“Hold Back the Dawn” – Fascinating Saga of a 40s Refugee. The film provides an interesting perspective of 1940s refugees on the southern border, and dispels any myths of the immigration process of that era. And It makes for a fascinating watch with parallels to the modern era. And it is more than just that.
Thapson
Synopsis
The War and Rush for the United Sates
It’s World War II and Romanian casanova, Georges Iscovescu, is among the hordes of Europeans trying to escape the safer shores of the United States. Going directly is out of the question, so he decides to take the southern route through Mexico. However, once there, he realizes that things aren’t too rosy. Due to the quota system, he’s in for an eight year wait to be let in.
He checks into a hotel on a border town – the Hotel Esperanza (Hope). Things look very hopeless as he witnesses a mass of Europeans in the same predicament. Eight years seems an eternity – until he comes across an old flame from Europe, Anita Dixon. She’s now an American and smartens him on how he too can fast track his entry and US citizenship like her.
Georges’ plan
Anita advises Georges to marry an American citizen. This way he can speed up the process thus avoiding the eight-year wait. After obtaining his citizenship, he can divorce the American like she did, and they can get together again in the US to rekindle their alliance. Ever the opportunist, Georges puts his plan to action on Emmy Brown, a young American, on a field trip with her charges in Mexico.
His charm do the trick, and naive Emmy is swept off her feet by Georges’ charms. Things are going well for Georges, until trouble shows up in the form of an American immigration official, Inspector Hammock. Hammock’s job is weeding out fraudulent activities on the immigration front. Among them, preventing “marriages of convenience,” which is exactly what Georges is planning.
Complications for Georges
Things get complicated for Georges as Hammock smells something fishy regarding his speedy marriage to Emmy. Also, Georges is getting stifled with the enthusiastic Emmy’s post-marriage plans, and Anita’s attention. He needs to avoid Hammock at any cost and hide his past with Anita from Emmy.
Despite his best efforts, Emmy finds out about Georges’ lies and, deeply hurt, walks out on him. Georges plan starts unravelling. But, there is a twist to all of this: He’s genuinely fallen in love with Emmy. How can he win her back? Will she believe him? And what about Hammock? He has already declared Georges “persona non grata.” Does love prevail? You’d need to watch the movie for the exciting conclusion.
Main Cast
Charles Boyer as Georges Iscovescu
French born Charles Boyer is perfectly cast for the role. His European mannerisms do full justice to the role in question. Incidentally, like his character Georges, he too became a naturalized American citizen in 1942.
Olivia de Havilland as Emmy Brown
Another perfect casting, as Olivia de Havilland was nominated Best Actress for this role at the 1942 Oscars. Unfortunately she lost out to her sister, Joan Fontaine. As Emmy Brown, Olivia de Havilland plays the type of role she was most recognized for – a wronged or suffering woman.
Paulette Goddard as Anita Dixon
Attractive and gregarious, Paulette Goddard lost out on the role of Scarlett O’Hara – something she was deeply resentful about. But she dug in and carved her own niche in Hollywood and was once married to the likes of Charlie Chaplin, and Burgess Meredith.
Walter Abel as Inspector Hammock
With a theater background, Walter Abel had a very strong authoritative voice. Again, another brilliant casting that called for a dominating, inquisitive personality. With this presence and voice, I couldn’t help comparing him to Cesar Romero on some level.
My Take
A wonderfully likeable movie, albeit with some rushed, improbable stuff thrown towards the end. If you can overlook some of these, the story is interesting and grabs you until the surprising conclusion.
I liked how closely the current situation on the Mexican border resembles that portrayed in the movie. Apparently illegal immigration’s always been an issue. Also, WW II movies have already fascinated me due to the War’s unpredictability at the time. The border scenario was fascinatingly showcased. We also get to see parts of Mexico and its culture which is a wonderful treat.
I also couldn’t help noting interesting resemblance to the 1989 movie “Green Card,” on some levels. All in all, a pleasant movie and a fun watch for those who love classic movies.
Interesting Trivia Regarding the Movie
The movie is based on a Ketti Fring story “Memo to a Movie Producer,” and is unofficially believed to be based on her husband’s story – something he denied. Ketti’s husband Kurt Fring emigrated from Germany and married her, an American citizen, and became a naturalized citizen
The movie has also been adapted into a radio show, and stage play
Since the journey Azusa, CA to the Mexican border is so long, it seems highly improbable that an American teacher would take such young children for a field trip over this distance, let alone cross the border
The term “hold back the dawn” is part of a conversation that Georges has with Emmy in the movie when he is courting her as in “we cannot prevent the inevitable.”
Monique Classique / YouTube
A Few Final Words
“Hold Back the Dawn” has aged well despite some hurried scenes towards the end. It touches on a variety of subjects, including love, doing the right thing, and how much the United States has always been a beacon to people in crises around the world.
It touches on human nature, and how true love has the ability to transform anyone to do the right thing. No wonder it is among the all-time romantic American movies to watch.
I’ll return with another movie review. Until then, please feel free with your comments below.
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