The North Star (Armored Attack) (1943)

36% of users liked it
(121 ratings)

In this bit of WWII propaganda (designed to boost support of America's alliance with Russia against Germany), Kolya (Dana Andrews), Kurin (Walter Huston), Damian (Farley Granger), and Marina (Anne Baxter) are members of a farming collective in the Ukraine known as the North Star. The hard-working… More In this bit of WWII propaganda (designed to boost support of America's alliance with Russia against Germany), Kolya (Dana Andrews), Kurin (Walter Huston), Damian (Farley Granger), and Marina (Anne Baxter) are members of a farming collective in the Ukraine known as the North Star. The hard-working but happy members of the North Star find their way of life shattered when Germany, in defiance of previous treaties, storms the nation and begins a brutal occupation. Dr. Otto Von Harden (Erich Von Stroheim) begins gathering children -- who are to be used for blood transfusions and medical experiments. Many of the outraged farmers take to the hills to fight with the anti-Nazi resistance, while those who stay behind bravely destroy precious crops and materiel rather than turn them over to the Nazi war machine. Producer Samuel Goldwyn made The North Star at the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (whose son James was an executive at Goldwyn's studio). Ironically, several members of the film's creative team (including screenwriter Lilian Hellman) later found their motivations for making the film questioned by the House Un-American Activities Committee, who declared it Communist propaganda. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Lewis Milestone
Written By: Lillian Hellman
Genres: Drama, Animation, Classics

In Theaters: Nov 4, 1943 Wide
On DVD: Sep 21, 2004
Studio: American Pop Classics

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Hokey.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A prime example of how Hollywood reflected the changing political climate: When Lewis Milestone's film was made, the Soviet Union was an ally but after WWII some of its makers removed their name, while others like writer Lilian Hellman were blacklisted.

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Cast

            Anne Baxter as Marina

            Dana Andrews as Kolya

            Walter Huston as Dr. Kurin

            Walter Brennan as Karp

            Farley Granger as Damian

            Ann Harding as Sophia

            Jane Withers as Claudia

            Erich von Stroheim as Dr. Otto Von Harden

            Dean Jagger as Rodion

            Eric Roberts as Grisha

            Carl Benton Reid as Boris

            Ann Carter as Olga

            Ruth Nelson as Nadya

            Paul Guilfoyle as Iakin

            Martin Kosleck as Dr. Max Richter

            Tonio Selwart as German Captain

            Robert Lowery as Russian Pilot

            Gene O'Donnell as Russian Gunner

            Frank Wilcox as Petrov

            Charley Bates as Petya

            Florence Auer as Woman Farmer

            John Bagni as Guard at Desk

            Art Baker as Radio Voice

            Bill Borzage as Accordian Player in Wagon

            Frederick Brunn
            
            Lane Chandler
            
            Edmund Cobb as Farmer

            Grace Cunard as Farmer's Wife

            Esther Dale as Anna

            Emma Dunn
            
            Martin Faust
            
            Al Ferguson
            
            Inna Gest as Specialty Dancer

            Teddy Infur as Little Stinker

            John Judd as Farmer

            George Lynn as German Pilot

            Jerry Mickelsen as Farmer's Son

            Sarah Padden as Old Lady

            Patricia Parks as Sonya

            Jack Perrin
            
            Minna Phillips as Old Lady in Wagon

            Ferdinand Schumann-Heink as Doctor's Assistant

            Clarence Straight as Young Men in Wagon

            Harry Strang as Guerrilla

            Ray Teal as German Motorcycle Officer

            Bill Walker
            
            Crane Whitley as German Soldier

            Ruth Gordon
            
            Henry Hall
            
            Tommy Hall
            
            Grace Lenard as Woman on Bridge

            William Nestell
            
            Ilia Khmara as Accordion Player

            Constant Franke as Boris' Aide

            Joyce Tucker as Little Girl in Hospital

            Eric Roberts (II)
            
See full cast

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