Another strong encouragement to see "Decision Before Dawn" if it's otherwise unknown to any WW II war film fans.
Not only is the atmosphere spot on, but watch for the authentic vehicles, uniforms, and weapons. These things were still lying around in profusion, and make the atmosphere ever more impressive.
Note the scene where Whermacht Field Police are searching a ruined church and all are carrying the Model 44 Assault Rifle. These are rarely seen in any movie, here they are in spades!
Based on the book, "Dare Call It Treason," the film explores the morality of turning on your country in the name of shortening the war and saving lives. Excellent performances by Oskar Werner, Richard Basehart, Hans Christian Blech (who many will recognize from other war films, notably playing Major Werner Pluskat in "The Longest Day," and a more thankless role as Robert Shaw's batman in "The Battle of The Bulge").
The paranoia of the German security forces, the refugees, and the impending sense of doom on the East side of the Rhine in March of 1945 are stunning and never so well represented in other films.
And it's a nail-biter, too!
By my personal War Film rating system, this one rates Five
Craters!
TVAG
goes to sea with the Terrain Mat.
