Jean Renoir's 1943 film has its passionate defenders; the unfortunate thing, though, is that it needs them.

Both Laughton -- happier in this role than many -- and O'Hara are fine, but the film's main attractions remain the elegant Renoir set-ups (some recalling La Bête Humaine) and the script's unusual ethical stance.

It should have been stronger drama than it is. But for the points it does make and its concept of man as a continuing vessel for freedom's fire, it is certainly well worth seeing. It comes close, even if doesn't quite hit the mark.

Fails to be as inspirational when viewed today as it probably was during its day.