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NR | 1h 44m | Drama, Romance, War | 1942
For anyone with enough money and some distance from war, history can remain something that’s happening elsewhere.
France, in particular, went through an eerie stretch of this situation at the beginning of World War II. Although the country had declared war on Germany in September 1939, months passed without the massive fighting many had expected on the Western Front. That period became known as the “Phoney War.”
Paris carried on under wartime restrictions, and people with comfortable lives could still concern themselves with ordinary things. Then came May of 1940, when German forces tore through Western Europe. They sent refugees onto the roads. Within weeks, Paris was facing an occupation that had, until recently, seemed almost impossible.
Director Jules Dassin’s 1942 film “Reunion in France” catches some of that disconnect through Michele de la Becque, a wealthy Parisian played by Joan Crawford who’s returning from a vacation. She belongs to a world of high fashion, tons of money, servants, and various social engagements; the war seems like just an inconvenience.
France in 1940 gave that illusion a very short shelf life, and the film begins right around the time when the bill’s payment is due.
Paris Under New Management
For Michele, the German invasion feels like it belongs to another century. Upon returning, she finds that German officers have not only taken over the city but also commandeered her house. Her money is no longer able to solve her problems.
Interestingly, Robert Cortot (Philip Dorn), the man she intends to marry, seems remarkably at ease with the new occupiers. His coziness with high-ranking Germans leaves her wondering. Soon, Michele is working to support herself, serving the German officers’ wives.
Michele soon crosses paths with Pat Talbot (John Wayne), an American pilot serving with the Royal Air Force (RAF). He’s on the run from the German authorities and now stranded in occupied France.
With nowhere safe to go, Pat needs somebody who’s willing to hide him. Michele takes the risk and helps him find a way back to England; this puts her in even greater danger from the German occupiers.
As Michele and Pat spend more time together, sparks begin to fly. This creates another complication as she’s still trying to make sense of Robert’s behavior. Before long, she’s juggling a hidden Allied pilot, suspicious Germans, and a fiancé who’s far too friendly with them.
Enjoyable Wartime Yarn
“Reunion in France” came early in Jules Dassin’s directing career, several years before “The Naked City” (1948) and “Night and the City” (1950) helped to establish his reputation. Here, he keeps things moving through the occupied streets and interiors of Paris, while the German presence gradually becomes harder for Michele to ignore.
Crawford plays Michele as spoiled, imperious, and occasionally exasperating, but the actress gives her character enough humor and personality to make the movie enjoyable. Dorn plays Robert much closer to the vest; this suits the part, since Michele spends much of the picture wondering what exactly he’s up to. There’s also a strong MGM supporting cast around them, including Albert Bassermann, Reginald Owen, and John Carradine.
John Wayne doesn’t affect a British accent, as his character is an American volunteer flying with the RAF. He would later play German Capt. Karl Ehrlich in “The Sea Chase” (1955), and that one excursion of his into foreign nationalities is enough for me.
“Reunion in France” has some decent romance, a good amount of suspense, and German officers poking around where they aren’t wanted, while Crawford’s character tries to keep everybody fooled.
A few narrative developments require some indulgence, although the picture moves briskly enough that viewers will never feel bored.
The closing segments have real momentum, and there’s also something genuinely satisfying about seeing ordinary people find ways to push back against an occupying power.
“Reunion in France” is available on Apple TV, Amazon, and YouTube.
‘Reunion in France’
Director: Jules Dassin
Starring: Joan Crawford, John Wayne, Philip Dorn
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Release Date: Dec. 25, 1942
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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