The Mortal Storm [VHS]
One of the best American pre-war films to attempt to explain the crisis  brewing in Europe, this 1940 MGM film documents the effects of the new Nazi  regime on a small, peaceful Alpine village. James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan  struggle to understand the unjust changes being forced upon their community by  the growing Nazi influence. Helpless to avert the horror unfolding before them,  Stewart and Sullavan witness old friends becoming fearful and suspicious. Others  cast their lot with the new order and become cruel, jealous, and vengeful--even  drunk on Nazi power. The small German village seduced by the corrupt Nazi  message is an excellent analogy for what happened in Germany as a whole. At the  time, Americans did not want to get involved in another "European war," but  films likeThe Mortal Stormtried to show Americans that what was  happening overseas could also happen on Maple Street, USA.--Mark Savary