“Hangmen Also Die!” is a tense wartime thriller directed by Fritz Lang. The movie takes place in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, where the assassination of a high-ranking official sparks a manhunt. The Gestapo, led by cruel Inspector Gruber, begins a ruthless pursuit of the assassins and their allies. As the tension mounts, the lines between good and evil become blurred, and no one can be trusted. Will justice prevail? Watch “Hangmen Also Die!” to find out.
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Review
Hangmen Also Die! is a 1943 movie that often flies under the radar of classic cinema. Despite being directed by famed filmmaker Fritz Lang and co-written by acclaimed playwright Bertolt Brecht, it’s a movie that doesn’t receive the same level of attention as other films from the era. However, this movie is an overlooked gem that provides a thrilling and thought-provoking story.
The plot centers around the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi official in Czechoslovakia during World War II. The film follows Dr. Frantisek Svoboda, a Czech doctor who assists in the assassination and is subsequently hunted by Gestapo agents. He finds refuge with Mrs. Novotny, an unsuspecting widow who is pulled into his dangerous world.
The storytelling is exceptional, weaving together historical accuracy with fictional elements to create a suspenseful narrative. It’s remarkable how Lang and Brecht were able to create such compelling characters in such an oppressive environment.
The film features an impressive cast of actors, including Brian Donlevy as Svoboda and Walter Brennan as Novotny’s father. Donlevy delivers a convincing performance as the conflicted hero while Brennan brings both levity and heart to the story.
A notable aspect of Hangmen Also Die! is its score, composed by Hanns Eisler. The music adds to the tension onscreen, accentuating moments of danger and suspense.
Despite being set during wartime, Hangmen Also Die! still resonates with audiences today. Its portrayal of ordinary people risking their lives for their country’s freedom is universal and timeless.
One quote from the film that particularly stands out comes from Svoboda when he says, “Sometimes it takes years for idealism to become courage.” This line speaks to the character’s journey throughout the film – initially driven by his ideals but ultimately stepping up in moments of extreme peril.
The cinematography is another highlight of the movie. The black-and-white visuals capture the starkness of the story while also creating moments of beauty and elegance. Lang’s direction is excellent, utilizing camera angles and lighting to enhance the suspenseful narrative.
Hangmen Also Die! was a critical success upon its release, receiving high praise from both audiences and critics. It earned two Oscar nominations, one for Best Original Story and another for Best Score. However, it was not as financially successful as other movies released at the time.
Despite its accolades, Hangmen Also Die! has largely been forgotten in discussions about classic cinema. This fact is a shame since this film deserves to be recognized among some of the greatest movies ever made.
As with any production, there were challenges during filming. One notable difficulty was the language barrier on set since many of the actors were Czechoslovakian and spoke little to no English. This challenge only speaks to the level of commitment and passion that went into creating the film.
Another standout scene from Hangmen Also Die! is when Svoboda confronts a Gestapo agent who has been torturing him. The tension in this moment is incredibly powerful, with both actors delivering performances that leave a lasting impact on viewers.
There are also interesting behind-the-scenes stories about Hangmen Also Die!, such as how Lang and Brecht initially met while both were living in exile in Hollywood during World War II.
While some may criticize Hangmen Also Die! for its anti-Nazi propaganda, it’s important to remember that this film was created during wartime when tensions were incredibly high. It’s a testament to Lang and Brecht’s talents that they were able to craft a story that remains engaging today while still serving an important purpose during its time.
Overall, Hangmen Also Die! is an engaging and creative movie that deserves more recognition than it receives. Its thrilling storyline paired with excellent acting, cinematography, and score make it a standout contribution to classic cinema. It’s a movie that proves to be both exciting and thought-provoking, providing a glimpse into the bravery and sacrifice of those who fight for freedom.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 134
- Release : 1943-04-15
- Genre : Drama, Thriller, War
- Cast : Brian Donlevy as Dr. Franticek Svoboda, Walter Brennan as Prof. Stephen Novotny, Anna Lee as Masha Novotny, Gene Lockhart as Emil Czaka, Dennis O’Keefe as Jan Horak
- Crew : Fritz Lang as Director, Fritz Lang as Producer, Fritz Lang as Adaptation, Fritz Lang as Original Story, Bertolt Brecht as Adaptation
- Popularity 7.995
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : United Artists, Arnold Pressburger Films
- Summary : During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, surgeon Dr. Franticek Svoboda, a Czech patriot, assassinates the brutal “Hangman of Europe”, Reichsprotektor Reinhard Heydrich, and is wounded in the process. In his attempt to escape, he is helped by history professor Stephen Novotny and his daughter Mascha.
- Tagline : The shot heard ’round the world!
