Commandos Strike at Dawn (1942) User Reviews

good propaganda film

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 30 October 2009]

"Commandos Strike at Dawn," from 1942, is another propaganda that demonstrates the spirit of the Norwegians and their commitment to resistance. This one is directed by John Farrow, with a screenplay by a man whose name would become synonymous with long novels, Irwin Shaw, and stars Paul Muni, Anna Lee, Lillian Gish, Cedric Hardwicke, Alexander Knox, George MacCready, Ann Carter, Rosemary DeCamp, and Ray Collins.

Based on a story by C.S. Forester, "Commandos Strike at Dawn" tells the story of more victims of Quisling, citizens of a small town that is taken over by the Nazis. After Eric Toresen (Muni) sees a friend murdered and another one (Collins) severely beaten, he gets some of the townspeople to form a resistance group. When he realizes that the Germans are preparing for a huge air strike against England, he is determined to get the information to the right people in England and join the fight.

Very good film, if a little slow in spots. Muni gives an excellent performance as the bold Toreson, and Ray Collins, Lt. Tragg of Perry Mason, is cast against type as one who vocally opposes the Nazis, and he is very good. This was probably his favorite role, as it's so different from his standard tough cop or crooked politician role. Lillian Gish doesn't have much to do, sadly, as his wife. Neither does Anna Lee, as the daughter of a British military man (Hardwicke) who falls for Muni.

Someone commenting here said that this film, and probably by inference, Edge of Darkness, exaggerates the role of the underground in Europe, that most Europeans were passive during the war, afraid of reprisal. That may have been true in some areas - Germany most definitely - but that was not true in France and Norway, both of which had formidable resistance movements. Some people don't like bullies.

Good take on the Norwegian spirit

[intelearts · 7/10 · 19 June 2009]

With the action coming in the last 20 minutes this isn't just a film about commandos. It is also a film about the Norwegians and how they, without commandos or training, but rather through gumption and nous, became a thorn in the side of the German occupation.

The simple plot of how a mild mannered Norwegian becomes a patriot is well told and they are many nice touches showing the Norwegian life at the time.

All in all a good war film, and one that while typical of the period has a heart and spirit about it that make it good viewing.

If it comes around and you like WWII films then catch it, it's well worth the time.

Well worth seeing and preserving

[dexter-10 · 8/10 · 29 October 2001]

Although another of the "common folk against Nazi invasion and occupation" films, this one is better than most. The acting on all levels ranges from good to superior. The plot is complete and dynamic, and the technical elements, like music and setting, are extremely good. Amazingly, the accomplishments of Norway's underground during World War Two are more dramatic than those portrayed in the film. In addition to sabotage, the underground was able to cross and recross the Swedish border, many times to save Nordic Jews. In this instance, reality exceeds the fictional world of the movie industry. This is a well written dramatic film, well worth seeing and preserving!

Norway's struggle in WWII

[jjnxn-1 · 6/10 · 16 May 2013]

Its propaganda roots are obvious now but still a well acted war drama about the struggle of Norway against the Nazi machine.

Paul Muni is strong in the lead. Famed for parts where he was under heavy makeup like Emile Zola and Louis Pasteur those performances viewed today are heavy and hammy whereas in plain clothes such as here and I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang he is far more naturalistic.

A cast of fine character actors all add texture to the film. Lillian Gish's part is small and mostly without dialogue but of course she could convey more with a look than most actresses with a telephone book worth of words.

One of a dozen, but still memorable

[sno-smari-m · 7/10 · 10 November 2009]

It is easy to overlook COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DOWN as just one out of many, many other propaganda-films against Nazism made in Hollywood during the war. In fact, this seems to be pretty much what has happened, because despite starring Paul Muni, the for his time unusually versatile and complex actor, and co-starring the legend of the silent screen Lillian Gish (I wish she was given more screen time!), this film rarely gets any mention at all, even in discussion of the aforementioned performers. Yet, among the films of this kind I have seen, this one is, despite some obvious short-comings, by far one of the most exciting, touching and enjoyable.

The film covers the story of a few Norwegian people deciding to actively fight against the occupation, Eric Toresen (Muni) being among them. As is to be expected, Muni is the strongest aspect of the film, as he is always able to make the best out of what he's got to deal with; unlike many of his contemporaries, Muni never leaned towards a particular screen image, choosing instead to examine his character for each situation he had to encounter. He never expresses the different emotions that erupt from his character through one particular viewpoint; anger and joy is evoked to various degrees, always depending on the circumstances. The result is that, although there's never any doubt about our sympathy towards Ericson as an honest, good-natured man, he comes across as being quite complex at the same time. In a propaganda-film of this kind, it could be expected, perhaps even accepted, that the definite hero of the film gets sugarcoated throughout, but I never felt that way about Ericson which should say a lot about Muni's talent as an actor.

