Edge of Darkness Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Norwegian villagers wait patiently for guns, then spectacularly riot against their Nazi occupiers in a way that proves everyone gets a participation trophy (of death).

🍿 Edge of Darkness: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Village Under Occupation

Set in 1942, ‘Edge of Darkness’ opens with German soldiers discovering a Norwegian fishing village, Trollness, littered with bodies – both German and Norwegian. The Norwegian flag flies over the German garrison, hinting at a recent, bloody revolt. The film then flashes back to reveal the events leading up to this scene. For two years, the village has been under Nazi occupation, with 150 German soldiers controlling the population of 800 locals. The villagers have endured oppression and waited for an opportunity to fight back.

Seeds of Resistance and Growing Tension

Led by figures like fisherman Gunnar Brogge and Karen Stensgard, the daughter of the local doctor, the villagers quietly resist through small acts of sabotage. News arrives of a British plan to supply arms for a unified coastal uprising. The village holds a tense meeting in the church to debate whether to accept the weapons and fight, facing the risks highlighted by the fate of a nearby village that previously revolted.

Turning Point and Preparation

Despite divisions and fears, the villagers vote to accept the arms and prepare for conflict. A British liaison provides the weapons, but advises patience, urging them to wait for a coordinated signal. The Nazi commander, Captain Koenig, grows suspicious, increasing pressure on the townspeople. Acts of defiance and brutality escalate, including the burning of a schoolteacher’s books and the confiscation of fishing boats.

The Spark of Revolt

Tensions boil over following a brutal incident involving Karen. Driven by rage, her father, Dr. Stensgard, retaliates, triggering swift and severe reprisal from the Germans. Captain Koenig orders the execution of key resistance leaders, forcing them to dig their own graves. This final act of cruelty proves too much for the villagers to bear.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gunnar Brogge (Errol Flynn): The fisherman who becomes a leader of the Norwegian resistance against the Nazi occupation.
• Karen Stensgard (Ann Sheridan): A determined member of the resistance whose personal experiences solidify her resolve against the Nazis.
• Dr. Martin Stensgard (Walter Huston): The respected village doctor who transitions from cautious neutrality to active resistance.
• Capt. Koenig (Helmut Dantine): The arrogant German commandant who underestimates the villagers’ capacity for rebellion.
• Kaspar Torgersen (Charles Dingle): An opportunistic businessman and the village’s main collaborator with the Nazi occupiers.
• Gerd Bjarnesen (Judith Anderson): The hotel owner and a strong, embittered resistance fighter motivated by personal tragedy.
• Johann Stensgard (John Beal): Karen’s brother and Dr. Stensgard’s son, a former collaborator who struggles with his past disloyalty.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Karen Stensgard: “To a free Norway!” – Exclaimed by Karen and others as a powerful declaration of their commitment to fight for their country’s liberation.
• Gunnar Brogge: “There is no need to walk alone.” – Said to Dr. Stensgard, symbolizing the unity and mutual support of the villagers in their shared struggle against the occupation.
• Kaspar Torgersen: “It’s mine, it’s all mine!” – Cried out in a moment of madness by the traitorous cannery owner as he surveys the destruction he indirectly contributed to.
• Captain Koenig: “You didn’t see them, they just kept coming and coming…” – A terrified utterance by the German commander describing the overwhelming and relentless charge of the seemingly unarmed villagers during the revolt.
• Villagers: “They talk until they have agreed.” – Describes the collective, democratic process the villagers use during the secret church meeting to decide whether or not to take up arms.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,653,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Edge of Darkness Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched *Edge of Darkness*, and wow, it’s intense! It really puts you in that occupied village, feeling the fear and frustration right along with them. I was really hooked by how they showed everyone reacting differently to the Nazis – some wanted to fight, some just wanted to get by, and some… well, they sided with the bad guys. That church scene where they all debated whether to fight was unexpectedly powerful; you could feel the weight of their decision. The ending battle is pretty shocking for a movie from 1943. It’s not some clean, easy win; it shows the real cost of fighting back. Seeing characters you’d come to care about making those sacrifices really hit me. It’s definitely a product of its time, heavy on the propaganda, but it’s also a genuinely gripping story about courage and community under unimaginable pressure. I’d recommend it if you’re into classic war films that focus on the civilian side.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic war films”
  • “Those interested in World War II history and resistance stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong ensemble casts”
  • “Admirers of director Lewis Milestone or actors like Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan, and Walter Huston”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of war violence and brutality”
  • “Implied sexual assault”
  • “Scenes of death and destruction”

