Watch on the Rhine (1943)

Introduction
"Watch on the Rhine" is a 1943 American dramatic movie directed by Herman Shumlin and starring Bette Davis and Paul Lukas. The screenplay, co-written by Lillian Hellman and Dashiell Hammett, is based on Hellman's 1941 play. Set amidst World War II, 'Watch on the Rhine' is a poignant, gripping drama that explores styles of anti-fascism, danger, and sacrifice.

Plot Summary
The movie focuses around the character Kurt Muller (Paul Lukas), an anti-fascist German engineer who has been combating Nazism in Europe. Due to increasing risk, Muller decides to move with his American other half Sara (Bette Davis) and their three children to her mother's house in Washington D.C

. Once there, they are faced by the lavish lifestyle of Sara's mom, Fanny (Lucile Watson), and her Romanian aristocrat house visitor, Teck de Brancovis (George Coulouris). Teck is living off his partner's allowance, is heavily in debt, and discovers a chance in revealing Kurt's trick to blackmail him.

Stress Escalates
Teck understands that Kurt is a desired anti-Nazi activist and begins to probe into his politics. Kurt, understanding that Teck is onto him, reveals his identity, discussing his work as a part of an underground motion against Nazis in Europe. This details just fuels Teck's objectives, as he even more examines Kurt's past and dealings in an effort to utilize this information for financial gain.

Last Confrontation
Teck chooses to reveal Kurt's activities to the Nazi-occupied German embassy in an attempt to work out for a financial benefit. Nevertheless, Kurt, upon discovering Teck's objectives, challenges him ultimately leading to a fatal fight where Kurt eliminates Teck to protect his family's safety, thus emphasizing the theme of sacrifice in the face of impending risk.

Acclaimed Performance
The battle emerges as a timeless battle in between good and wicked, convincingly portrayed through the efficiencies of the lead stars. Paul Lukas won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his representation of Kurt Muller, whose quiet stoicism and strong ethical conviction carry the story. Bette Davis, while underused, provides a strong supporting presence.

Conclusion
"Watch on the Rhine" is a gripping drama that speaks to the zeitgeist of the 1940s, reflecting the pro-Allied sentiment in the U.S. throughout World War II. Regardless of its nearly theatrical setting, the film effectively keeps its tension and interest as it builds towards a remarkable climax. The movie highlights the agonizing options that war may trouble regular individuals and strikes a chord through the tragic yet inspiring figure of Kurt Muller, compellingly depicted by Lukas.

The movie also made an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, solidifying its status as an important classic in American movie theater. Thought-provoking and earnest, "Watch on the Rhine" is a stark pointer of the consequences of injustice and the nerve needed to stand versus it.

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