The ability to show various aspects of conditions in this film is not solely thanks to Muni, however. There is one fact which Norwegians are not fond of talking about, but which I, being a Norwegian myself, think would be pointless to avoid mentioning here; during World War II, most Norwegians never dared to speak up against a Nazi. Hitler had given special orders to treat Norway nicely as long as the people didn't protest, and for the most part my country responded to this by not protesting at all. There were only a few like Ericson who eloped to England in order to fight the war from there. In a film like this one, one could expect such aspects of the story to be overlooked, but to my amazement it did occur at least once that even an anti-Nazi suggested to give up the fight, and enjoy the "good things" he expected to get under an occupation.

Also as mere entertainment, COMMANDOS is pretty good; California landscape makes pretty well up for the absence of accurate "Norwegian fjords," and there are quite a few touching scenes, especially the one involving Ericson hiding from Nazis in a well with his daughter. There are some instances of overly theatrical dialogue, which doesn't come as a surprise considering how quickly these films were made. All in all, however, COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN holds up well, both as a reminder and as entertainment.

A final note -- it was an absurd experience to me hearing the Norwegian national song being sung in American!

Paul Muni Joins the Norwegian Resistance

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 11 June 2011]

In 1939 Norway, peace-loving widower Paul Muni (as Erik Toresen) attends the wedding of a fisherman friend. There, he dances with leading lady Anna Lee (as Judith Bowen), daughter of visiting English admiral Cedric Hardwicke. She returns to England and Mr. Muni stays behind, only to witness wicked Adolf Hitler's Nazi forces invade his country. After the Germans demonstrate the expected brutality, Muni becomes a Norwegian resistance leader...

This pedestrian World War II propaganda story is not complimented by its own rewards. The Canadian filming location is lovely and the cast inviting. Especially noteworthy is the big screen return of legendary Lillian Gish (as Hilda Bergesen) after ten years focused on stage work, but in too small a role; Ms. Gish only punctuates how "Commandos Strike at Dawn" adds up to so much less than it should. There is certainly enough here, however, to recommend the film.

****** Commandos Strike at Dawn (12/30/42) John Farrow ~ Paul Muni, Anna Lee, Lillian Gish, Cedric Hardwicke

Oh, and by the way, anybody found outside after 6:30 will be shot...

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 27 February 2013]

That's what this Norwegian fishing village is told by the arriving Nazis within minutes after being informed it would be "life as normal". Nazi normal means giving up all of your extra blankets, not being allowed to sing your own national anthem and allowing the Nazis access to your place of residence any time they knock (if they knock).

Practically the same story as Warner Brothers' slightly better "Edge of Darkness", this was made first, and is an entertaining resistance drama with a superb cast, some patriotic speeches and a rousing finale. What I noticed is that much of the dialog has the innocence of a child's prayer with many of the adults speaking as if they were pre-teens while the adults of "Edge of Darkness" were clearly more mature and less stereotypical provincial. Still, with Paul Muni as the leading head of the resistance, there are some gripping moments, particularly the scene where Muni discovers that one of the Norweigans plans to use a dog whistle to notify the Nazis of their intended escape to England. Then there is the tense moment where Muni and his daughter hide in the well of a Norwegian woman who has been informed by the Nazis that her own grandson will be executed if Muni isn't caught.

The lovely Anna Lee plays a British noblewoman who is visiting the town in the opening scene for a wedding and encounters Muni when he makes it to England. To think that this lovely actress (around in British films since the 1930's) wouldn't become a superstar until she took on the long-role of the beautiful Lila Quartermain on "General Hospital" is hard to believe. Her on-screen charm is winning and her film career is certainly worth a further look at outside the overly friendly neighbor from "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" and the cheery nun in "The Sound of Music".

