This MGM film from 1947 was based on a fine book from the 1920s set in the World War One era. That book, and the silent film originally made from it (which I think is lost) were extremely popular in their day, though largely forgotten now.
The story, with spiritual-religious overtones, is about Mark Sabre, a man who is truly doing his best to live according to his principles.
It's set in a small English village, where, despite being misunderstood and even persecuted for his humanitarian actions, Sabre carries on according to his values. In the course of events, he loses his job, marriage, even his health, but refuses to surrender or lose his soul, as it were.
The updating of the story from one war to another (World War Two) seems rather arbitrary. It should work, but the whole thing had more validity in the earlier period. I'm not sure why.
There's also something slightly off about the tone of the production. There's not enough subtlety, especially in the rather heavy-handed direction (Victor Saville). Some of the supporting characters aren't very well rounded - especially when they're the less likable ones. Angela Lansbury as Sabre's wife and Reginald Owen as his boss fall into this category. They're almost hissable villains, at times.
Deborah Kerr and Janet Leigh, on the other hand, come across better as more likeable and principled people in Sabre's life.
Walter Pidgeon is meant to carry the film, more or less (Kerr, the leading lady - though excellent - has less screen time). As an actor, Pidgeon is, as always, good, but still not in the category of a Ronald Colman or a Robert Donat. He's also too old for the part, and (though it's not that important), not actually English.
Nonetheless, it's a compelling story, and, while the film is no masterpiece, the basic plot and premise of the original novel carry it along and hold the interest.
