The read
Critics rate it 25 points higher than audiences do. It runs a compact 1h 16m.
Synopsis
A young French soldier in World War I is overcome with guilt when he kills a German soldier who, like himself, is a musically gifted conscript, each having attended the same musical conservatory in France. The fact that the incident occurred in war does not assuage his guilt. He travels to Germany to meet the man's family.
Ratings
IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 25 points higher than audiences do.
47 audience votes
Key crew
- Ernst LubitschDirector
- W. Franke HarlingOriginal Music Composer
- Ernest VajdaScreenplay
- Samson RaphaelsonScreenplay
Cast
- Lionel BarrymoreDr. H. Holderlin
- Phillips HolmesPaul Renard
- Nancy CarrollFraulein Elsa
- Louise CarterFrau Holderlin
- Lucien LittlefieldHerr Walter Schultz
- Tom DouglasWalter Holderlin
- Zasu PittsAnna, Holderlin's Maid
- Frank SheridanPriest
- George BickelHerr Bresslauer, Dress Shop Owner
- Emma DunnFrau Miller
- Reginald PaschFritz's Father
- Rodney McLennanWar Veteran
Stills
Themes
guiltgerman soldier