The silent screen legend Lillian Gish is wasted in a pointless role as the long-suffering wife of the independent thinking Ray Collins who is extremely moving in a scene where he is released from a Nazi prison. (Gish's role is basically the same as Ruth Gordon's devoted wife in "Edge of Darkness", with less screen time.) Sir Cedric Hardwicke, who would be leading the Nazis into Norway in 1943's "The Moon is Down", plays the British leader here who happens to be Lee's father. Here, the villain is Alexander Knox who would go onto be an American hero in title title role of "Wilson". My personal favorite moments are the book-burning sequence where one of the Norweigans tells the Nazi standing over the burning pages that he too has written a book and hopes that one day they'll burn that one (a real slap in the face to the Nazi standing there) and the giggling children who refuse to stop singing their National Anthem as the Nazis raise their flag.

A compelling dramatization of a historical event.

[PWNYCNY · 10/10 · 25 August 2013]

This movie has a strong story. It also provides a powerful and compelling dramatization of German aggression during World War Two. Paul Muni gives a strong performance as a man who decides to take action in response to the German aggression. What is most interesting about this movie, however, is how it depicts the war. The issues are framed plainly and starkly: it's either freedom or slavery. Paul Muni's character is a metaphor for every person who was struggling under the German yoke. Not only did the Germans invade, they plundered and terrorized the population. In the movie, their arrogance is boundless. Yet, it is not sensationalized; that is, it does not become the basis for showing gratuitous acts of violence. Rather, it is told plainly and with fanfare, thus driving home the point even more forcefully. Alexander Knox gives a chilling performance as the German Captain who is in charge of subduing the Norwegians. This is one of the better war movies and should be watched, not only for its value as a drama, but also for its historical content. Although not a documentary, it does portray a moment in history when Germany tried to impose its will on the rest of Europe.

Norway fights back

[eldino33 · 6/10 · 14 October 2009]

There is a problem with this film in that it does not illustrate the depth of Norwegian resistance to the Nazi occupation of Norway. Of course, a short movie can only do so much, and in 1942 all nations, Allied and Axis alike were producing films at a rapid rate. It is even likely that little was known of the Norwegian underground and what was known certainly would not be put into a feature movie for all the world to see. However, the audience must not be left with the impression that the British attacks were the salvation of Norway. During the war some did occur, and some were helpful. It must be remembered that Norway is some distance from England, that the British had battles around the world to contend with, and that the North Sea and its horrid weather, combined with a demand on warships, forced Norway to deal with the occupiers on a more personal basis. Sabotage of materials sent to Germany was normal. Work slowdowns and "accidents" disrupted production. At places like Bergen, the underground was active and effective. In fact, a "mysterious" explosion of an Axis ammunition ship took place in Bergen harbor (said to be the second largest explosion in maritime history), supposedly as the ship was leaving for Narvik. Also, helpful was the fact that German soldiers generally disliked Norwegian postings. The German attack on Oslo was not without it losses. A German battleship (some say it was a large battle cruiser) on its first voyage was sunk in Oslo Fjord with all hands lost (except those saved by the Norweigans who could get to them in time in the freezing water.) Also lost were about 5000 German Troops who were housed below decks. Ironically, the battleship was battered by four large Austrian cannon that were purchased by Norway from Germany after World War One. The Nazis appropriated food, blankets and warm clothing for their forces on the Russian front. The Norweigans contaminated the sardines that were sent with castor oil, thereby making the cold Russian winters ever more unpleasant. Yes, the British helped some, to their credit, but clever Norwegian citizens did much more than blow up a few trains.

A good film

[skipper2-1 · 5/10 · 5 February 2006]

The film was particularly interesting for me as my father was stationed at the Canadian/RAF base in 1942 on Vancouver Island. He mentioned how gracious the star's were and that they took the time to visit the lads who were busy flight training. I have recently read an old RAF magazine called (The Patrician)about director, John Farrow and actor Paul Muni being livid after a British extra ruined a battle scene by laughing hysterically in front of the camera. The area of the secret German camp is actually a military/civilian firing range and is still active today. A set of over grown cement stairs that the Commando's used as they struggled up a steep bank can still be seen in the beautiful Saanich Inlet from the water 64 years later.

An excellent example of WWII Propaganda films

[blainefielding · 8/10 · 17 March 2007]

For we amateur historians this early WWII American propaganda film is a treasure for its insights into attitudes about the German conquest of Europe.

Among the first of a long line of American propaganda films, it was actually filmed on Vancouver Island in Canada, because of its similarity to the Norwegian landscape. Real British and Canadian commandos were used to play the soldiers, both British and German. {The British and Canadians who had been at war for over two years were eager to assist the newly arrived Americans becoming involved}. The cast and crew stayed at the famous Empress Hotel in Victoria, about 10 miles from the filming site.

