Paris Underground

US (1945): Drama/War

This is one of those forgotten gems that is worth rediscovering. Constance Bennett plays an American married to a Frenchman (George Rigaud). Their marriage is on the rocks. When the Germans invade Paris, she and her elderly British friend, Gracie Fields, try to drive to the countryside but are stopped and turned back by the German forces. On the way they pick up and hide a young British flyer (Leslie Vincent) shot down behind enemy lines and manage to smuggle him out of the country. It feels good so rather than escape themselves, they set about to organize an underground organization to do the same for other Allied troops shot down behind enemy lines.

Tautly and dramatically directed by Gregory Ratoff, this is a marvelous drama, impeccably acted by all concerned (Bennett also produced the film) and with an involving, constantly interesting storyline. The dramatic score deservedly earned an Oscar® nom but the Screenplay deserved one as well. Look for this one - it's one of the best of the wartime films. (Constance Bennett Prod./UA) (Arne Andersen, IMDb)

· Music Scoring Awards (Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) 1945: Alexander Tansman

1 nomination