MovieChat Forums > The Mortal Storm (1940) Discussion > The most overlooked film in history?

The most overlooked film in history?

posted 12 years ago by ronricho-337-128165
8 replies | jump to latest

Just watched The Mortal Storm for the first time and was amazed by it on any one of a number of levels. I honestly don't think I've ever been drawn into a film as quickly. The script (obviously based on a good novel) was excellent and succinct.

The cast superb.

What amazes me most though is how little known this movies is. I have heard of the title both as a book and a film but hadn't read it and never saw the title listed on TMC.

It depicts a time in Germany that must have been frightening and fascinating at the same time.

[–] goldfished 12 years ago

I agree that it seems largely overlooked, but I've only ever watched it when it's been on TCM.

[–] illbeyourmirror 12 years ago

I think, Frank Borzage is an overlooked film maker in general (although he managed to make it into the ‘They shoot pictures...’ top directors list). Every film I have seen by him is excellent. He was great throughout his entire career, from the silent films starring Janet Gaynor to the B-movies in the late 1940s like Moonrise.

[–] Errington_92 12 years ago

The Mortal Storm perfectly executed a dreaded sense of tension in the dividing relations between the characters. It made for compelling viewing even now seventy three years on, I can only imagine the heights of intensity it reached to audiences concerned or at direct conflict with Nazi Germany.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] npaxton-3 12 years ago

I had never heard of The Mortal Storm and only put it on to catch James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. I even assumed that it probably was one of those films which, despite a top notch cast, would turn out to be a dog - has happened before. Was I wrong! It was a compelling film about the rise of Naziism and how it forever changed a wonderful, productive family with tragic consequences. The acting was superb and it certainly didn't have a typical Hollywood ending. Since I missed some of the beginning, I will definitely watch it when TCM runs it again. I still cannot fathom why this film is not well known.

[–] TheWanderingFish 12 years ago

I don't know about "most overlooked" - I've watched quite a few almost completely forgotten movies that turned out to be wonderful - but it was pretty great, and I agree that it deserves more attention.

The film is extremely atmospheric, and it really gives you a sense of the growing fear/dread that those who found themselves doubting Hitler's policies must have felt as they watched the people around them accepting his evil ideas wholeheartedly.

I suppose on a clear day you can see the class struggle from here

[–] ronricho 12 years ago

I probably should have said overlooked by me. I have heard of the title but never saw it nor did have an idea of what the story was about.

You are correct as well in that it shows a side of that period not often seen. I'm sure there were plenty of Germans who were horrified by the direction their government was taking. Not many options for them either.

[–] supergolfdude 11 years ago

It's hard to watch these movies today understand stupid transatlantic accent from the time. Sullivan's is ridiculous!

[–] Percivalx 11 years ago

I agree. Just finished watching it for the first time and I loved it.

It appears it didn't get any award recognition either. This should have been nominated for several Oscars.

"Let us be crooked, but never common."