Paris Underground / Madame Pimpernel (1945) | American war film directed by Gregory Ratoff

"Paris Underground" is a 1945 American war film directed by Gregory Ratoff. The film is set during World War II and is based on the true story of the French Resistance. It focuses on the efforts of the French people to resist the German occupation and assist Allied airmen who have been shot down over France. Here is a detailed description of the film:

The film is set in German-occupied Paris during World War II. It follows the story of a group of individuals who become involved in the French Resistance, working to undermine the Nazi regime and aid Allied soldiers stranded in France.

The central characters include Frenchwoman Kitty de Mornay (played by Constance Bennett) and American expatriate and nightclub owner Anton Randall (played by Gracie Fields). Kitty, having lost her husband in the war, is motivated to join the Resistance and fight against the Germans. Anton, though initially reluctant to get involved, eventually joins the cause.

The Resistance group becomes particularly focused on helping downed Allied airmen evade capture and return safely to England. They establish an underground network to hide and guide these airmen through the dangerous streets of Paris.

As the group carries out their covert activities, they face numerous challenges and dangers, including the constant threat of discovery by the occupying German forces. Tensions rise, and the characters find themselves in situations that test their courage and commitment to the cause.

The film also explores the relationships that develop among the characters, depicting the bonds formed under the stressful circumstances of war. The themes of sacrifice, bravery, and the fight for freedom are prevalent throughout the narrative.

"Paris Underground" is known for its portrayal of the French Resistance and the courageous individuals who risked their lives to defy the German occupation. The film captures the spirit of resistance movements during World War II and the collaborative efforts of people from different backgrounds coming together for a common cause.

While the film may not be as widely remembered as some other war classics, it remains a notable entry in the wartime cinema of the 1940s. Its depiction of ordinary people making extraordinary sacrifices contributes to its historical and cultural significance.