The script was adopted from a story by C.S. Forester, the famous British novelist of naval and maritime stories. The script was done by Irwin Shaw who would become a noted American novelist.

The film is probably too idealistic in its portrayal of good-hearted Europeans rising up against their Nazi conquerors. Only after the war did Europeans concoct an heroic resistance. The vast majority at the time however passively accepted German occupation. And for good reason. The Germans took brutal reprisals against any sign of resistance. Unlike in the movie, most conquered peoples kept their heads down and waited for the Allied armies to save them. Nonetheless, the film probably reassured American audiences that Europeans were eagerly awaiting to help liberate the continent from Nazi oppressors.

Btw, I had the opportunity to discuss the making of the movie with Ann Carter, who at age 6 played "Solveig", the daughter of Paul Muni's character. I have added some of her recollections in the comments section.

Blaine in Seattle, U.S.A.

Little known WWII film about Norway's resistance to the Nazis...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 21 February 2008]

Columbia delivered an interesting war propaganda film during WWII and COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN, with Canada substituting for the Norwegian coastline. Although a little overlong and slowly paced at the start, it builds interest about midway and then never lets up being an absorbing war melodrama.

PAUL MUNI is a Norwegian fisherman who flees Norway after a witnessing a cold-blooded killing and then returns from Britain to take on the Nazis as a resistance fighter. The romantic angle has him in love with the Admiral's daughter, ANNA LEE.

The story opens in the blissful peacefulness of a Norwegian village, circa 1939 where Muni and Lee are enjoying the pleasantries of a wedding party and it soon becomes apparent that the scriptwriter Irwin Shaw spends too much time setting up the growing romance between Muni and Lee under John Farrow's leisurely direction. One can only hope that the pace of the story will quicken once the drums of war start beating and the Germans have started their invasion of surrounding countries.

Muni is understandably upset when he witnesses the murder of a young fisherman and the aftermath of a brutal beating by one of the townsmen (RAY COLLINS), and when he sees what the German invaders (led by Alexander KNOX) are doing to his village and that his young daughter (ANN CARTER) is being taught at school to hate non-Germans. On the debit side, LILLIAN GISH, as Collins' wife, has little to do but look worried. Stalwart ROD CAMERON is improbably cast as a Lutheran pastor who has to stand by while a young man is shot by a firing squad.

It takes a good forty minutes into the story before the resistance tactics start to kick in and Muni begins his vengeful acts against the Nazis. A scene involving Muni hiding in a well with his small daughter while the Nazis search his home is especially well handled. Muni's escape to England is the highlight of the story, a suspenseful scene involving one of the six men who is willing to betray them to the Nazis but whose plan has to be foiled by Muni's quick thinking action.

In England, Muni renews his relationship with the Admiral's daughter and the story moves toward a satisfying, if predictable, conclusion. All the performances are first rate, and after a slow start, the picture builds suspense, especially throughout the last half of the film dealing with the escape from Norway. The final skirmish at the airfield with the British taking the Nazis by surprise is as well staged as any action sequence in war movies of this era.

Not the best resistance story I've ever seen, but it's worthwhile for some very moving scenes and Muni's fine, understated performance as the determined Norwegian leader.

Misleading Title

[GManfred · 30 January 2018]

Reading the title, I'll bet you're waiting for a rip-roaring war picture, with fight scenes, explosions and guns blazing. But you would very mistaken, since this is a placid character study with a great deal of dialogue. There is a battle scene towards the end of the picture, but Director John Farrow was sorely in need of a competent second unit director. The battle has an artificial look to it and the explosions are small in scale. In one scene an allied soldier throws a Nazi to the ground, and plainly stabs the ground next to him, lending an amateurish quality to a heretofore passable film.

The story itself is good and depicts the Nazi onslaught into Norway, in particular a small hamlet in a spot of strategic interest to the Nazis. The acting is top shelf, with Paul Muni, Anna Lee, Cedric Hardwicke and Robert Coote in prominent roles. There are a few instances of suspense and tension but none are sustained. It's a good movie - but not if you're looking for a conventional war picture.

****** 6 of 10

Commandos Invade Norway

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 20 February 2008]

In Commandos Strike At Dawn, Paul Muni is a Norwegian fisherman who does not like what the Nazis have brought in occupying his country. After a murder he resolves to leave Norway and do something about it.

As Eric Toreson, Muni has his most stoic role with the exception of Benito Juarez. But his facial expressions and the controlled anger in his voice tell the story than a lot of theatrics.

