Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Film

Style

:

Film Score

Compose Date

:

1940 - 1941

Average_duration

:

38:39

'49th Parallel' is a British war film directed by Michael Powell and released in 1941. The film was produced by Powell and written by Emeric Pressburger. It premiered on November 6, 1941, in London, England. The film is divided into six movements, each representing a different stage of the story. The first movement introduces the German U-boat crew who are stranded in Canada after their submarine is sunk by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The second movement follows the U-boat crew as they make their way across Canada, trying to reach the neutral United States. The third movement takes place in a remote cabin where the U-boat crew takes a family hostage. The fourth movement follows a French-Canadian trapper who helps the family escape from the U-boat crew. The fifth movement takes place in a Hutterite colony where the U-boat crew seeks refuge. The final movement takes place in a church where the U-boat crew is confronted by a group of Canadian soldiers. The soundtrack for '49th Parallel' was composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the most prominent British composers of the 20th century. The score is characterized by its use of folk melodies and pastoral themes, which reflect the film's Canadian setting. The music is also notable for its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, '49th Parallel' is a powerful anti-war film that explores themes of nationalism, identity, and the human cost of conflict. The film's use of music and its innovative structure make it a landmark of British cinema.

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