Professional Reviews

• Film History Quarterly: “”Edge of Darkness” stands out as a potent piece of wartime cinema, eschewing typical heroics for a gritty, ensemble portrayal of resistance. Milestone’s direction imbues the occupied village with palpable tension, building towards a raw, impactful climax. While undeniably propaganda, it’s elevated by strong performances, particularly Walter Huston and Judith Anderson, capturing the complex human toll of occupation. A compelling, if dark, look at civilian bravery.
• Classic Film Critic: “Errol Flynn leads a remarkable cast in this taut WWII drama about a Norwegian village’s fight for freedom. Though initially slow, the film excels in depicting the varied responses to Nazi tyranny, from outright collaboration to simmering defiance. The tension ratchets up effectively, culminating in a violent confrontation that doesn’t shy away from sacrifice. Ann Sheridan and Ruth Gordon provide strong support, making this a memorable, albeit heavy-handed, look at wartime resistance.
• Vintage Screen: “Lewis Milestone’s ‘Edge of Darkness’ offers a stark depiction of Nazi occupation and civilian uprising. Its power lies in the collective spirit of the villagers, brought to life by a superb ensemble including Walter Huston, Judith Anderson, and Charles Dingle in a chilling role. The film masterfully builds dread, making the final, brutal confrontation feel earned. While clearly designed to stir patriotic fervor, its focus on human dignity and resistance remains resonant.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were deeply moved by the portrayal of Norwegian resistance and sacrifice.: The strong ensemble cast, including Walter Huston and Judith Anderson, received widespread acclaim for their nuanced performances.

The film’s dark tone and realistic (for the era) depiction of Nazi brutality left a lasting impact.: The climactic battle sequence was frequently cited as exciting and powerful, despite the film’s age.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and well-acted wartime drama, lauded for its ensemble cast and raw depiction of civilian resistance against Nazi occupation, though some found it melodramatic or overly propagandistic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s production faced significant challenges, including Errol Flynn’s sensational statutory rape trial (he was acquitted during filming), Ann Sheridan’s divorce, and production delays caused by dense fog during location shooting in California.”
• “Actresses Ruth Gordon and Judith Anderson were both under pressure from Broadway producer Katharine Cornell to return to New York for a stage production of ‘The Three Sisters’, leading to tension during filming.”
• “Ruth Gordon, who gave a notable performance, reportedly disliked working in Hollywood and on this particular film.”
• “A noticeable jump cut occurs after a line spoken by Errol Flynn’s character, believed to be due to dialogue deleted to comply with the restrictive Production Code censors of the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Edge of Darkness?

As a classic film from 1943, ‘Edge of Darkness’ may be available through various streaming services that specialize in classic cinema. For digital purchase or rental, look for the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or search Amazon. Availability can vary by region and subscription service.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Edge of Darkness, you might like these similar films:

• The Moon Is Down (1943): Also released in 1943 and based on a John Steinbeck novel, it similarly explores the psychological and physical resistance of a Norwegian town against Nazi occupation.
• This Land Is Mine (1943): A powerful drama set in occupied France, focusing on the moral compromises and eventual defiance of ordinary citizens under Nazi rule.
• The Train (1964): This later film involves French Resistance fighters trying to prevent the Nazis from stealing French art during their retreat, sharing themes of national pride and civilian risk-taking against the occupying force.
• Defiance (2008): A modern film based on a true story of Jewish brothers who form a partisan group to fight the Nazis and save civilians in Belarus forests during WWII.
• Hangmen Also Die! (1943): Directed by Fritz Lang and also from 1943, this film depicts the collective resistance of Czech citizens after the assassination of a high-ranking Nazi official, highlighting the dangers and solidarity in occupied territories.

🛒 Edge of Darkness Related Products

• Edge of Darkness (1943) Digital Download: Own a piece of classic cinema history. Instantly stream or download the film that showcased wartime courage and sacrifice.
• Historical WWII Propaganda Poster Prints: High-quality reproduction prints of original WWII propaganda posters, capturing the spirit of the era.
• The Moon Is Down by John Steinbeck: Read another acclaimed novel from the WWII era focusing on the experience of occupation and resistance in a small town, often compared to ‘Edge of Darkness’.
• WWII Strategy Simulation Game (PC/Console): Engage in strategic gameplay based on World War II, allowing players to experience different fronts and scenarios.

🎧 Soundtrack

Edge of Darkness features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Mighty Fortress is Our God (Ein’ Feste Burg)” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Troopz on Edge – WW2 Fiction

Curious about the military strategy shown in *Edge of Darkness*? This video dives deep into the ‘Goon’ troops’ tactics, and honestly, it’s pretty cool to see a breakdown of the ground-level action beyond the main plot!

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