With the exceptions of Bonita and John Banner most of this cast was largely unknown to me. I have seen some of Charles Bickford work, and being the Cardinal accused of treason here, his work is excellent.
This is Iron Curtain Budapest after the war. The story centers around the Cardinal and an American Journalist whose stationed there, both of who are concerned with the Russian Occupation of the country. The main issues that come up are how surviving the war and Russia's Liberation are central themes to all characters and how Stalin occupation is becoming more and more like the Nazi Occupation was. In fact, the theme at the end that is most prevalent is
Heil Hitler Heil Stalin
As this movie ends hammering home these themes, it is very current in the news. John Banner is excellent in a serious supporting role which is not a reminder of Stalag 13. Still, when watching this film as it goes through how Stalin's forces are basically squashing opposition, it is indeed a training film that helps one understand the current crisis in Ukraine better. In fact, just add this to make it current -
Heil Putin
Now that CNN has reported the reopening of the distant camps in Russia Stalin used to send people to make them disappear, this film based upon a true story is haunting in it's accuracy.
This is Iron Curtain Budapest after the war. The story centers around the Cardinal and an American Journalist whose stationed there, both of who are concerned with the Russian Occupation of the country. The main issues that come up are how surviving the war and Russia's Liberation are central themes to all characters and how Stalin occupation is becoming more and more like the Nazi Occupation was. In fact, the theme at the end that is most prevalent is
Heil Hitler Heil Stalin
As this movie ends hammering home these themes, it is very current in the news. John Banner is excellent in a serious supporting role which is not a reminder of Stalag 13. Still, when watching this film as it goes through how Stalin's forces are basically squashing opposition, it is indeed a training film that helps one understand the current crisis in Ukraine better. In fact, just add this to make it current -
Heil Putin
Now that CNN has reported the reopening of the distant camps in Russia Stalin used to send people to make them disappear, this film based upon a true story is haunting in it's accuracy.