49th Parallel (1941)

As World War II rages, a German U-boat, U-37, prowls the icy waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, sinking Allied vessels with ruthless efficiency. Under the stern command of a fervently patriotic Nazi Captain, the U-boat plots its course towards Hudson Bay, evading relentless pursuit by the Canadian Military Forces. The Captain dispatches a shore party led by the unyielding Lieutenant Hirth to secure supplies from a remote Hudson Bay Company outpost. However, their mission is abruptly cut short when the Canadian Armed Forces detect and annihilate the U-boat, stranding the six-man party in the vast wilderness of Canada. Now, the calculating Lieutenant Hirth must orchestrate their daring escape to the Fatherland. Their only hope lies in reaching the neutral territories of the U.S., or else face inevitable capture. Along this perilous journey, they encounter an array of compelling characters, each with their own complex perspectives on the ongoing war and the concept of nationalism. In "49th Parallel," filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger deftly weave a cinematic tapestry that not only captures the tension and turmoil of the war, but also explores the reasons why the U.S. should enter the fray alongside the Allies against the formidable Nazi regime. This film is a vibrant exploration of wartime ideologies and the human spirit's resilience, set against the unforgiving backdrop of a world at war.

49th Parallel is a drama movie featuring Leslie Howard and directed by Michael Powell.

49th Parallel is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Plex, Plex Player and Shout! Factory TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max, Max Amazon Channel and TCM.

It is also possible to buy 49th Parallel on Amazon Video and Apple TV.