First Comes Courage
Performance & Direction: First Comes Courage Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is First Comes Courage (1943) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and First Comes Courage features a noteworthy lineup led by Merle Oberon . Supported by the likes of Brian Aherne and Carl Esmond , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: First Comes Courage
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1943, First Comes Courage is a Drama, War film directed by Dorothy Arzner. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Merle Oberon.
Ending Explained: First Comes Courage
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Dorothy Arzner, First Comes Courage concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Merle Oberon, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of First Comes Courage reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
First Comes Courage Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
First Comes Courage uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, war film directed by Dorothy Arzner, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Merle Oberon's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: First Comes Courage adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch First Comes Courage?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Merle Oberon or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: First Comes Courage
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Where to Watch First Comes Courage Online?
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Hollywood Suite Amazon ChannelFirst Comes Courage Parents Guide & Age Rating
1943 AdvisoryWondering about First Comes Courage age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of First Comes Courage is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, First Comes Courage is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1943 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Comes Courage worth watching?
First Comes Courage is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find First Comes Courage parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for First Comes Courage identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of First Comes Courage?
The total duration of First Comes Courage is 88 minutes, which is approximately 1h 28m long.
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Critic Reviews for First Comes Courage
Merle Oberon ("Nicole") is quite effective in this tale of the Norwegian resistance to the occupying Nazis. She earns the disdain of her fellow countrymen by fraternising with "Maj. Dichter" (Carl Esmond) but is really milking him for information which she has passed on to the British. When a few commandos are parachuted in - including "Lowell" (Brian Aherne), the true love of "Nicole" - things really start to heat up and just about everybody's life is on the line. "Dichter" is also now really starting to smell rat very close to home. It's a good, solid adventure story this with plenty of stirring music from Ernest Tock that builds to quite a fitting, exciting and touching denouement. The sentiment of courage and bravery is well delivered. The strength of character from this young woman determined to do her bit for her nation, regardless of the risk to herself, is well captured by Dorothy Arzner here. There is plenty going on for 90 minutes and it is well worth watching.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
