The town occupied by the nazi’s in This Land is Mine, could be any European city. The mayor, Henry Manville, (Thurston Hall), could be any politician, presiding over a subjugated populace. Mayor Manville, wants a type of control. He is willing to sacrifice freedom and his soul, cooperating with Major Erich von Keller, (Walter Slezak). Slezak’s character is a cross between Major Strasser and Captain Renault from Casablanca. The chief difference is unlike Renault, Major Keller will not hesitate to bring order. He does not hesitate to execute innocent people, to send a message. Major Keller’s actions set in motion a chain of events, that set people on a course to freedom.
Everyone in the town is affected by the Nazi occupation. Albert Lory, (Charles Laughton), a schoolteacher, must obey the censorship of the nazi’s. He instructs the students to pull out designated pages in their schoolbooks. This doesn’t bother him. It does upset Louise Martin, (Maureen O’Hara). She is a teacher who loves George Lambert, (George Sanders). He is the railway station manager. He, like the mayor, accepts the occupation. Louise’s brother, Paul Martin, (Kent Smith), works at the railway station. He does not share his employer’s views, and engages in sabotage.
Albert Lory is only interested in two things, his job and Louise. He is not her ideal man. He is reserved and indifferent about the occupation. He also loves his mother, Emma Lory, (Una O’Connor), without question. She loves him with a smothering affection. One day there is an air raid. everyone takes shelter. Albert leaves to get his mother. Albert, is genuinely afraid. This is shown, when he is cowering in his mother’s arms. This is in stark contrast to Louise, who calls the bombers our friends, The British. Albert’s fear invites ridicule from his students. This brings a stern admonishment from Professor Sorel, (Philip Merivale). The professor is Albert’s superior and friend. He also knows of his love for Louise.
The heart of the movie is how hard realities change people. Paul Martin has engaged in violence against the occupiers. He was wounded, and he is observed by Mrs. Lory, coming home. Emma Lory, in her naivete, thinks there is a safe haven for her and her son, by informing on Paul. She tells George Lambert. He informs Major Keller, and after a pursuit, he is killed. This is heartbreaking to Louise, and she loathes Paul for his betrayal and collaboration. Louise’s disdain and George’s heavy conscience, force him to suicide.
Albert discovers George’s body, and is put on trial for murder.While he is in jail. He witnesses the execution of Professor Sorel. He sees him go calmly to his death. This makes Albert understand that the nazi’s are evil, and he will do something. He knows a scapegoat is needed, and his trial will be for show. He does not heed the advice of Major Keller, that would spare him. He decides to be a voice for the people. He urges them to throw off the yolk of oppression. This gains the love and respect of Louise. He knows that he has upset the oppressor’s of the people, but doesn’t care. His time may be limited, but he has come to understand that freedom comes with a high cost, but the price is worth it.
Charles Laughton was an actor with terrific skill. He made many fine movies during his long career. This movie should be up there with his many cinematic achievements. Laughton was given a talented cast, with which he could interact. It is a very dramatic scene when Kent Smith confronts George Sanders about his betrayal. Philip Merivale as Professor Sorel, gives a dramatic moment, waving to Albert, before meeting death before a firing squad. Walter Slezak, gives an insight into the corrupt and evil nazi mindset. He reminisces with George Lambert about fighting for Germany with Hitler. He never gives a second thought to the evil that he helped to bring upon the world.
Jean Renoir directed This Land is Mine. He succeeds in making a movie that shows the nazi’s for what they are. The bigger achievement is bravery in the face of death. The scene that shows the town monument to sacrifice and bravery, during World War I, being obscured by the nazi vehicles sends a strong message to the audience. There is also the suspenseful scene, when Paul Martin throws a grenade, killing nazi soldiers. This action sets the wheels in motion, for the town, to resist the occupation. The scene when Paul flees by the rooftops, is gripping. Alfred Hitchcock, may have been challenged, to direct a more suspensful scene. Jean Renoir is the son of the great painter. He proves with this movie, that he inherited his father’s artistic talent.