Based on a Graham Greene story, directed by Brazilian-born auteur Cavalcanti, and produced as a war propaganda movie by the legendary Ealing studios, this drama is set in the fictitious British town Bramley End. When a squadron of British troops arrives, the villagers—portrayed by innumerable British screen stalwarts—are initially welcoming but then realize the men are German soldiers preparing for an anticipated invasion. As awareness spreads, violence escalates, often initiated by unexpected perpetrators.

“Establishes, with loving care and the occasional wry wink, the ultimate bucolic English scene, then takes an almost sadistic delight in tearing it to bloody shreds in an orgy of shockingly blunt, matter-of-fact violence.” —Time Out London