Decision Before Dawn 1951
"A woman's kiss . . . A lighted cigarette - Each had Its meaning! An exciting and realistic story of war . . . of German Prisoners Sent Back Behind Their Own Lines as Agents of the Allies!"
Set against the crumbling backdrop of WWII's final days, *Decision Before Dawn* (1951) is a gripping wartime thriller directed by Anatole Litvak.
Director: Anatole Litvak
Cast
Richard Basehart
Lt. Dick Rennick
Gary Merrill
Col. Devlin
Oskar Werner
Cpl. Karl Maurer - aka Happy
Hildegard Knef
Hilde
Dominique Blanchar
Monique
O.E. Hasse
Col. Oberst von Ecker
Wilfried Seyferth
Heinz Scholtz, SS-Mann
Hans Christian Blech
Sgt. Rudolf Barth - aka Tiger
Helene Thimig
Fräulein Schneide
George Tyne
Sgt. Griffin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decision Before Dawn (1951) about?
*Decision Before Dawn* (1951) plunges into the final days of WWII, where the Allies deploy two German prisoners as spies behind Nazi lines. As they navigate a landscape of suspicion and betrayal, their mission forces them to confront the cost of survival and the weight of their choices.
Who directed Decision Before Dawn?
Anatole Litvak directed *Decision Before Dawn*. Known for his sharp storytelling and atmospheric tension, Litvak crafts a gripping wartime narrative that blends realism with suspense.
Who stars in Decision Before Dawn?
The film features Richard Basehart, Gary Merrill, Oskar Werner, Hildegard Knef, and Dominique Blanchar in pivotal roles.
Is Decision Before Dawn (1951) worth watching?
While not rated on IMDb, *Decision Before Dawn* is a standout WWII thriller praised for its authenticity and suspense. Its themes of espionage and moral ambiguity make it a compelling watch for fans of classic wartime cinema.
How long is Decision Before Dawn?
The runtime for *Decision Before Dawn* is 119 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Decision Before Dawn (1951) — A WWII Thriller of Betrayal and Survival
Set against the crumbling backdrop of WWII's final days, *Decision Before Dawn* (1951) is a gripping wartime thriller directed by Anatole Litvak. The film follows two German prisoners—a ruthless operative codenamed "Tiger" and a war-weary soldier dubbed "Happy"—as they're sent behind enemy lines to gather critical intel for the Allies. Their mission is fraught with danger, as the Gestapo's relentless surveillance and brutal efficiency make capture almost inevitable. With every shadowed alley and whispered conversation laced with tension, the story explores the blurred lines between loyalty and survival in a world on the brink of collapse.
Starring Richard Basehart, Oskar Werner, and Hildegard Knef, the film blends raw suspense with moral complexity, capturing the desperation of espionage in a collapsing Germany. Litvak's direction infuses the narrative with a documentary-like realism, immersing viewers in the paranoia and high stakes of wartime intrigue. The result is a taut, atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final shot.
