny), Leslie Howard (Philip Armstrong Scott), Raymond Massey (Andy Brock).
Description – A World War II German U-boat has been damaged and stranded in Hudson Bay. Led by their fanatical commanding officer the survivors try to escape capture by crossing Canada with the hope of making it to the then neutral United States.
During the course of their trip they encounter a wide range of people, each of which have their own views of the war with most not too sympathic to the Nazi cause.
A very suspenseful drama with a satisfying final confrontation.
NOTABLE: This film won an Oscar for Best Writing Original Story, and was nominated for Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay. These awards are listed under the U.S. release title The Invaders.
Director Michael Powell used this film in an effort to “scare the pants off the Americans”, and bring them into the war.
The 49th Parallel runs along most of the United States and Canadian border.
This British production was the country’s top grossing film of the year.
Actors Olivier, Howard, and Massey worked for half their usual fee in order to help the war effort with this leading propaganda film.
49th Parallel – Criterion Collection
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Tags: 1940's war, academy awards, eric portman, general film distributors, laurence olivier, leslie howard, niall macginnis, propaganda film, raymond massey, world war II
