Watch Nurse Edith Cavell

Nurse Edith Cavell is a gripping and emotional World War I drama that tells the true story of Edith Cavell, a British nurse who becomes a hero when she is executed for aiding Allied soldiers to escape from German-occupied Belgium. The movie opens with Nurse Cavell (played with great sensitivity and strength by Anna Neagle) working in a hospital in Brussels, where she is known for her dedication and compassion as well as her exceptional nursing skills. When war breaks out and German troops occupy Belgium, Nurse Cavell finds herself in a perilous situation, torn between her duty to care for all patients regardless of their nationality and her patriotism as a British citizen.

Despite the danger, Nurse Cavell volunteers to help Allied soldiers who have been wounded in battle to escape from Belgian hospitals and make their way to neutral territories. She works with a group of Belgians and British helpers to create a secret network that smuggles the soldiers out of the country, risking her own safety and the safety of those around her.

As the Germans become aware of the network's activities, Nurse Cavell is captured, interrogated, and put on trial for treason. The scenes in which she faces her accusers and makes her impassioned defense are some of the most powerful in the movie, showcasing Neagle's exceptional acting skills and the film's gripping tension.

Throughout the movie, Nurse Cavell is supported by her fellow nurses and friends, including her close confidante, the matron played by Edna May Oliver, and a sympathetic German officer played with nuance and complexity by the brilliant George Sanders. The relationships between these characters add depth to the film, showing both the strength of human connection and the tragedy of war in which friends can become enemies and choices can lead to sacrifice.

The film is beautifully shot, with impressive set design and costumes that transport the viewer to the Belgium of the early 20th century. The score, composed by Anthony Collins, is also notable for its stirring and emotive themes that enhance the drama on screen.

Overall, Nurse Edith Cavell is a poignant and moving film that portrays a remarkable true story of heroism and sacrifice during war. Anna Neagle's performance as Nurse Cavell is outstanding, and the supporting cast is equally strong. The film raises important questions about morality, duty, and patriotism, and encourages viewers to reflect on the consequences of war and the human cost of conflict. This movie is a must-see for fans of historical dramas and anyone interested in an inspiring story of courage and compassion.

Nurse Edith Cavell is a 1939 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.