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Commandos Strike at Dawn (1942)

Rate: 4
Viewed: 2/24

CommSt
2/24: Commandos Strike at Dawn is a WWII piece of crap starring Paul Muni.

Norway gave up fighting two months after it was invaded by Germany in 1940, and with the exception of the heavy water sabotage stuff, the citizens stayed passive until the end of war. They were actually the most pro-Nazi of any invaded country in WWII history, and many were Communists. too. About 300,000 Nazis were stationed there during that time which proved to be a drain on manpower for Hitler. Despite being close to England, Norway, which is over 90% mountain, had no strategic value besides a port that received iron ore from Sweden.

Anyway, the film is dull. By the time the commandos come, it's too late to care. Paul Muni is ineffective, showing none of the thespic power that he demonstrated during the 30's. He probably took on the role in the name of good cause, nothing more. Standing in for Norway, all scenes were shot on location in Greater Victoria of British Columbia, Canada.

All in all, Commandos Strike at Dawn has a bit of everything: wordy dialogue, banal war action, forgettable cast, and wasted Paul Muni.