Decision Before Dawn poster

Decision Before Dawn (1951)

"A woman's kiss . . . A lighted cigarette - Each had Its meaning! An exciting and realistic story of war . . . of German Prisoners Sent Back Behind Their Own Lines as Agents of the Allies!"

6.719511h 59mEN
WarActionThriller

Directed by Anatole Litvak

Rating

6.7/10

Runtime

1h 59m

Language

EN

Release

December 21, 1951

Director

Anatole Litvak

Official Trailer

Trailer thumbnail

Overview

WWII is entering its last phase: Germany is in ruins, but does not yield. The US army lacks crucial knowledge about the German units operating on the opposite side of the Rhine, and decides to send two German prisoners to gather information. The scheme is risky: the Gestapo retains a terribly effici...

Cast

Richard Basehart

Richard Basehart

Lt. Dick Rennick

Gary Merrill

Gary Merrill

Col. Devlin

Oskar Werner

Oskar Werner

Cpl. Karl Maurer - aka Happy

Hildegard Knef

Hildegard Knef

Hilde

Dominique Blanchar

Dominique Blanchar

Monique

O.E. Hasse

O.E. Hasse

Col. Oberst von Ecker

Wilfried Seyferth

Wilfried Seyferth

Heinz Scholtz, SS-Mann

Hans Christian Blech

Hans Christian Blech

Sgt. Rudolf Barth - aka Tiger

Helene Thimig

Helene Thimig

Fräulein Schneide

George Tyne

George Tyne

Sgt. Griffin

Robert Freitag

Robert Freitag

Sgt. Paul Richter

Harold Benedict

Harold Benedict

Lt. Pete Gevers

Introduction

In this latest movie review, we dive deep into Decision Before Dawn (1951), exploring its intricate plot and standout performances that have everyone talking.

WWII is entering its last phase: Germany is in ruins, but does not yield. The US army lacks crucial knowledge about the German units operating on the opposite side of the Rhine, and decides to send two German prisoners to gather information. The scheme is risky: the Gestapo retains a terribly efficient network to identify and capture spies and deserters. Moreover, it is not clear that "Tiger", who does not mind any dirty work as long as the price is right, and war-weary "Happy", who might be easily betrayed by his feelings, are dependable agents. After Tiger and another American agent are successfully infiltrated, Happy is parachuted in Bavaria. His duty: find out the whereabouts of a powerful German armored unit moving towards the western front.

🛑 Story ExplainedSpoiler Warning

Our story explained section breaks down the complex narrative of Decision Before Dawn. The full story follows a progression that challenges typical tropes, leading to a climax that requires careful analysis.

🏆 Final Verdict

5 / 5 Stars

A triumphant piece of cinema that blends gripping narrative with breathtaking visuals.

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