Released
1943
One of the finest anti-Nazi thrillers to emerge from the WWII period, Lang's noirish approach to the propaganda film involves cloak-and-dagger intrigue, sinister interrogations, and plenty of light-and-shadow atmospherics, courtesy of camera great James Wong Howe. Such elements were second nature to German ex-pat Lang, director of "M" and "The Big Heat," and his impeccable direction of numerous character actors — a cab driver (Lionel Stander) and a fruit merchant (Sarah Padden), in particular — adds to the visceral power of this story of resistance. Brennan is also excellent playing against type as a radical patriot. See "Hangmen" or die trying.