Cast
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Merle Oberon
as Nicole Larsen
Brian Aherne
as Capt. Allan Lowell
Carl Esmond
as Maj. Paul Dichter
Isobel Elsom
as Rose Lindstrom
Fritz Leiber
as Dr. Aanrud
Erville Alderson
as Soren
Erik Rolf
as Ole
Reinhold Schünzel
as Col. Kurt von Elser
Richard Ryen
as Dr. Hoff
Lewis Wilson
as Dr. Kleinich
Fern Emmett
as Dress Designer (uncredited)
Byron Foulger
as Norwegian Shopkeeper (uncredited)
Hans Heinrich von Twardowski
as Nazi Captain (uncredited)
John Elliott
as Norwegian patient
Greta Granstedt
as Girl assistant
Crew
Director
- Dorothy Arzner
Producer
- Harry Joe Brown
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Merle Oberon ("Nicole") is quite effective in this tale of the Norwegian resistance to the occupying Nazis. She earns the disdain of her fellow countrymen by fraternising with "Maj. Dichter" (Carl Esmond) but is really milking him for information which she has passed on to the British. When a few commandos are parachuted in - including "Lowell" (Brian Aherne), the true love of "Nicole" - things really start to heat up and just about everybody's life is on the line. "Dichter" is also now really starting to smell rat very close to home. It's a good, solid adventure story this with plenty of stirring music from Ernest Tock that builds to quite a fitting, exciting and touching denouement. The sentiment of courage and bravery is well delivered. The strength of character from this young woman determined to do her bit for her nation, regardless of the risk to herself, is well captured by Dorothy Arzner here. There is plenty going on for 90 minutes and it is well worth watching.
Apr 4, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, First Comes Courage examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Dorothy Arzner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1943, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of First Comes Courage took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1886 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1943, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While First Comes Courage shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Women in the Night, which focuses more on action than character development, First Comes Courage offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hangmen Also Die! and Sharp Stick explore similar territory, First Comes Courage stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 29, 1943
- Runtime: 1h 28m
