Patriots (1937 film)

Patriots
Directed by	Karl Ritter
Written by	Felix Lützkendorf (writer) Philipp Lothar Mayring (writer) Karl Ritter (writer)
Produced by	Karl Ritter
Starring	See below
Cinematography	Günther Anders
Edited by	Gottfried Ritter
Music by	Theo Mackeben
Distributed by	UFA
Release date	24 August 1937 (1937-08-24)
Running time	96 minutes
Country	Germany
Language	German

Patriots (German: Patrioten) is a 1937 German film directed by Karl Ritter.

Plot

The story of the film takes place during World War II in Norway, focusing on the heroes of the resistance movement who undertake dangerous missions behind enemy lines to combat the Nazi German occupation.

The protagonist of the story is a young man named Oscar. Initially, he is just an ordinary citizen, but after witnessing his homeland being occupied and his compatriots oppressed, he decides to join the resistance movement. During this process, Oscar meets other like-minded resistance fighters and gradually grows into a brave warrior through training. The tasks of the resistance organization include gathering intelligence, sabotaging enemy facilities, and rescuing captured comrades. As Oscar and his team carry out their missions, they face tremendous dangers and difficulties. They have to contend not only with the well-equipped and well-trained German forces but also with internal betrayal and the threat of spies.

In one critical mission, Oscar and his team are sent to destroy a bridge that is crucial to the Germans. This bridge is an important route for the enemy's supply and troop transportation. Successfully destroying it would significantly weaken the German presence in Norway. During the planning and execution of the mission, they need to use wisdom, courage, and teamwork to overcome numerous obstacles. Ultimately, in a fierce battle, Oscar and his team manage to destroy the bridge. Despite the heavy price they pay, their actions severely demoralize the enemy and boost the confidence of the resistance movement.

Cast

• Mathias Wieman as Peter Thomann, called Pierre
• Lída Baarová as Thérèse, called Jou-Jou
• Bruno Hübner as Jules Martin, director of a front-line theatre
• Hilde Körber as Suzanne
• Paul Dahlke as Charles
• Nicolas Koline as Nikita
• Kurt Seifert as Alphonse
• Edwin Juergenssen as commandant
• Willi Rose as desk officer
• Ewald Wenck as police officer
• Otz Tollen as judge in wartime court
• Ernst Karchow as prosecutor
• André Saint-Germain as defending counsel
• Lutz Götz as German POW
• Paul Schwed as German POW
• Karl Hannemann as janitor
• Gustav Mahnke as sergeant

Release

The film was banned in Czechoslovakia.

Works cited

• Waldman, Harry (2008). Nazi Films In America, 1933-1942. McFarland & Company. ISBN 9780786438617.

External links

• Patriots at IMDb
• Patriots is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive