Network/Films/Decision Before Dawn 1951
Decision Before Dawn
Quick Facts
DirectorAnatole Litvak
Runtime1h 59m · NR
GenresAction · Thriller · War
Release1951-12-21
Film

Decision Before Dawn

1951· NR· 1h 59m· Action· Thriller· War

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!

WWII is entering its last phase: Germany is in ruins, but does not yield. The US army lacks crucial knowledge about the German units operating on the opposite side of the Rhine, and decides to send two German prisoners to gather information. The scheme is risky: the Gestapo retains a terribly efficient network to identify and capture spies and deserters. Moreover, it is not clear that "Tiger", who does not mind any dirty work as long as the price is right, and war-weary "Happy", who might be easily betrayed by his feelings, are dependable agents. After Tiger and another American agent are successfully infiltrated, Happy is parachuted in Bavaria. His duty: find out the whereabouts of a powerful German armored unit moving towards the western front.

1951-12-21
Decision Before Dawn

Where to Watch

Availability data via TMDB (US). Links open the provider’s site.

Cast & Characters

Select anyone for a tight summary — the full story lives on their Person page.

Key Crew
ScreenplayPeter Viertel
Director of PhotographyFranz Planer
Original Music ComposerFranz Waxman
Full cast & crew (30 cast · 13 crew)

Details

Released1951-12-21
Runtime1h 59m · NR
StatusReleased
Studios20th Century Fox · Bavaria Film
LanguagesGerman · English
CountriesUnited States of America · Germany
Rating6.8/10 · 49 votes
Original languageen

← All film · Wikidata Q1345327