49th Parallel (1941)

 Michael Powell's "49th Parallel"


When the Nazis started their war campaign in 1939, the British Ministry of Information approached Michael Powell to make a propaganda film. Powell used this opportunity to make a film that would hopefully sway the then-neutral United States to join the war effort. The resulting film, "49th Parallel" was released in the fall of 1941 in the United Kingdom. However, by the time the U.S. distributed the film in the spring of 1942, they had already entered the war. Despite this, the film was a huge success and remains a great wartime film about the war itself.

The film centers on a group of Nazis who become stranded in Canada after their U-boat is sunk by RCAF bombers. As they make their way through the democratic land of Canada, they are not only hunted for their crimes, but also face varying ideological and political disagreements with the Canadian locals. One by one, the original party of 6 Nazis becomes smaller and smaller until there are none left.

Despite being a 'propaganda' film, the film is rather exhilarating. Throughout the film, the Nazi ideology continues to be dismantled by the democratic and liberal thinking Canadians. The strong mindedness and bravery of the Canadian community is on full display and the preaching of free thought and individual liberty is a major counterpoint to the authoritarian perspective of the vile and wicked soldiers.

As far as propaganda films go, it is typically very easy to enjoy an anti-Nazi film. I feel as though Powell's "49th Parallel" is perhaps one of the finest examples of this particular genre. I found the film to be utterly thriller and emotionally resonant. It is interesting to find yourself feeling patriotic and inspired by such propaganda (despite the film taking place in Canada). It is entertaining, thrilling, and effective at delivering its intended purpose.




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