49th Parallel (1941)

This is one of those films that you've never heard of before but has a cast and director that ring a bell. It's funny when these kinds of films pop up because they're kind of fringe classics, i guess, because their not on any top movie lists. That being said 49th Parallel is a decently solid film, but understandable not an all-time classic. Directed by Michael Powell who's one of the greatest British directors and with a smart cast, including Laurence Olivier and Leslie Howard, it's almost a surprise this film doesn't get more recognition beyond the film elite. I think what holds this film back is it's too contemporary in it's time. The film takes place during World War II, right before the American's joined the Allies. My brief readings told me this film was made in efforts to convince the American's that they need to join the war. I find this ironic because the film takes place in Canada, and Americans don't share all the same values as Canadians.
Enjoyable scenes in the film: Laurence Olivier playing a French-Canadian fur-trapper was so funny. His accent was ridiculous, but he really got into which was awesome. Leslie Howard playing a Native Indian historian, not caring when the German's threaten to shoot him, but has a hissy fit when they destroy his paintings and literature, haha. Any scene where Canadians are portrayed as defenseless, yet rational human beings who offer any stranger food and lodging whenever they bump into the German's. Now I know we're supposed to be friendly, but I think that image of hospitality is probably pushing it.
Minor inconvenience, the plot dragged on at times, but overall it was a smooth pace.
What I found interesting about this film is that it's a British film portraying Canadian values. I don't think I've seen a film like this before, so it was kind of cool to see how another country sees us besides the awful misrepresentation made by any American films.
I say check out this film is the above subject matter paints your fancy.