MovieChat Forums > Decision Before Dawn (1952) Discussion > How does the first scene fit in ? SPOILE...

How does the first scene fit in ? SPOILER


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In "Decision Before Dawn," we witness a Wehrmacht firing squad while actor Richard Basehart discusses treason and the fate of traitors. Who is that guy getting shot and then being dragged to a hasty grave ? Is that "Happy" ?

If so, then the movie starts with an epilogue and the rest is a prequel. Makes the movie more interesting. At the very end of the picture, when Happy is captured, if the movie viewer thinks back to the very first scene, then the firing squad victim could be Happy.

What do you think ?

CmdrCody

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Hmm...I didn't have that point of view on it 9that it was Happy in scene 1). I thought that the opening scene was just to give overall reinforcement of how dangerous it was to engage in treason. But your thought is interesting way of presenting it, and you could be right. I just saw this movie yesterday and thought it was excellent! The emotions and thoughtful hesitations Happy experienced in his journey were so suspenseful. You could really feel like you were inside his head and could feel his insecurities and fear. A+++ writing, directing and acting.

"...and I would've gotten away with it if it weren't for those meddling kids."

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I just reviewed the scene you mention. The man that is shot by the firing squad clearly has dark hair, unlike Happy's blonde hair.

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Wrong. Hair was of a lightish color. That was Happy, all right.

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I've just watched this excellent film on my TV courtesy of YouTube and froze the appropriate scene: the executed man has dark hair and is definitely not Happy.

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