The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

This film focuses on the plight of Jews fleeing Nazi Germany. It is fairly well made but the script, based on a novel by famed writer Remarque, tends to wander rather aimlessly, making for a less than compelling film. March is fine as a man who has escaped from a concentration camp, leaving behind his beloved wife in Germany. In one of his earliest roles, baby-faced Ford turns in an impressive performance as March's fellow escapee. Sullavan, in one of her last films, is also good as Ford's love interest. Dee gets third billing, but has only a few minutes of screen time as March's wife. The film looks good visually, but the pacing leaves something to be desired.

All the players deliver fine multi-dimensional and interesting characters in this fine 1941 movie, but especially Glenn Ford and Mergaret Sullivan. I did not find the story depressing because most characters dealt with their unfortunate situation of being exiles without papers (and thereby forbidden jobs and usually hunted down) with determination and a will to survive.While holding nothing back in my recommendation that you at once order this long-unavailable film in DVD, I have just one bone to pick with it, one that didn't even exist when the film was made in 1941: I do not like the way persons in the movie industry have re-written the history of World War II to create the erroneous impression that it was all about the Jews, the Jews, and nothing but the Jews. Ask any young person today about World War II and they'll answer in the context of the Jews. Bunk! What does anybody think about the 20 minute obliteration of Rotterdam, or the fire-bombing of London? Better yet, visit the cemetery at Normandy (which the drive-by media forgot all about this year; not one word of remembrance for those who bought our freedom with their lives; of no importance to NBC, CBS or ABC.)The evil of the Nazi's and their hatred of other people included Catholics, Protestants, Poles, English, French, Dutch, Belgians, Czechs, Hungarians, and a whole lot more. With this caution and this reservation, I recommend this movie. Plot, history, characterization, emotion, people you'll care about. They don't make movies like this anymore. We've seen Sex and the City, so now what? Kung Fu Panda? Don't Mess with Zohan? I think we'll stay home.

The mind-numbing horror of Fascism in Germany was bad enough, even before the ultimate horror of the Holocaust was eventually made known, and "So Ends Our Night" was an extremely brave attempt in 1941 to bring home to the people of the USA, (before they entered WW2), the extent of repression and State-sanctioned bigotry that Nazi Germany had imposed on its people from the 30s onwards. Set within the context of a conventional Hollywood drama, it nevertheless pulled few punches and showed how tyrannical governments subject their people by gradually increasing degrees, and how freedom is eroded rather than outlawed overnight. Seeing it with post-Holocaust eyes makes its warning that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, even more powerful and cogent, and it is a film that also manages to show that it is not governments that "bestow" freedom, but the determination and will of people themselves to maintain it. Well directed by John Cromwell, and with excellent performances from Frederic March and Margaret Sullivan, (who particularly seems to infuse her performance with genuine conviction), with welcome appearances from Anna Sten (a much better actress than has ever been fully recognised), and Erich von Stroheim, as well as a very young Glenn Ford. Although seldom remembered nowadays, this is a film that is well worth seeking out, and I don't think you will be disappointed if you do so. Highly recommended, and long overdue for critical rehabilitation.

I would recommend this film to be watched by anyone. I first saw it at a teenager and have never forgotten it. The film handled a hopeless situation in a very humane and touching way. With the problems in Kosovo now the film is just as up to date as it was in 1941 when it was made. I would give this film a 10+ rating in my opinion.