Main titles and first scenes from the film 49th parallel the invaders by michael powell 1941 with music. Michael powell directed this odd wartime propaganda film, set in canada, before the american entry into wwii. Few of powell and pressburgers admirers would rate 49th parallel on a par with the great achievements that were to follow, but it is a key film in several ways. The invaders in the us, was a concerted attempt to influence opinion in neutral america into supporting their governments entry into the war pressburger proved an enthusiastic propagandist. It does not focus on an ally friendly hero fighting against the faceless enemy. The 49th parallel dvd 1941 world war ii ww2 propaganda film.
Ethans rating of the film 49th parallel ethan this is an interesting chase film from the magical team of powell and pressburger that offers up some good antinazi propaganda in a part of the world where we dont usually see a wwii movie take place. May 16, 2020 49th parallel 1941 posted on 16 may 2020 by aides memoires director michael powell, screenplay by emeric pressburger, with eric porter, laurence olivier, niall macginness, anton walbrook, leslie howard, raymond massey, glynis johns dvd. The british ministry of information approached michael powell to make a propaganda film for t. Find release information for 49th parallel 1941 emeric pressburger, michael powell on allmovie allmovie. For their third collaboration, michael powell and emeric pressburger were engaged by the ministry of information to make a propaganda film. Released before the attack on pearl harbor, this wartime adventure aimed to rouse complacent north american moviegoers to join the fight. In the early days of world war ii, a german uboat is sunk. It was released in the united states as the invaders. With laurence olivier, leslie howard, raymond massey, anton walbrook. The best of the seconddisc special features is a 1981 bbc show on directors powell and pressburger. The 49th parallel dvd 1941 world war ii ww2 propaganda. At once a compelling piece of antiisolationist propaganda and a quickwitted wartime thriller, 49th parallel is a classic early work from the inimitable british filmmaking team of michael powell and emeric pressburger. Harry potter complete 8film collection bluray brand new sealed free ship. A world war ii uboat crew are stranded in northern canada.
For those looking for signature powell and pressburger, fair warning. See the full list of 49th parallel cast and crew including actors, directors, producers and more. It was the most popular film at the british box office in 1941. This film is dedicated to canada and to canadians all over the dominion who helped us to make it. Rent 49th parallel 1941 starring eric portman and laurence olivier on dvd and bluray. Reich minister of propaganda goebbels considered himself an expert on propaganda, said screenwriter pressburger, but i thought id show him a thing or two. The invaders in the us, was a concerted attempt to influence opinion in neutral america into supporting their governments entry into the war. Introduction 49th parallel is a 1941 british war drama film. Arthur rank expanded production at a time when other british studios. With leslie howard, laurence olivier, raymond massey, anton walbrook. Like any good sales pitch, the film uses fear to close the sale. A german uboat has infiltrated the canadian coastline, seeking to attack and subvert our. A group of nazi naval officers and crewmen are stranded.
Criterions print of this 1941 film is fabulous, however, a few hairs remain, which is odd with the high bar the criterion collection sets. The third powell and pressburger film, 49th parallel, and the first to be introduced in the best picture project, does something that makes it comparatively unique from all the other propaganda films. Michael powells 49th parallel originally released in the united states as the invaders is one of the great thrillers of world war ii. Despite the title, no scene in the film is set at the 49th parallel, which forms much of the us. We follow powell around hollywood with his new job, senior. When a nazi uboat crew, headed by the ruthless eric portman, is stranded in canada during the thick of world war ii, the men evade capture by hiding out in a series of rural. Films similar to or like 49th parallel film 1941 british war drama film. Rent 49th parallel 1941 on dvd and bluray dvd netflix. Although 49th parallel is nowhere near my favourite film by the two lads, who were known to have knocked out a decent film or two in their time, its really typical of their whole approach to filmmaking. Aug 29, 2014 49th parallel 1941 if you can ignore the supposition that everyone in canada speaks the same language and some nazi uboat invaders speak it too and that in at least once instance the germans talk distance in terms of miles instead of kilometers and you can endure sir laurence oliviers awful frenchcanadian accent this is a pretty good oscar winning world war ii story. Dvd 49th parallel laurence olivier for sale online ebay.
Background the british ministry of information approached michael powell to make a propaganda film for them, suggesting he. Instead of taking the easy option, their best films were huge in scope and ambition, unique and trailblazing in a number of aspects. Overview of 49th parallel, 1941, directed by michael powell, with leslie howard, raymond massey, laurence olivier, at turner classic movies. An audio essay by film and music historian bruce eder discussing various aspects of 49th parallel s production. Stranded in canada, a german ww2 uboat crew with a fanatical nazi captain aims to avoid capture by reaching the border to enter the stillneutral us. Transfer this laserdisc of 49th parallel was made from the 35mm fine grain master.
A recounting of the plot would likely sound preposterous and give no indication of the quality of this britishmade film. If you have 5 minutes, id like to share with you a clip from one of my favorite films from 1941, the 49th parallel directed by michael powell. It was meant to sell a reluctant american public on joining the war in europe. May 27, 2016 49th parallel is a 1941 british war drama film. Watch 49th parallel 1941 full movie free online streaming. This 1941 film serves propaganda straight up, courtesy of the british ministry of information. Eder has written extensively on british films, in general, and michael powells work, in particular. It ranks alongside hitchcocks foreign correspondent as one of the two finest amalgams of suspense and propaganda to grace the big screen during the years 193945 the films plot is simplicity itself. To avoid internment, they must make their way to the border and get into the stillneutral u. Despite the title, no scene in the movie is set at the 49th parallel, which forms much of the uscanadian border. Perhaps we as in, yours truly read too much into the wwiiera drama 49th parallel. Perhaps if youve never seen or heard of it, you may want to rent it for a view, its a magnificent film. The only border scene is at niagara falls, which is located. Find release information for 49th parallel 1941 emeric pressburger, michael powell on allmovie.