Indelible Shadows

In the twelve years between the second edition of Indelible Shadows and this update, there have been, not only new films worthy of attention, but discoveries of forgotten gems created during and immediately after World War II. Pastor Hall (1940, Great Britain) for example, is remarkably prescient in its depiction of both the Nazi menace and resistance to it. Made by the Boulting Brothers, it is based on the 1937 play of German refugee playwright Ernst Toller. Both works were inspired by the life of the Reverend Martin Niemoller, born in 1892 and best known for his cautionary words: “First, they came for the Jews. I was silent. I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists. I was silent. I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists. I was silent. I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me. There was no one left to speak for me.”

Pastor Hall was directed and edited by Roy Boulting, produced by his twin brother John, and scripted by both (plus four additional screenwriters). Set in 1934 “Altdorf,” the film depicts howa small and peaceful German village is transformed into a fearful and intolerant place once the storm troopers arrive. Pastor Hall (Wilfrid Lawson) is devoted to his flock, and especially to his daughter Pauline (Nova Pilbeam), soon to be married to the son of his gruff buddy, the General (Seymour Hicks); the General, decorated from World War I, never sets foot in church, however. Fritz (Marius Goring), head of the storm troopers, forces the town to believe in fatherland over faith, and in the state over the individual.