49th Parallel 1941
"THE MIGHTEST MANHUNT THAT EVER SWEPT THE SCREEN!"
Directed by the visionary Michael Powell, *49th Parallel (1941)* is a gripping wartime thriller that blends suspense with a stark exploration of ideology and survival.
Director: Michael Powell
Cast
Leslie Howard
Philip Armstrong Scott
Laurence Olivier
Johnnie, the Trapper
Raymond Massey
Andy Brock
Anton Walbrook
Peter
Eric Portman
Lieutenant Hirth
Raymond Lovell
Lieutenant Kuhnecke
Richard George
Kommandant Bernsdorff
Niall MacGinnis
Vogel
Peter Moore
Kranz
John Chandos
Lohrmann
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 49th Parallel (1941) about?
Set in early WWII, *49th Parallel* follows a group of German U-boat survivors stranded in Canada after their submarine is sunk. Their goal? Cross into neutral America to escape capture. Along the way, their journey pits them against unforgiving terrain and principled locals, turning their mission into a fight for survival and redemption.
Who directed 49th Parallel?
The film was directed by Michael Powell, a master of atmospheric storytelling whose work often blurred the lines between drama and psychological tension.
Who stars in 49th Parallel?
The cast includes Leslie Howard, Laurence Olivier, Raymond Massey, Anton Walbrook, and Eric Portman, delivering a mix of intensity and depth.
Is 49th Parallel (1941) worth watching?
While lacking a modern IMDb rating, *49th Parallel* is a well-regarded wartime thriller with strong performances and a gripping narrative. Its themes of survival and morality make it compelling for fans of classic war films and Michael Powell's distinctive style.
How long is 49th Parallel?
The runtime of *49th Parallel* is 123 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About 49th Parallel (1941) — Michael Powell's wartime thriller about ideology and survival
Directed by the visionary Michael Powell, *49th Parallel (1941)* is a gripping wartime thriller that blends suspense with a stark exploration of ideology and survival. Set against the untamed wilderness of Canada's Hudson Bay during the early days of World War II, the film follows a desperate band of German U-boat survivors led by the ruthless Lieutenant Hirth, who evade capture by crossing the border into neutral American soil. Along their perilous journey, the soldiers encounter a series of compelling figures—from a fiercely independent French-Canadian trapper to a pacifist Hutterite farmer—each embodying the moral and physical challenges of the era. Powell crafts a tense, atmospheric narrative that questions the nature of patriotism and humanity in the face of war.
With an ensemble cast including Leslie Howard, Laurence Olivier, and Anton Walbrook, *49th Parallel* delivers powerful performances that anchor its high-stakes drama. The film's taut pacing and the stark beauty of its snowy landscapes create an immersive experience, making it a standout entry in wartime cinema. Whether you're drawn to its historical weight or its gripping suspense, this Michael Powell classic remains a must-see for fans of classic films and WWII narratives alike.
