The Seventh Cross (1944)
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100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
63% of users liked it
(263 ratings)
Fred Zinnemann directed this World War II drama, considered one of the best anti-Nazi dramas produced by Hollywood during the war years. The story concerns seven prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp who manage to elude the guards and the Gestapo. The commandant, in a rage over their escape, nails… More Fred Zinnemann directed this World War II drama, considered one of the best anti-Nazi dramas produced by Hollywood during the war years. The story concerns seven prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp who manage to elude the guards and the Gestapo. The commandant, in a rage over their escape, nails crosses to seven trees, planning to crucify each of the prisoners as they are captured. Gradually six of the prisoners are discovered by the Gestapo and crucified. The one remaining escapee, George Heisler (Spencer Tracy), has become embittered and cynical after his years in the concentration camp. But as an assortment of friends and strangers help him elude the Gestapo, Heisler finally makes it to neutral Holland, his faith in mankind restored. Jessica Tandy had her first screen appearance as Liesel Roeder, the wife of Paul Roeder (Hume Cronyn, Tandy's real life husband), one of the friends who helps Heisler make his way to freedom. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Directed By
- Fred Zinnemann
- Written By
- Helen Deutsch
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jul 24, 1944 Wide
- On DVD
- Oct 23, 1991
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
This is a film of fine performances.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
If you will accept this premise, despite the evidence of recent deeds, then you should be both moved and shaken by the better part of this film.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
With Tracy heading the cast and a host of great character actors in support, it's hardly surprising that the performances are the most memorable aspect of Zinnemann's first major feature.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
One of the best of the swarms of anti-Nazi films Hollywood produced during the war years.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Spencer Tracy, usually solid, is miscast as a German who escapes from concentration camp, but then the whole saga is fake, compared to Zinnemann's later works.
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Cast
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Spencer Tracy
as George Heisler
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Signe Hasso
as Toni
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Hume Cronyn
as Paul Roeder
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Jessica Tandy
as Liesel Roeder
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Agnes Moorehead
as Mme. Marelli
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Herbert Rudley
as Franz Marnet
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George Macready
as Bruno Sauer
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Felix Bressart
as Poldi Schlamm
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Ray Collins
as Wallau
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Alexander Granach
as Zillach
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Katherine Locke
as Mrs. Sauer
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Steven Geray
as Dr. Lowenstein
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Kurt Katch
as Leo Herman
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Kaaren Verne
as Leni
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Konstantin Shayne
as Fuellgrabe
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George Suzanne
as Bellani
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John Wengraf
as Overkamp
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George Zucco
as Fahrenburg
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Steven Muller
as Hellwig
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Eily Malyon
as Fraulein Bachmann
- Paul E. Burns
- William Challee
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Paul Guilfoyle
as Fiedler
- Fay Wall