It's unfortunate that a better story could not be utilized for a man of his talents. I'm still struggling over the idea that before the war an admiral of the Royal Navy, Cedric Hardwicke together with his daughter Anna Lee, are visiting Muni's village. It certainly doesn't look like a vacation spot or that she would take up with Muni who was certainly beneath her in the European class system.

A year later Warner Brothers produced The Edge of Darkness also about the Norwegian resistance which starred Errol Flynn. Now Flynn was in no way in Muni's class as an actor, but as an action hero he certainly filled the bill.

Lillian Gish is in this film as the wife of Ray Collins who is picked up for his anti-Nazi views and tortured. For someone of her talents, she's given little to do.

Western fans will recognize B picture cowboy actor Rod Cameron in the role of the Lutheran parson of the village. George MacReady is the village school teacher in one of the few sympathetic roles he ever had on screen.

Doing double duty is Alexander Knox as the Nazi captain among the occupiers of the village. You can also easily recognize Knox's voice as the unseen parson blessing the British commandos as they embark on a raid near Muni's village.

It's typical World War II propaganda and if it weren't for the quality of the cast Commandos Strike At Dawn would barely be a blip on the nostalgia radar.

Norway strikes back at the Nazi Invaders

[gordonl56 · 7/10 · 23 January 2016]

COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN 1942

This one is a John Farrow directed flag-waver put out by Columbia Pictures in 1942. It deals with a group of Norwegian civilians who decide to fight back against the German occupiers. Headlining the cast is Paul Muni with support from Anna Lee, Lillian Gish, Cedric Hardwicke, Rod Cameron, Alexander Knox, Jean Louis Heydt, George Macready, Ray Collins and Robert Coote.

Norway has fallen to the invading Nazis and a small fishing village on the coast has been occupied by a battalion of Germans. The German's are under the command of Art Margetson and Alexander Knox. The two are perfect Nazi swine who have no problem shooting civilians for the slightest reason.

The locals soon grow tired of this, and decide to throw a monkey wrench into the German's operations. A bit of sabotage here, a train derailed there, a fuel dump destroyed etc soon has the Nazis angry as hornets. Hostages are taken and several locals are soon placed in front of that old standard, the firing squad.

There is also a Quisling among the villagers. Jean Louis Heydt passes info to the German Captain, Knox. The swine is discovered and meets a watery grave as several of the townsfolk decide to sail to England. They are picked up by a British submarine and delivered to England.

As it so happens, Muni knows an Admiral in the Royal Navy, Cedric Hardwicke. He tells Hardwicke about the German's building a secret airfield near the village. The Navy quickly lays on a Commando raid in order to destroy the base. Muni leads a shallow draft Navy ship to the site. The Commandos launch a swift assault catching the German types with their drawers down.

After disposing of the airfield Nazis, the Commandos storm the village and knock off Knox and the rest of the Huns. The villagers are then loaded up on the ship and the whole group sets out back to England. Muni however buys the big one leading a charge on a German machine gun. The slam bang ending helps to make up for the rather slow pace of the early parts.

Director John Farrow also helmed the wartime films, WAKE ISLAND and CHINA. His other work includes, FIVE CAME BACK, CALCUTTA, THE BIG CLOCK, NIGHT HAS 1000 EYES, ALIAS NICK BEAL, WHERE DANGER LIVES, JOHN PAUL JONES, HONDO, THE SEA CHASE and PLUNDER OF THE SUN.

The d of p was 4 time Oscar nominated and 2 time winner, William Mellor. His film work includes, A PLACE IN THE SUN, GIANT, TOO LATE FOR TEARS, WESTWARD THE WOMEN, THE UNKNOWN MAN, MY FAVORITE BLONDE, THE NAKED SPUR and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

The screenplay was by Irwin Shaw based on a story from C.S. Forester. Forester of course wrote the H. Hornblower series of novels, as well as THE African QUEEN.

Look close and you can see Lloyd Bridges in an unbilled bit as a German soldier.

The production was made on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The inlets and such stood in quite well for the Norwegian fjords.

On a personal note, I had an uncle who was a crewman on the armed merchant ship that was used in the film.

Parallels to Today

[rachrules-33444 · 7/10 · 29 January 2018]

Most interesting is when Mr Bergesen, the outspoken man who had been trying to warn everyone else about the threats of the day said sarcastically to one of the German officers, "Your Norwegian brother is ready to enter the New World Order". Remember, the favorite line of G.H.W. Bush. His dad, Prescott funded Hitler. I also liked the message Eric told his daughter about people are bad, and people are good. People can make themselves better or make themselves worse.

