MovieChat Forums > Joan of Paris (1942) Discussion > Was Paul Henreid's character stupid, sel...

Was Paul Henreid's character stupid, selfish or just a plot device

posted 8 years ago by jimparrett
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I was really into this until Henreid's character started acting carelessly, almost stupidly, without any consideration for others who may be harmed by his naivete. About half way through, he ignores the priest and others to just storm through, acting like normal humans would not act, endangering all around him. Yes, it's most likely a plot movement device but it took out of an otherwise engrossing flick. People were more innocent then but not during a Nazi occupations surely.

[–] HarlowMGM 8 years ago

I think it a basically a plot device more than anything but Henreid was not acting "carelessly", at least that was not his intent. He simply felt the impulse it was the best thing for him to do. If want to talk about careless about innocent people being harmed, how about the priest insisting innocent, oblivious Joan be the one to deliver the note to May Robson's character; thus she was made an "assistant" spy without her knowledge or approval and clearly now made someone the Nazis will watch from that point on.