Watch It Happened Here

It Happened Here is a powerful, thought-provoking drama that explores the chilling possibility of what might have happened if Nazi Germany had successfully invaded Britain during World War II. Directed by Kevin Brownlow and Andrew Mollo and released in 1964, the movie is a gripping tale of love, loss, and resistance against a terrifying, oppressive regime.

The movie is set in a parallel universe where, following the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, Britain capitulated to the Nazis and surrendered. The country is now under German control, and life for ordinary Britons has become nightmarish. The streets are patrolled by jackbooted Gestapo, and citizens must carry identity papers at all times. Jews, homosexuals, and other "undesirables" are rounded up and taken to concentration camps. The population is forced to adopt Nazi ideology, with swastikas flying from every public building, and schoolchildren taught that the Führer is their savior.

The protagonist of the story is Pauline, a young nurse who lives in London. She is initially horrified by the Nazi occupation but tries her best to keep her head down and get on with her work. However, her life is turned upside down when she witnesses an anti-Nazi protest that is violently put down by the police. In the ensuing chaos, Pauline is saved by a young man called Graham, who is part of the resistance movement.

Graham is a sensitive and intelligent man who shares Pauline's horror at the Nazi regime. He takes her under his wing, and the two become close friends as they work together to fight back against the invaders. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Graham is a Marxist, while Pauline is a devout Catholic. They argue over their differing beliefs, but their bond remains strong.

As their activities become more dangerous, Pauline and Graham are forced to go into hiding. They take refuge in a farmhouse in the countryside, where they are helped by a kindly old couple. However, the peace is short-lived, and they soon find themselves caught up in a brutal firefight with German soldiers. The stakes are high, and the courage and determination of Pauline and Graham are put to the test.

It Happened Here is a low-budget movie, shot in black and white, and featuring a cast of mostly amateur actors. However, what it lacks in production values, it more than makes up for in emotional impact. The sense of fear and oppression that permeates the entire movie is palpable, and the viewer is constantly aware of the ever-present threat of violence. The scenes of resistance are tense and thrilling, and the climactic battle is powerfully staged.

The movie is also notable for its fidelity to historical accuracy. The filmmakers went to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of a Nazi-occupied Britain, with meticulous attention to detail. They even managed to borrow authentic Nazi uniforms and equipment from sympathetic collectors.

It Happened Here is a movie that asks some profound questions about human nature and the nature of resistance. How would we behave if faced with the same situation as the characters in the movie? Would we be able to stand up to oppression, even at the cost of our own lives? The movie doesn't offer any easy answers, but it asks us to confront these issues and to consider our own moral courage.

In conclusion, It Happened Here is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that deserves to be better known. It is a testament to the courage and resilience of those who resisted the Nazi regime and a warning of the terrible consequences of allowing tyranny to take root. It is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.