The good far outweighs the not so good.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 1 November 2019]

During the war years, Hollywood made a bazillion war films. Compared to the rest, "Commandos Strike at Dawn" is better than average. However, what keeps it from being a great film is the dialog...which could have been better. What I mean by this is that the actors try to sound Norwegian...but come off much more like they are acting and putting on a broad accent instead of being believable Norwegians. My wife was shocked, as she'd always heard what a brilliant actor Paul Muni was...and she thought he and the other actors were awfully broad...and I would agree.

The story itself is a very good in that unlike many war films, this one portrays the Germans as being vicious...but not cartoonish as many films portrayed the enemy. Tough, believable and a good story....and improved considerably by a rousing finale. It's very good....but is at its best when it's not trying to be too faux Norwegian.

Gripping Mid-WWII Drama!

[bsmith5552 · 7/10 · 6 August 2018]

"The Commandos Strike at Dawn" is a film that I must admit, I had never heard of. So it was an enjoyable experience watching it for the first time.

The setting, filmed in Canada, is a small Norwegian fishing village just prior to WWII breaking out. At a wedding we meet the main characters, Eric Toreson (Paul Muni), Johan Bergesen (Ray Collins), his wife (Lillian Gish - looking lovelier than ever), Admiral Bowen of the British Navy (Sir Cedric Hardwicke), his daughter Judith (Anna Lee) and son Captain Robert Bowen (Robert Coote, the town Pastor (Rod Cameron), School teacher (George Macready) hotelier Karl Arnesen (Louis Jean Heydt) his wife Hilma (Rosemary DeCamp) among others.

Toresan is attracted to Judith and a possible relationship develops. But as WWII looms Admiral Bowen, his daughter and son return to England. WWii breaks out and the Germans invade Norway and sent a detachment to the little village headed by a Colonel (Arthur Margetson) and his brutal captain (Alexander Knox). Almost immediately, Johan Bergesen is taken away for "questioning" returning later as a broken man.

Toresan and the other townsfolk try to follow the German rules but the atrocities continue. Finally Toresan has had enough and forms a resistance group. He later kills the German Colonel and is forced to flee for his life, leaving his young daughter in the care of a friend. In hiding, Toresan learns about the building of a German air base.

Fleeing to England in a hidden boat, Toresan and the others learn that Karl Arnesen has informed on them and they take care of him. Reaching England, Toresan informs the British about the German airfield and offers to lead them to the spot. Before leaving on his mission, he renews his acquaintance with Judith and the possibility of marriage is discussed. Robert Bowen is assigned the task of leading the commandos for their strike after dawn.

The commandos surprise the Germans and destroy the air base. Toresan's daughter was supposed to have met her father following the completion of his mission but has been captured by the Germans. Toresan and Bowen lead the commandos on a mission to free the young girl but.................................................................................

Paul Muni as always gives an excellent performance as the fisherman forced into a role for which he is ill prepared. Lillian Gish returns to the screen in an all too brief brief role as a patriot's wife. Alexander Knox is suitably evil as the German Captain. You can't help but notice the six foot four Rod Cameron in an early role. Also George Macready who would go on to play sophisticated heavies makes an early appearance. And watch for Lloyd Bridges as the German soldier asking for directions. Walter Sande and Philip Van Zandt also appear in small roles as Germans.

Filmed in the middle of the war, the ending offers hope for the future at a time when the outcome of the war was as yet unknown.

POWERFUL PROPAGANDA...ROUSING CLIMAX...HIGHLY EMOTIONAL...GREAT PRODUCTION & DIRECTION

[LeonLouisRicci · 8/10 · 26 August 2021]

Paul Muni Leads a Loaded Cast of Fine Actors in this Unusual Production that seems to have Spared No Expense.

Most of these Propaganda Types Made During the War were Rushed for Expediency with Low-Budgets on the Assembly Line.

This is a Highly Emotional Tale of Norwegian Resistance in a Sleepy Little Village that Wakes Up and Fines Nazis in Their Midst.

The Film Vacillates Between Family Angst, Brutal Torture, and Totalitarian Rule.

The Villagers Slowly Come-Together and Find Ways to Fight Back and Take a Stand.

This is Based on the Real-Life Strong Resistance of the Folks Against All Odds Against the Germans.

