Is First Comes Courage Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, First Comes Courage is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
First Comes Courage Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1943, First Comes Courage emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Merle Oberon plays a Norwegian resistance figure in a small town, married to a Nazi commandant. Unlike standard genre fare, First Comes Courage attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and First Comes Courage features a noteworthy lineup led by Merle Oberon . Supported by the likes of Brian Aherne and Carl Esmond , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of First Comes Courage (1943) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
First Comes Courage Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: First Comes Courage is a Drama, War film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
First Comes Courage Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: First Comes Courage concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of First Comes Courage reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
First Comes Courage Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
First Comes Courage uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: First Comes Courage adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch First Comes Courage?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of First Comes Courage
- Merle Oberon – Nicole Larsen
- Brian Aherne – Capt. Allan Lowell
- Carl Esmond – Maj. Paul Dichter
- Isobel Elsom – Rose Lindstrom
- Fritz Leiber – Dr. Aanrud
Top Highlights
Merle OberonNicole Larsen
Brian AherneCapt. Allan Lowell
Carl EsmondMaj. Paul Dichter
Isobel ElsomRose Lindstrom
Fritz LeiberDr. Aanrud
Erville AldersonSoren
Erik RolfOle
Reinhold SchünzelCol. Kurt von Elser
Richard RyenDr. Hoff
Lewis WilsonDr. Kleinich
Where to Watch First Comes Courage Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hollywood Suite
Hollywood Suite Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
First Comes Courage is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, First Comes Courage stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1943 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Comes Courage movie hit or flop?
First Comes Courage has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is First Comes Courage worth watching?
First Comes Courage is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, War movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch First Comes Courage online?
First Comes Courage is currently available for streaming on Hollywood Suite. You can also check for it on platforms like Hollywood Suite, Hollywood Suite Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for First Comes Courage
Merle Oberon ("Nicole") is quite effective in this tale of the Norwegian resistance to the occupying Nazis. She earns the disdain of her fellow countrymen by fraternising with "Maj. Dichter" (Carl Esmond) but is really milking him for information which she has passed on to the British. When a few commandos are parachuted in - including "Lowell" (Brian Aherne), the true love of "Nicole" - things really start to heat up and just about everybody's life is on the line. "Dichter" is also now really starting to smell rat very close to home. It's a good, solid adventure story this with plenty of stirring music from Ernest Tock that builds to quite a fitting, exciting and touching denouement. The sentiment of courage and bravery is well delivered. The strength of character from this young woman determined to do her bit for her nation, regardless of the risk to herself, is well captured by Dorothy Arzner here. There is plenty going on for 90 minutes and it is well worth watching.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
