Dangerous Moonlight (1941)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

Brian Desmond Hurst

Writer:

Terence Young (original story and screenplay)

Release Date:

20 April 1942 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance | War

Plot:

During World War II, an American newswoman falls for a refugee Polish piano virtuoso...who wants to go back and fight.

Plot Keywords:

Flashback | Reporter | Doctor | Pianist | Bombing

Cast

Anton Walbrook	...	Stefan 'Steve' Radetzky
Sally Gray	...	Carol Peters Radetzky
Derrick De Marney	...	Michael 'Mike' Carroll, Radetzky's manager
Cecil Parker	...	Specialist
Percy Parsons	...	Bill Peters
Kenneth Kent	...	Andre De Guise, the impressario (as Keneth Kent)
J.H. Roberts	...	Residing physician
Guy Middleton	...	Shorty
John Laurie	...	British commander
Frederick Valk	...	Polish bomber commander
O.B. Clarence	...	Waiter with tray of wine
James Pirrie		(as James Perrie)
Marian Spencer	...	Miss Gratton, De Guise's secretary (as Marion Spencer)
Leslie Gordon		(as Lesley Gordon)
Philip Friend	...	Pete, RAF pilot

Also Known As:

Suicide Squadron (USA) (new title)

Runtime:

94 min | USA:82 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #8133) | Finland:S | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

D&P Studios, Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

RKO Radio British Productions

Trivia:

Anton Walbrook had aspirations as a classical pianist in real life so his hands are shown playing the piano. However, the piano part as heard was recorded by the uncredited Louis Kentner.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: In a cockpit close-up, during the final air battle, the "Poland" flash on Stefan's uniform is back-to-front, as in a mirror image. This indicates that the original left-to-right shot was "flipped" so that it coincided with the other right-to-left shots that are used in the complete battle sequence.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Shepperton Babylon (2005) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Warsaw Concerto

Some of the best music to come out of England!

"Dangerous Moonlight" is one of those movies that catches one by surprise. I was working in my home office one night when I started hearing this piano music coming from the living room television. Enjoying it so much, I quit working and went in to listen and then to watch. Then after checking the television schedule, I set the VCR and taped the movie. I have since watched the movie several times and continue to enjoy it.

Anton Wallenbrook plays his part quite well and gives one a very interesting story of talent and guilt. Sally Gray makes an equally good performance as a normal insensitive American lady reporter who does not understand the implications of war. Derrick DeMarney is also good as the best friend of Stefan Radetsky, by being his conscience and confidant.

You can enjoy this movie watching it once, but don't cheat yourself, watch it a few times.