Gut-Wrenching and Powerful Scenes that Lead to a Bombastic Climax.

The Kind that had People "On Their Feet", the Flag Waving on the Fight Against Fascism.

John Farrow's Direction is Superb and Hits All the Right Notes in this Underrated, Little-Known War-Time Effort.

Definitely Worth a Watch.

The only thing new will be a curfew. Anyone caught breaking it will be shot on the spot!

[sol1218 · 6/10 · 23 February 2008]

(Some Spoilers) The war between Britain and France with Nazi Germany finally spilled over into neutral Denmark an Norway in the early spring of 1940. It was then when Hitler's troops conquered both those free and neutral country's he and his thugs also awakened the fighting and free spirit of the ancient Vikings represented in the freedom loving Norwegian people.

Widower Erik Toresen, Paul Muni,was anything but a fighting man when the war first began. A nature lover and follower of the fishery, salmon and herring, movements in the North Sea Eric expected to sit out the war and let the others, British USSR and Americans, do the fighting for him. Like most of the people in now Nazi-occupied Norway. It was when the Nazis started to round up and shoot his fellow citizens for such terrible crimes as wanting to be free and staying out after hours, thus breaking the Nazi imposed curfew, that Eric turned over another leaf. It was also when Eric's fellow Norwegian and good friend Gunner Korstad, Richared Darr, was shot by the Nazis for talking and asking, for his freedom, too much that had Eric not only join the resistance movement but killed the German officer who ordered Gunner shot!

Better then your average run-of-the-mill WWII propaganda movie due to the fact that Academy Award winning actor Paul Muni as well as top British actor Cedric Hardwicke, as Admiral Bowen, being in it. The fact that Muni, or Eric Trsesen, was given a British girlfriend Judith Bowen, Lillian Lee, who also happened to be Admiral Bowen's daughter was just a bit too much to take. Eric after some five years of being available after his wife died in giving birth to their daughter Solveig, Ann Carter, couldn't find himself a nice sweet and beautiful Nordic-looking Norwegian girl to get hitched up with!

On the run from the Nazi, for killing a German officer, Eric accidentally comes across a secret German airfield being built on the Norwegian coast. This airfield will provide the Nazis a base, out of the reach of the RAF, to bomb not only Northern Britain but attack and sink British and American convoys loaded with arms and supplies for hard hit and battered, by being invaded by Hitlers armies, Soviet Union. If successful the airfield will end up winning the war for the Nazis and thus enslave, including Norway, the entire free world!

Making his way back to England by boat via the treacherous waters of the choppy and dangerous North Sea, the Norwegians are excellent seamen, Eric and and a number of fellow freedom fighters persuade the British, through his good friend Admiral Bowen, to launch a sneak attack on the German airfield with him, knowing the area as well as the back of his hand, leading the way.

Despite the heavy and heroic action and explosive fireworks on shore with Eric and the British Commandos striking at dawn against the Germans the movie just didn't live up to it's title "Commandos Strike at Dawn". The British Commandos were in fact members of the standing British, and Canadian, army and not wearing the camouflage uniforms and berets of the elite British Commandos. The assault on the Germans, who were caught with their pants down, was staged as a full scale military & navel operation with 150 to 200 capacity landing crafts hitting the beaches. Not with your usual commando rubber dinghies, with a capacity of 8 to 10 men, sneaking up on the what should have been the very alert German troops!

As for the striking in the pre-dawn darkness to catch the heavily armed Germans by surprise the "commando" attack actually took place in what looked like at high noon! The absolute worse time for a sneak and surprise operation like that giving the defending German troops, who for some strange reason were for the most part asleep in their barracks, all the advantage that they needed!

***SPOILER ALERT***Added to the excellent battle scenes we were also given the fact that the attack on the Germans was very personal for Eric. The dirty Nazi swines had his daughter, Solveig, held hostage in the village and it was only up to Eric, and not his fellow commandos, to save her before all the dust cleared. Eric as well as his fellow commandos risking their life, which they didn't really have to with their mission already accomplished, went out in a blaze of glory saving Solveig suffering the most casualties during the entire operation. In Eric's case he ended up giving his people hope for the future in finally ridding their country of the occupying and ruthless Nazis. That is in following the course of action, as a fearless and courageous Norwegian freedom fighter, that Eric despite of his peace-loving nature eventually took.

