This Land Is Mine("Esta tierra es mía" -- ES)
US (1943): War/Drama
Jean Renoir's second American film is a well-presented story of heroism called forth by brutality. Charles Laughton delivers an inspired performance as Arthur Lory, a passive, shy schoolteacher during the Nazi occupation of France who rises to the occasion when his mentor and the woman he loves (Maureen O'Hara) become involved in the Resistance. He uses his show trial for a rousing speech rallying the town, knowing he will pay with his life. The cast also includes George Sanders, Walter Slezak, Kent Smith and Una O'Connor.
This Land Is Mine is Renoir's tribute to those in France who defied the Nazis and their collaborators. Forced himself to emigrate from France in 1941, Renoir had a home in Beverly Hills until his death in 1979. (RKO) (amctv.com)
1 nomination, 1 Award
· Best Sound Recording 1943: Stephen Dunn