

Movie spotlight
Men Must Fight
Prophetic tale of a mother in 1940 trying to keep her son out of war.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a future ravaged by war, a wealthy industrialist discovers his son has been drafted into the military. He attempts to use his influence to keep his son from the front lines, leading to a confrontation with the government and a reevaluation of his own pacifist beliefs. The film explores the personal toll of war on families and the societal pressures that drive nations to conflict.
Critical Reception
The film was a product of its time, reflecting anxieties about war and propaganda in the lead-up to World War II. While it received some attention for its anti-war message and Ulmer's directorial style, it is not widely remembered today and is considered a minor work in the context of Hollywood's output.
What Reviewers Say
Presents a compelling, albeit dated, anti-war message.
Features Edgar G. Ulmer's distinctive visual style within a B-movie framework.
The narrative struggles with melodrama and a somewhat simplistic resolution.
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Fun Fact
The film was based on a play by Reginald Lawrence, and its production was influenced by the growing tensions in Europe and the lingering impact of World War I.
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