Another fishing village movie

[HotToastyRag · 4/10 · 27 February 2019]

Hollywood sure made a slew of war films during World War Two, didn't they? Commandos Strike at Dawn falls into the niche of "Norwegian fishing village films", like Edge of Darkness, The North Star, and This Land Is Mine. I've seen all four, and this one isn't the best, even with its handsome leading man, Paul Muni.

Paul plays a peaceful widower with a young daughter, who slowly gets drawn into the underground resistance after the Nazis occupy his village and kill his friends. I've never seen Paul in a film with young kids before, and with the amount of affection he placed on Ann Carter, I thought she might have been his real daughter! She wasn't, but he just wanted to show the audience what a devoted dad his character was.

If you're going to watch one of these Norwegian fishing village movies, rent Edge of Darkness, even though it's upsetting. This movie is just too predictable, and it feels a little cheap.

Something Like The Moon Is Down

[ellenirishellen-62962 · 8/10 · 4 January 2017]

8.5,as I love Macready's film debut,even if he thought he blew his second chance(his first try at H'wood was 1932,but his voice was too booming for the mike) because there was a knot in the rope to raise the flag,which a Boy Scout pointed out to him,and problem solved.He did well in his debut,smiling at the wedding and doing a good turn on the dance floor.Muni his usual stern self,surprised he was in so foul a mood most of the time.Read he gave his all here as support to the war effort.Many fine performances,Russell Simpson,Ms Gish,Ms Lee and Sir Cedric,Ray Collins,Louis Van Heydt (another of my favorites with Macready).Absolutely love little Solveig,she's a great actress and adorable!

Not one of Muni's best!

[JohnHowardReid · 7/10 · 11 March 2017]

The title here is a bit of a come-on, as there is actually very little action and the script is inclined to be slow-moving. Also Paul Muni's character is not supplied with a direct motive for the commandant's murder. True, there is some tension, but less talk and more action would have helped. Fortunately, the movie starts well. The first ten minutes are really great. True, director John Farrow tries hard to keep building up suspense despite the handicaps of stilted dialog and miscasting in crucial roles - for instance, instead of playing the sadistic German commandant, George Macready plays the local schoolmaster! Actually, Alexander Knox would have been ideal in this role, but instead he is cast as the vicious German captain! This odd miscasting is shown up when it's Knox who says the chaplain's prayer before the commando raid, and Knox again who supplies the off-camera propaganda plug at the film's conclusion about corruption in high places.

Paul Muni tends to overact and is often indulgently shown in close- up where his penchant for eye-rolling gets full rein. Sir Cedric Hardwicke is surprisingly stiff as the admiral and Anna Lee makes a rather colorless daughter. Despite making a strained attempt to speak and look like a hearty Norwegian, Ray Collins, comes across strongly as the tortured Bergerson, but Lillian Gish plays his wife with an over-theatrical technique that approaches caricature.

Oddly enough, the most convincing performance comes from Flying Officer Robert Coote (though don't let this billing confuse you. Coote was a professional actor who had been making movies since 1931!)

The script is inclined to be slow-moving. The title, for instance, is a misnomer as there is very little action apart from the climactic raid.

Rugged Title, Soppy Film

[richardchatten · 3/10 · 23 January 2020]

Poor Norway suffered from particularly phoney depiction after Hollywood joined the war effort; and although shot in British Columbia the sunshine still looks more like California.

A young, dashing and tousle-haired Paul Muni adds a Norwegian to his gallery of foreigners, Alexander Knox is wasted in an under-written part, and twenty-five years after 'The Little American' Lillian Gish is cowering from modern Nazis rather than pickle-helmeted Huns.

Commandos Strike at Dawn

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 1 April 2023]

There were a few of these wartime dramas designed to bring attention to the atrocities being carried out by the Nazis on the erstwhile peaceful people of Norway. This one finds "Eric" (Paul Muni) flee to Britain where he trains and returns to his homeland determined to wreak revenge on his occupiers and their Quisling allies and to help the British to successfully bomb an airbase being built at altitude that could be used to attack allied territory and shipping. It's all a bit meandering, however. Muni isn't really a very convincing Norwegian nor is Alexander Knox particularly menacing as a captain in the Wehrmacht nor Rod Cameron as the Pastor. Indeed, aside from Sir Cedric Hardwicke as the archetypal British admiral, none of the casting works especially well here - and coupled with some very wordy dialogue, that manages to drag this down a little into melodrama territory. It ends rousingly enough, though, and given it's purpose was largely propagandist - it does what is says on the tin. Watchable, but forgettable fayre.